Omikuji (おみくじ)
The fortune slip drawn at Japanese shrines at New Year and on visits. There are 60 numbered slips, each with its own poem, seven fortune ranks from daikichi to daikyo, and ten readings including love, study, money, an awaited person and a lost item. You can draw once a day.
What do the omikuji fortune ranks mean?
From luckiest to least lucky. Orders vary slightly by shrine; this is the common one.
- 1. Daikichi 大吉Great blessing
The best fortune on the slip. Plans open up, wishes are heard, and it is a good moment to act on what you have been putting off. Share the luck and stay humble.
- 2. Chukichi 中吉Middle blessing
A steady, favorable flow. Things move forward without drama, and consistency is rewarded. A good day to keep going rather than start over.
- 3. Shokichi 小吉Small blessing
Small, gentle good luck. Nothing dramatic, but a day with pleasant moments if you notice them. Gratitude makes it bigger.
- 4. Kichi 吉Blessing
Peaceful, ordinary good luck. Nothing stands out, which is the point: a smooth day with no trouble. The basics carry you.
- 5. Suekichi 末吉Future blessing
Blessing that arrives later. The present may feel slow, but the end is good. It is a fortune that rewards patience and steady preparation.
- 6. Kyo 凶Misfortune
A cautionary fortune. It does not predict disaster; it asks you to slow down and avoid risk. In Japan, a poor slip is tied to a branch to leave the bad luck behind.
- 7. Daikyo 大凶Great misfortune
The rarest and most cautious fortune. It is a warning, not a sentence: stay careful, slow down, and use the day to regroup. Many shrines say a bad slip is a gift of foresight.
Omikuji questions, answered
What is omikuji?
Omikuji (おみくじ) are paper fortune slips drawn at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan, especially at New Year and on shrine visits. Each slip gives an overall fortune rank, a short poem, and readings on topics such as wishes, love, study, health and travel.
Is daikichi the best omikuji fortune?
Yes. Daikichi (大吉, great blessing) is the top fortune on the slip. The usual order from best to worst is daikichi, chukichi, shokichi, kichi, suekichi, kyo and daikyo, although shrines vary slightly in how they rank the middle grades.
What should I do with a bad omikuji?
Many shrines suggest tying a poor fortune to a designated rack or tree branch so the bad luck stays behind, while a good fortune is kept or carried with you. Customs differ from shrine to shrine, and a bad slip is usually read as advice to be careful, not as a curse.
Why can I only draw once a day?
At a shrine you normally draw once per visit, so that the slip is taken seriously. This site keeps the same spirit by allowing one draw per day on your device.
Is this the same as the omikuji at a real shrine?
It is a playful version inspired by the tradition, written for fun and reflection. The poems and readings here are original. For a traditional slip, visit a shrine in person.
For fun and comfort. Even if you draw a poor fortune, take it lightly, as a gentle nudge to be careful, just as it is read at a shrine.