Sensoji Temple · Protection

Migawari Protection Charm

身代守

$26

US duties included · free tracked shipping on 3 or more charms, mix and match

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

A classic Sensoji charm said to take misfortune in your place.

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

What it means

身代わり (migawari) means “in someone’s place.” The small wooden tablet, marked with a Sanskrit seed syllable, is traditionally believed to absorb misfortune on behalf of the person who carries it.

Where it's from

Purchased in person at Sensoji Temple (浅草寺), Asakusa, Tokyo. It comes as a small wooden tablet with a sanskrit character.

Form

Small wooden tablet with a Sanskrit character

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

Ships from Tokyo within 2 business days.