Popular Types of Omamori in Kamakura

For the most up-to-date details, check Lonely Planet Kamakura Guide before you go.

For official information, visit UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Kamakura.

Each charm has a specific purpose and beautiful design. Some are made of silk and contain small prayers inside. You should never open the cloth pouch of the charm. Opening it is said to release the good luck.

Prices for these charms usually range from 500 to 1,000 yen. Most shrines accept cash only for these sacred items. Keep small bills ready when you visit the shrine stalls. This makes the buying process much faster for everyone.

You may also see wooden plaques called ema for sale. Visitors write their wishes on these boards and hang them up. These are great alternatives if you want to leave a prayer. They often feature beautiful artwork related to the current year.

Best Shrines for Buying Lucky Charms

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the most famous spot for New Year charms. This shrine offers a huge variety of omamori in January. You can find beautiful arrows called Hamaya that ward off evil. Check the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu crowd guide before you go.

Hasedera Temple is another great place to find unique charms. They are famous for their cute Jizo statues and charms. You can find omamori shaped like strawberries or ladybugs here. These make wonderful gifts for friends and family back home.

Zeniarai Benten is the place to go for money-related luck. Many visitors wash their coins in the sacred spring water there. You can buy special charms to help your savings grow. It is a unique experience located inside a hidden cave.

Smaller shrines like Sasuke Inari also offer beautiful charms. These often feature fox designs which are very popular. You will find fewer crowds at these smaller locations. This allows for a more peaceful shopping experience in 2026.

How to Properly Buy Lucky Charms

Buying a charm is a sacred act at Japanese shrines. First, you should offer a prayer at the main hall. This shows respect to the deity before you shop. You can learn how to pray at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu easily.

Walk to the dedicated charm stall called a Juyosho. Point to the charm you want if you do not speak Japanese. The shrine staff will hand it to you carefully. They usually place the item in a small white bag.

Place your money on the small tray provided at the counter. Do not hand the money directly to the staff. Receive your charm with both hands as a sign of respect. This traditional etiquette is very important in Japan.

The staff may perform a quick blessing over the item. Keep your new charm close to you in a bag. Some people also hang them on their mobile phones or keys. This ensures the protection stays with you all day.

Returning Old Charms in January

Lucky charms are usually kept for only one year. Many people return old charms during their January shrine visits. Look for a large box or area labeled for old items. This process is called Koshinfuda and is very important.

The shrine will later burn these items in a sacred fire. This ceremony returns the luck to the gods with gratitude. It is bad luck to simply throw charms in the trash. Always return them to a shrine or temple if possible.

If you cannot return to Kamakura, any local shrine works. Most shrines in Japan accept old charms from other locations. This allows you to clear space for your new 2026 charms. It is a great way to start the year fresh.

Returning an item is a moment for reflection and thanks. Think about the protection you received during the past year. This ritual helps you focus on your new goals for 2026. It is a beautiful part of the New Year tradition.

Practical Tips for Your January Visit

January in Kamakura can be very cold and windy. Wear warm layers and comfortable walking shoes for your visit. Crowds are very large during the first week of January. Try visiting after January 4th for a quieter experience.

Most shrines open their charm stalls early in the morning. Arriving around 9:00 AM helps you avoid the biggest crowds. You can find more details on best shrines for New Year online. Public transport is the best way to reach Kamakura.

Check the Kamakura City Tourism Association website for updated festival times. Some shrines may have special events during the mid-month period. Always carry a small bag to hold your new charms. This keeps them clean and safe during your travels.

Plan your route to include a few different shrines. Each location has its own unique atmosphere and charm selection. Take your time to enjoy the winter scenery in Kamakura. The crisp air makes the shrine visits feel very refreshing.