AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEE: We guarantee the authenticity of all our items
Narita san Temple Shrine Amulet for Driving Safety
Be sure to add us to your favorites list! Check out other items!
Traffic Safety Amulet – (交通安全 “koutsuanzen”)
Tokyo boasts a handful of records when it comes to cities, with “most populated” and “safest,” including traffic, among them. Though there may be naysayers who accredit that to careful driving (although bikers and pedestrians may not corroborate), some might attribute it to their traffic safety omamori. Taxi drivers, heavy commuters, and students wishing to obtain their driver’s licenses are almost certain to have one tucked under their steering wheel, hanging from their rearview mirror, or taped to their dashboard. Drivers frequently get them personalized and include their train, bus number, or route on the omamori itself. It not only may serve as a comfort for the driver, but, perhaps, as a bit of comfort for the passengers as well—especially those conducting the driving tests.
All over Japan, each shrine and temple sells small omamori—loosely translated, the word means amulet (as a form of protection) or talisman (as a provider of luck), and the kanji at the heart of the word means “to guide or protect.” They are meant to be put on or in your phone, purse, wallet, home wall, pocket, or the like. Whether you believe their efficacy may be due to a placebo effect or a higher power’s blessing, they are fiercely popular — especially during the New Year holidays and testing season for students.
Both contain a small prayer inside, are covered in a silky cloth, are stamped with the site’s name, and hang by a delicate thread. Omamori etiquette also follows its own codes. Never, ever open the omamori, lest you should release the blessing and say ‘sayonara’ to all of that luck and protection you sought. Do carry it outside of your bag (although this isn’t a steadfast rule), and don’t be afraid of damage. Seeing wear and tear is actually a good thing, as it shows that it took the burden for you, and did its job of protecting you.