Zojoji Temple · Zodiac

Zodiac Lucky Stone Charm

干支縁起石根付

$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 small hanging charm for your birth-year animal, in red or purple.

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

What it means

In Japan, each year is linked to one of twelve zodiac animals. Carrying the charm of your birth-year animal is a traditional way to wish for good fortune throughout the year.

This netsuke-style charm can hang from a bag or keys. Choose the animal for yourself, or for each friend on your list.

Where it's from

Ordered from the official online 授与所 (charm office) of Zojoji Temple (増上寺), Shiba, Tokyo — at the foot of Tokyo Tower. It comes as a netsuke (small hanging charm) with a stone bead.

Form

Netsuke (small hanging charm) with a stone bead

Material

Stone plaque with a painted zodiac design, a cord and a small bell

Shape

Flat, rounded-rectangle plaque

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.