Amulets & Lucky Charms
Goshuin
A hand-brushed calligraphy stamp and seal given as proof of worship at a shrine or temple.
Goshuin are vermilion-stamped and hand-brushed certificates given as proof of worship, originally receipts for sutras donated to temples. Each goshuin features the shrine or temple name, the principal deity, and the date of visit — all brushed by hand, making each one a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of calligraphy.
The recent "goshuin boom" has seen colorful illustrated designs and seasonal limited editions become social media sensations, drawing new visitors to shrines. However, collecting goshuin solely for their aesthetic value or reselling them has drawn criticism. A goshuin is fundamentally a proof of worship — the proper etiquette is to pray first, then receive your seal.
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Goshuin
A hand-brushed calligraphy stamp and seal given as proof of worship at a shrine or temple.
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Goshuinchō
An accordion-fold booklet for collecting goshuin stamps from various shrines and temples.
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Ofuda
A paper or wooden talisman enshrining divine power, meant to be placed on the home altar or a high, clean location.
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Omamori
A small fabric amulet containing a sacred inscription, carried for divine protection and good fortune.
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Omikuji
A paper fortune drawn at shrines and temples revealing one's luck and guidance from the gods.
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Ema
A wooden prayer tablet hung at shrines, originally a substitute for the offering of real horses.
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Hamaya
A decorative arrow received at New Year's to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
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Kumade
An ornate bamboo rake sold at Tori-no-Ichi festivals, symbolizing the raking in of good fortune and prosperity.
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Taima
A purification implement used in Shinto rituals, or the sacred talisman distributed by Ise Grand Shrine.
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Sakaki
An evergreen tree sacred to Shinto, used for ritual offerings and tamagushi branches.
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Omiki
Sake offered to the gods at shrines, later shared with worshippers as a form of communion with the divine.
