Walking through the lantern-lit gate of Sensō-ji in Asakusa felt like stepping into centuries of Tokyo’s history. Amid the hustle of tourists and the hiss of incense, I found the omikuji stand—one of the most popular little rituals here.
🪙 How to Draw Your Fortune
- First, place 100 yen into the collection box—just like everyone else does.
- Then, pick up the metal hexagonal container and give it a shake until a narrow wooden stick slips out.
- That stick has a number; you then open the corresponding drawer and pull out your fortune slip.
- If your fortune is unlucky (like “凶”), the custom is to tie the slip to the rack on-site so you leave the bad luck behind. If it’s good (吉 or above), many visitors choose to keep it.
What I Got: “吉”
My outcome? I pulled a slip marked “吉” (good fortune). I felt a little relieved—because I’d heard rumors that at Sensō-ji you often get a “凶” (bad fortune). Holding the slip in my hand, I read: “Your efforts will soon be rewarded. Take things one step at a time.” It felt perfect for a travel day exploring Asakusa.
The Rumour: “凶” Is Common at Sensō-ji
Yes — there’s truth behind the rumor that Sensō-ji has a higher chance of “凶”. According to one investigative article, someone drew 100 slips in a day here and found a noticeable number of “bad luck” results.
Also, general guides say the categories range from “大吉 (great blessing)” down to “大凶 (great curse)”.
So while you can draw “大吉”, the chances aren’t heavily weighted in its favour—and that’s part of the thrill.
🎒 What I Did: Keep or Tie?
Since I got “吉”, I opted to keep the slip as a little memento. If it had been “凶”, I would have tied it to the designated rack and left it at the temple. The act of leaving the bad luck behind feels meaningful and adds to the experience.
💡 Tips & Things to Know
- Bring a 100 yen coin so you’re ready.
- Don’t worry if the Japanese characters confuse you—just match the number on the stick to the drawers.
- If you draw “凶”, it’s not a disaster—it’s part of the ritual and many locals believe it gives you a chance to turn things around.
- Consider keeping a good fortune slip as a travel keepsake.
- Snap a photo of the drawer area or your slip—it makes for a great travel memory.
📍 Final Thoughts
Drawing an omikuji at Sensō-ji isn’t just about finding out your fortune—it’s about pausing for a moment, participating in a Tokyo tradition, and reflecting a little. Whether you draw “凶” or “大吉”, you’re part of the centuries-old rhythm of Asakusa. I walked away with a smile and a little piece of paper that reminded me: even a small “吉” can make a big travel memory.
