After drawing an omikuji, have you ever wondered whether chukichi or shokichi ranks higher, or where suekichi falls in the order? In fact, there is no nationally standardized ranking system for omikuji—it varies from shrine to shrine. This article organizes all omikuji ranks from the most common 7-level system to the rare 17-level system, with detailed explanations of each rank’s meaning and probability.
御要旨
- The Standard Omikuji Ranking: 7 Levels from Daikichi to Daikyo
- Some Shrines Use 12 or Even 17 Levels
- There Is No “Official Correct Order” for Omikuji Rankings
- Understanding Each Rank’s Meaning Changes How You Use Your Fortune
- The Best Omikuji Result Is Not Necessarily Daikichi
- The Probability of Drawing Daikichi Is About 15–20%
- Omikuji Types Vary Greatly by Shrine
- Omikuji Rankings and Features at Famous Shrines
- How Many Total Types of Omikuji Exist?
- In Closing
The Standard Omikuji Ranking: 7 Levels from Daikichi to Daikyo
The most widely adopted system across Japanese shrines uses seven levels: daikichi, kichi, chukichi, shokichi, suekichi, kyo, and daikyo. Memorizing this order will serve you well at the vast majority of shrines.
| Rank | Level | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Daikichi (Great Blessing) | The best fortune. A period when things tend to go smoothly |
| 2nd | Kichi (Blessing) | Good fortune. Stable luck for steady progress |
| 3rd | Chukichi (Middle Blessing) | Moderately good fortune. Efforts are likely to bear fruit |
| 4th | Shokichi (Small Blessing) | Slightly good fortune. Small bits of luck come your way |
| 5th | Suekichi (Future Blessing) | Modest now, but luck will improve later |
| 6th | Kyo (Misfortune) | A period requiring caution. Careful actions bring good results |
| 7th | Daikyo (Great Misfortune) | The most caution is needed. Things can only go up from here |
However, this 7-level system is merely the “most common arrangement,” and not every shrine follows this exact order. (It is not uncommon for shrines to reverse the positions of kichi and chukichi.)
Some Shrines Use 12 or Even 17 Levels
To express finer differences in fortune that 7 levels cannot capture, some shrines offer 12-level or 17-level omikuji. The more levels there are, the more precisely you can understand where your fortune stands.
The 12-Level System with Additional Ranks
The 12-level system adds intermediate ranks such as hankichi and sueshokichi between the standard seven levels. Below is the typical 12-level order.
| Rank | Level | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Daikichi | Best fortune |
| 2nd | Kichi | Good fortune |
| 3rd | Chukichi | Between kichi and shokichi |
| 4th | Shokichi | Slightly good |
| 5th | Hankichi | Between shokichi and suekichi |
| 6th | Suekichi | Modest but improving later |
| 7th | Sueshokichi | Slightly below suekichi |
| 8th | Kyo | Caution needed |
| 9th | Shokyo | Lighter caution than kyo |
| 10th | Hankyo | Between shokyo and suekyo |
| 11th | Suekyo | Lightest among misfortunes |
| 12th | Daikyo | Most cautious period |
A notable example of a shrine using 12 levels is Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari Taisha features unique ranks such as “mukodaikichi” and “kyo-nochi-daikichi,” creating a distinctive system that differs even from the standard 12-level arrangement. With 12 levels, you can discern your fortune more precisely than with 7, though new questions such as “which ranks higher, hankichi or suekichi?” tend to arise. Refer to the table above for guidance.
17 Levels at Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha’s omikuji is said to have up to 17 levels, including ranks like “dai-daikichi” and “kyo-nochi-daikichi” that you would rarely find at other shrines. “Kyo-nochi-daikichi” means “misfortune now, but heading toward great blessing,” so despite containing the character for kyo (misfortune), it is actually a positive omikuji indicating future improvement. (There is no need to feel discouraged just because the word kyo appears.)
There Is No “Official Correct Order” for Omikuji Rankings
Surprisingly, the Association of Shinto Shrines (Jinja Honcho) has not established a unified standard for omikuji rankings. In other words, no rule definitively states “this order is absolutely correct.”
