Omiya Hachimangu Shrine · Fortune & Wealth

Magatama Happiness Charm

勾玉幸福守

$26

US duties included · free tracked shipping on 3 or more charms, mix and match · also shipping to Australia and Singapore (see Shipping)

Standard — Japan Post, tracked (about 3 weeks), $8 (free on 3+) · Express — EMS (about 1 week), $25

A comma-shaped magatama bead, an ancient Japanese symbol, in six stones.

Tokyo Omamori Post is an independent shop, not affiliated with or endorsed by Omiya Hachimangu Shrine. The temple name shows where each charm was obtained.

What it means

The magatama, a curved, comma-shaped bead, is one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, along with the mirror and the sword, and is found only in Japan. It is said to dispel bad energy and bring happiness to the person who wears it. The charm comes in six stones: crystal, pink, lavender, jade, agate and yellow onyx.

The color and pattern of each stone vary, so yours may differ slightly from the photo.

Where it's from

Ordered from the official online 授与所 (charm office) of Omiya Hachimangu Shrine (大宮八幡宮), Suginami, Tokyo.

How it's traditionally kept

Traditionally an omamori is kept closed — opening it is thought to undo its purpose. Most people carry it in a bag, pocket or wallet, or keep it somewhere clean at home.

In Japan it is common, though not required, to return an omamori to a shrine or temple (not necessarily the same one) after about a year and receive a new one.

Delivery

We obtain this charm from the temple after you order, so it ships from Tokyo in about 1 week.