Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A collection of omamori protection amulets.
Folded omikuji fortune papers on a straw rope.
Okinawa's own Meoto Iwa, these “wedded rocks,” bound with a shimenawa braided rice straw rope, are
near to Cape Manza in Onna village.
Near the entrance to most shrines you'll usually find a small shop or booth selling
omamori
,
omikuji
and
ema
.
Omamori
(
お守 り
; lit. “honorable protector”) are personal pro-
tection amulets. Often in the form of a little trinket or a good luck charm, they are usually
purchased with a specific intent in mind, such as to bring good health, successful business or
study or, very popular, safe driving. You'll often see them hanging from the rear view mirror
inside a car. They're commonly replaced annually to dispose of any bad luck they might have
attracted in the previous year. You'll see disposal bins at the shrine for this purpose.