When examining shrines across the country, it is not uncommon to find that even among shrines using the same 7-level system, the order of kichi and chukichi is reversed, or kyo is placed differently. For example, some shrines adopt the order: daikichi > chukichi > shokichi > kichi > suekichi > kyo > daikyo.
This is because each shrine independently decides the distribution and order of its omikuji. The major omikuji manufacturer Joseidosha (located in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, producing approximately 70% of omikuji nationwide) does not specify the ranking order either (Source: Shunan City official website, Nisho Yamada Shrine / Joseidosha).
Why the Order of Kichi and Chukichi Gets Reversed
The most confusing point is the relative ranking of kichi and chukichi. Many shrines follow the order daikichi > kichi > chukichi, but others use daikichi > chukichi > kichi. The latter interpretation treats chukichi not as “medium-level blessing” but as “upper-tier within blessings,” which stems from a different reading of the term. The important thing is not which interpretation is correct, but which interpretation the shrine where you drew your omikuji follows.
When in Doubt, Trust the Shrine Where You Drew
Since there is no unified standard, the simplest approach is to trust the ranking system of the shrine where you drew your omikuji. Many shrines display their ranking order on bulletin boards or signs. If you cannot find it, ask at the shrine office. Even if the order you find on the internet differs from the one at your shrine, that is simply the shrine’s individuality, not an error.
Understanding Each Rank’s Meaning Changes How You Use Your Fortune
People tend to focus only on whether a rank is higher or lower, but what truly matters is understanding what message each rank conveys for your current situation. Here we organize the meanings of representative ranks along with practical applications.
Daikichi Is Also a Fortune That Warns Against Complacency
Daikichi is the highest fortune, but it does not mean “everything will go well without effort.” Because your luck is at its peak, it should be understood as an ideal time for new challenges and decisions. Drawing daikichi and then becoming complacent is like assuming you will pass a test without studying.
Kichi, Chukichi, and Shokichi Signal “Steady Progress”
Kichi, chukichi, and shokichi all fall within the “good fortune” range. While they lack the momentum of daikichi, they represent a period when daily efforts steadily bear fruit. Chukichi suggests “efforts are likely to be rewarded,” while shokichi indicates “small accumulated strokes of luck improve the overall picture.” The difference between kichi and chukichi/shokichi: kichi means generally stable good luck, chukichi means good results in specific areas, and shokichi means modest fortune in daily life. All can be received positively.
Suekichi Means “Be Patient Now, Improvement Comes Later”
Some people feel uneasy about suekichi because of the character “sue” (end/future), but its original meaning is “blessing comes at the end.” In other words, even if results do not appear immediately, your luck will rise later—a forward-looking message. A patient, diligent approach will prove rewarding during this period.
Kyo and Daikyo Are Signals That “Things Will Go Up from Here”
Many people feel down when drawing kyo or daikyo, but omikuji is like a weather forecast—what matters is how you act after learning the result. Kyo should be interpreted as “pointing out what you need to be cautious about,” and by reading the content carefully and acting prudently, you can actually avoid misfortune. (Drawing kyo does not guarantee a terrible day.)
As for daikyo, it can be interpreted as “things cannot get any worse, so from here on, they can only improve.” In fact, many people report good things happening after drawing kyo. Just as reviewing your lifestyle after a health checkup shows “attention needed,” the omikuji’s warning is meant to prompt positive behavioral change.
The Best Omikuji Result Is Not Necessarily Daikichi
If asked “what is the best omikuji result,” most people would answer “daikichi.” While daikichi is indeed the highest rank, the true value of omikuji lies not in the rank but in the content—the waka poem and individual fortune categories.
For example, even a daikichi may say “Awaited person: will not come” or “Business: proceed modestly.” Conversely, a shokichi or suekichi may have favorable readings across all categories. The waka poem is not a bonus—it is arguably the heart of the omikuji. Rather than reacting solely to the rank, reading the entire omikuji provides more practical guidance.
