Cute Animal Omikuji at Kyoto Shrines and Temples
When visiting shrines and temples in Kyoto, many people enjoy drawing omikuji, traditional fortune slips. Each site offers its own messages and designs, making it tempting to try more than one.
Animal-themed omikuji are especially popular. Even historic shrines and temples in Kyoto, some with over 1,000 years of history, offer omikuji with charming designs. Here is a selection of Kyoto shrines and temples where unique animal omikuji can be found.
① Okazaki Shrine (Sakyo Ward)
Okazaki Shrine, located near Heian Jingu Shrine, is well known for its rabbit omikuji. The shrine is associated with blessings for pregnancy and safe childbirth. Rabbits, known for having many offspring, are believed to be messengers of the local deity.
Rabbit motifs fill the shrine grounds, from guardian rabbit statues to a rabbit statue rubbed for good fortune and a rabbit-shaped shrine crest. For those interested in rabbit symbolism, this shrine is well worth a visit.
It was especially busy in 2023, the Year of the Rabbit.
Visitor Information
• Hours: Daytime
• Fee: Free entry
• Tel: 075-771-1963
• Address: 51 Okazaki Higashi Tennocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
• Access:
◦ Immediate access from “Okazaki Jinja-mae” (City Bus)
◦ 2-minute walk from “Higashi Tennocho” (City Bus)
② Uji Shrine (Uji City)
Uji Shrine in Uji City is also closely associated with rabbits. According to legend, when the enshrined deity lost his way, a rabbit appeared and guided him.
This rabbit is known as the “looking-back rabbit,” and is regarded as a divine messenger that leads people in the right direction. Reflecting this story, the rabbit omikuji here is designed in a looking-back pose, symbolizing guidance toward good fortune.
Uji Shrine stands near the Uji River in the center of the city’s sightseeing area. With its historic streets and calm atmosphere, the surrounding area is ideal for a leisurely walk and is one of the most popular destinations near Kyoto.
Visitor Information
• Hours: Daytime (anytime)
• Fee: Free entry
• Tel: 0774-21-3041
• Address: 1 Uji-Yamada, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Access:
◦ 5-minute walk from Keihan “Uji” Station
◦ 10-minute walk from JR “Uji” Station
③ Shorinji Temple (Higashiyama Ward)
At Shorinji Temple, a sub-temple of Tofukuji, the animal motif used for omikuji is a frog.
The frog omikuji symbolizes safe returns and good fortune. In Japanese, the word “frog” sounds like “to return,” and frogs are also associated with renewal and positive change, fitting the temple’s calm atmosphere and seasonal flower displays.
Shorinji Temple is also known for its distinctive transparent goshuin(special stamps you can get at Japanese temples and shrines) featuring flower basin designs. At times, the display may include small figures of popular characters. Although the grounds are compact, the atmosphere is unique and well maintained.
Visitor Information
• Hours: 10:00–16:00
• Fee:
◦ Adults: 800 yen (includes an explanation of temple treasures)
◦ Elementary, junior high, and high school students: 500 yen (groups of eight or more only)
• Tel: 075-561-4311
• Address: 15-795 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
• Access:
◦ 8-minute walk from JR or Keihan “Tofukuji” Station
◦ 8-minute walk from City Bus “Tofukuji” stop
④ Oharano Shrine (Nishikyo Ward)
At Oharano Shrine, the animal-themed omikuji takes the form of a deer. Known as Shinka Mikuji, this wooden deer holds a scroll in its mouth, which reveals the fortune when opened.
Oharano Shrine was founded with a divided spirit from Kasuga Taisha in Nara and is sometimes called “Kyoto Kasuga.” As at Kasuga Taisha, deer are respected as messengers of the gods, and even the guardian statues at this shrine are deer.
While access by public transportation can require some planning, the surrounding area is home to quiet temples such as Yoshimine Temple, Jurin Temple, and Sankoji Temple. For those seeking a calm Kyoto experience away from crowds, this area is an appealing choice.
Visitor Information
• Hours: Daytime (anytime)
• Shrine Office: 9:00–17:00
• Fee: Free entry
• Tel: 075-331-0014
• Address: 1152 Oharano Minami-Kasugacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto
• Access:
◦ From JR “Mukomachi” or Hankyu “Higashi-Muko,” transfer to a Hankyu bus
◦ 8-minute walk from Hankyu Bus “Minami Kasugacho” stop
Kyoto offers a wide variety of animal-themed omikuji. These small figures holding fortune slips are both charming and collectible, and many visitors enjoy finding more than one. Beyond the places introduced here, there are many other shrines and temples featuring omikuji shaped like dogs, monkeys, snakes, dragons, and more. While exploring Kyoto, searching for these unique omikuji can feel like a treasure hunt and add another layer of enjoyment to a visit.
