8 unique omamori lucky charms to collect from Tokyo shrines and temples

Located mere metres away from Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Togo Shrine offers lucky charms for your health and well-being – in a truly Harajuku fashion. These kawaii amulets, born through a Sanrio collaboration, come in 18 designs, featuring beloved characters including Hello Kitty, Pompompurin and My Melody. ¥500 a piece

Giant pandas have become the de-facto symbol of Ueno and the Ueno Toshogu shrine is latching on to that association. These adorable amulets with panda and baby raccoon dog faces make irresistible souvenirs, especially after visiting the resident pandas at the adjacent Ueno Zoo. Stash the racoon dog amulet in your child’s school backpack, as it's said to bring academic success. ¥600 a piece

Popularised on social media, Sakura Jingu shrine near Sakura-Shinmachi station has recently become a Tokyo attraction beloved for its beautiful early-blooming kawazu cherry blossoms adorned with pink ribbons. While cherry blossoms are seasonal and fleeting, you can always grab a cute sakura-themed amulet here at any time of year. ¥1,000 per piece

Within the lush grounds of Akasaka Hikawa Shrine stands a 400-year-old ginkgo tree that has persevered through wars and natural disasters. To commemorate the tree that has watched over and protected the shrine for centuries, Asakasa Hikawa-jinja created these cute ginkgo-shaped amulets to bless their owners with safety and vitality. ¥800 per piece

Ever thought of wearing a lucky charm as an accessory so that you can have it with you all the time? Consider your wish granted with these cute bracelet-style amulets from Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine. These wearable charms come in 12 stylish colours ranging from coral red to wisteria purple. Check the shrine’s website for limited-edition and seasonal designs. ¥1,200 a piece

Known as a mascot for relaxation and good vibes, Rilakkuma is a fan favourite among Sanrio lovers, especially those who need a constant reminder to relax and wind down from time to time. If you love this idea of self-care, head over to Kanda Myojin Shrine near Akihabara to grab this lucky charm, which is thought to bring good luck and health to its owner. ¥1,000 a piece

Located just a few hops away from the tech mecca of Akihabara, Kanda Myojin Shrine offers one of the most unusual charms in Tokyo. This black and gold amulet is made to look like a semiconductor chip to help protect your sensitive digital data from pesky hackers and harmful leaks.

It’s all just in the looks, though, as we’re 100 percent certain there’s no code or tech involved in the making of this IT-themed omamori. Nevertheless, it comes with two stickers that you can place on smartphones and laptops to show everyone that you take data security seriously. ¥1,000 a piece