Every January millions of Japanese people partake in what is known as Hatsumoude 初詣. This is the first Shinto shrine or Buddhist shrine visit of the year. Many people tend to go the first few days of January, and luckily I was able to do Hatsumoude for the first time in 2018!

I opted to go to Meiji Jingu Shrine 明治神宮 in Shibuya, Tokyo. This shrine is located right next to Harajuku Station and Yoyogi Park. It was my first time there and it was definitely an experience! During Hatsumoude, the shrine is usually very busy, but there are also food stalls that give it a festival feel.

I was able to do Hatsumoude again at Meiji Jingu Shrine this year. My main purpose was to exchange my omamori or protection amulet.

Omamori is a piece of wood or paper with a prayer written on them. This piece of wood or paper is then covered in brocaded silk that is stitched into a little bag. The outside usually has the Shrine symbol and what the omamori will protect you again embroidered on it.

You can receive omamori that help you achieve success, pass exams, protect your health, or protect you while driving. Although many people say that you buy them, you actually give a "donation" to the Shrine/Temple and receive the amulet.

Once you have picked out your amulet, you should hang it on whatever it is supposed to protect. So, if you want to pass an exam, hang the omamori on your pen case. If it is to protect you against traffic dangers, hang it in your car.

My 2018 omamori

Last year, I got the omamori that wards off evil. The Kanji for this one is 厄除御守  I hung it on my bag and usually switched it over to whatever bag I was carrying. I loved it! I even brought it with me to Hawaii. You shouldn't worry about dirt or damage because that shows how much damage or burden it took for you.

Last year, so many good things happened to me. I was able to successfully move, find a new job, travel back to the USA to see my family, and get into a great relationship. Therefore, I was really sad to exchange the one I had for a new one.

However, it is stated that omamori's have an expiration date, and therefore, you should exchange it once a year. You should refrain from opening your omamori or just throwing it away in the trash.


To return your omamori, you should return to the shrine/temple that you received the amulet from. At Meiji Jingu there is a box that you can return it. Your amulet will then be burned in a sacred fire.



Now, I have a brand new omamori that I hope will protect me for another year!