Furthermore, shrines like Fushimi Inari Taisha have ranks above daikichi, such as “dai-daikichi.” At these shrines, daikichi is not even the best possible result. The world of omikuji is deeper than you might imagine, and discovering each shrine’s unique system is a pleasure in itself.
The Probability of Drawing Daikichi Is About 15–20%
Each omikuji rank has a distribution ratio set by each shrine. As a nationwide trend, daikichi is typically allocated at about 15–20%.
Approximate Probability of Each Rank
| Rank | Approximate Probability |
|---|---|
| Daikichi | About 15–20% |
| Kichi | About 25–35% |
| Chukichi | About 10–15% |
| Shokichi | About 10–15% |
| Suekichi | About 5–10% |
| Kyo | About 10–15% |
| Daikyo | About 1–5% |
The figures above are rough nationwide estimates. Distribution varies by shrine, and some shrines exclude kyo-type results entirely or set a higher proportion of daikichi.
Overall, the distribution is designed so that “good results are somewhat more likely,” reflecting shrines’ consideration for sending visitors home with a positive feeling. (Many people may find the daikichi probability higher than they expected.)
About 60% of Shrines Do Not Include Daikyo
It is not uncommon for shrines to omit daikyo entirely. Approximately 60% of shrines are said to keep kyo-type omikuji to a minimum, and some include no kyo results at all. If you have never seen a daikyo, it may simply be because it was not included in the omikuji set.
Who Decides the Omikuji Probabilities?
Omikuji distribution ratios are determined by each shrine’s head priest or administrator. The largest omikuji manufacturer, Joseidosha, supplies omikuji nationwide, but each shrine can specify “this percentage for daikichi” and “this percentage for kyo” when ordering. This means that even among omikuji produced by the same Joseidosha, the probability of drawing daikichi differs by shrine. (The reputation that “that shrine gives out daikichi easily” reflects actual differences in distribution.)
Omikuji Types Vary Greatly by Shrine
Omikuji come in many forms, and their format and content vary significantly from shrine to shrine. Broadly, they can be divided into “standard omikuji” and “specialty omikuji.”
Components of a Standard Omikuji
A typical omikuji found at most shrines includes the following sections:
- Overall fortune (rank from daikichi to daikyo)
- Waka poem or Chinese poem (arguably the core of the omikuji)
- Wishes (negaigoto)
- Awaited person (machibito)
- Lost items (usemono)
- Travel (tabidachi)
- Business (akinai)
- Studies (gakumon)
- Marriage prospects (endan)
- Moving (yautsuri)
- Illness (yamai)
- Disputes (arasoigoto)
These categories follow the tradition of the “Ganzan Daishi Hyakusen” (Ganzan Daishi’s Hundred Lots), considered the prototype of modern omikuji. Ganzan Daishi was the monk Ryogen from the Heian period who served as head priest of Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei. He is credited with devising the original form of omikuji and is known as the “father of omikuji.” Today, approximately 70% of omikuji supplied to shrines nationwide are manufactured by Joseidosha in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, carrying on the Ganzan Daishi Hyakusen tradition in evolved forms.
Specialty Omikuji Come in Many Shapes and Styles
In recent years, creatively designed “unique omikuji” with distinctive appearances and methods of drawing have also become popular.
| Type | Features | Famous Shrine |
|---|---|---|
| Water omikuji | Text appears when dipped in water | Kifune Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine |
| Sea bream omikuji | Fish out a sea bream figurine with a fishing rod | Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine |
| Flower omikuji | Comes with flower seeds | Kamigamo Shrine |
| Deer omikuji | Omikuji inside a deer figurine | Kasuga Taisha |
| Love omikuji | Focuses specifically on romantic fortune | Tokyo Daijingu, Nunose Shrine |
These specialty omikuji may include fortune rankings like standard omikuji, or they may forgo rankings entirely and convey only messages. (Some omikuji, like Meiji Jingu’s “Omigokoro” or those at Izumo Taisha, do not include fortune rankings at all.)
Specialty omikuji typically cost 300–500 yen, compared to 100–200 yen for standard omikuji. They are popular as travel souvenirs and social media-worthy experiences.
Omikuji Rankings and Features at Famous Shrines
Even though they are all called “omikuji,” famous shrines each have their own unique systems and characteristics. Here are some representative examples.
Senso-ji Is Famous for Having Many Kyo Results
Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, is known for having a high proportion of kyo (misfortune) results. While most shrines have about 10–15% kyo-type results, Senso-ji has approximately 30%. This is because Senso-ji faithfully preserves the “Kannon Hyakusen” (Kannon’s Hundred Lots), an ancient format (Source: Senso-ji FAQ). The Kannon Hyakusen is based on traditional Chinese distributions, with ratios close to the original: 17 daikichi, 35 kichi, and 30 kyo. (Having many kyo results does not make it an unlucky place—rather, it is evidence of preserving tradition.)
Meiji Jingu’s Omikuji Has No Fortune Rankings
Meiji Jingu’s omikuji, called “Omigokoro” (Great Heart), does not include rankings like daikichi or kyo. Instead, it features waka poems composed by Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and visitors are meant to find personal messages within the poetry. This omikuji calls for contemplation of the words rather than celebration or disappointment over rankings.
Izumo Taisha Also Omits Fortune Rankings
Omikuji at Izumo Taisha do not include fortune designations like daikichi or kyo either. Instead, they are numbered (“Number 1,” “Number 20,” etc.), with different messages for each number. Izumo Taisha regards omikuji as “advice from the deities, not a luck test,” which is why they deliberately avoid ranking results. Rather than “good or bad,” the purpose is to discover “what you need right now”—embodying the original spirit of omikuji.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Has Up to 17 Levels
As mentioned earlier, Fushimi Inari Taisha boasts Japan’s most detailed omikuji ranking system, said to include up to 17 levels. While it has a top rank of “dai-daikichi,” it also includes ranks like “kyo-nochi-daikichi” and “kikkyo-mibun-sue-daikichi” that show the transition from misfortune to good fortune. When visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha, be sure to enjoy this unique ranking system found nowhere else.
How Many Total Types of Omikuji Exist?
As for how many total types of omikuji ranks exist, the accurate answer is: “it differs by shrine, so there is no nationally unified count.”
Including the standard 7 levels, 12 levels, 17 levels, and shrines with proprietary ranks, more than 20 different omikuji rank designations have been identified. The major ones are listed below:
- Dai-daikichi (Fushimi Inari Taisha and select other shrines only)
- Daikichi
- Muko-daikichi (Fushimi Inari Taisha)
- Kyo-nochi-daikichi (Misfortune turning to great blessing)
- Kichi
- Chukichi
- Shokichi
- Hankichi
- Suekichi
- Sueshokichi
- Kyo-nochi-kichi
- Kikkyo-mibun (Fortune not yet determined)
- Kyo
- Shokyo
- Hankyo
- Suekyo
- Daikyo
Beyond what is listed here, individual shrines may have their own proprietary ranks. The existence of unique ranks like “kikkyo-mibun” (fortune not yet determined) adds to the fascination. The rich variety of omikuji types directly reflects the diversity of Japan’s shrine culture.
Incidentally, Omikuji Sando uses a 12-level system: daikichi, kichi, chukichi, shokichi, hankichi, suekichi, sueshokichi, kyo, shokyo, hankyo, suekyo, and daikyo. For those who find 7 levels insufficient, this system allows you to enjoy more nuanced changes in fortune.
In Closing
Omikuji rankings range from 7 to 17 levels depending on the shrine, and no single “correct answer” exists. What matters is not reacting to the rank alone, but considering how to apply the written content to your daily actions. By staying vigilant even with daikichi and staying positive even with kyo, omikuji becomes a meaningful “daily guideline.”
Omikuji Sando offers a free daily fortune based on your date of birth, using all 12 levels. From daikichi to daikyo, including rare ranks like hankichi, sueshokichi, shokyo, hankyo, and suekyo—the complete lineup. Why not check your fortune with today’s omikuji?
