With the new year of 2019 upon us, this time we will be introducing some charms from Hasedera Temple in Kamakura that are both cute in appearance and bring good fortune. They are all very unique, so if you are planning on buying a new charm at the start of the new year, please use this article as a reference.

[Hasedera Temple]

Known as a famous spot for hydrangeas, it is commonly known as "Hydrangea Temple." It is about a 10-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura, so it is convenient in terms of transportation. Meigetsuin Temple has many cute and unique charms. The most popular of these is the strawberry-shaped "Wish-granting talisman" (500 yen). The wordplay is that "ichigo" is the number "1,5" and "ichigo" is read as "15," so this talisman contains a talisman that has been blessed with a prayer that "juu (ten) bun, good (five) benefits will come true and your wish will come true." In addition, since the number "15" is more than "10," it is said that you will be able to grasp more than enough happiness.

Meigetsuin Temple also has another strawberry-shaped charm, this one with two red and white strawberry-shaped bells attached, and the gentle sound of the bells is also soothing.

Next is the watermelon-shaped "Watermelon Amulet." It is imbued with the wish for "good fortune," and is said to bring good luck, good health, and traffic safety.

There are also "ladybug charms" in the shape of a ladybug. The kanji for ladybug is "tendoumushi". They are said to bring various benefits, such as "good luck and fortune" as they are protected by the path of heaven (tendo), "traffic safety" as they prevent falls (tendou), and "academic success" as they are spotted by ladybugs.

There are talismans to ward off bad luck, such as the "Kuri-mamori" (chestnut-shaped talisman), and the "Nagoya Jizo-mamori" (Nagoya Jizo talisman), a talisman made from the famous Jizo statue at Hasedera Temple, which is said to bring peace and happiness.

Just looking at that gentle expression is soothing.

Other charms include the goldfish-shaped "Goldfish Charm" for "financial luck" and "career luck," the cute "Marriage Charm" with three swaying hearts for finding love, and the "Substitute Bell," a clay bell that will break and take the place of any misfortune that befalls you. If the bell breaks, it is proof that you have avoided misfortune or danger. Until the clay bell breaks, you can enjoy the simple, gentle sound of the bell. As you can see, there are a variety of charms available at Hasedera alone, so why not find the perfect charm for yourself or as a souvenir?

[How to return]

The effectiveness of the amulet should generally last about one year. People often buy new amulets at the New Year's visit to the temple and return the old one to the temple. However, some priests say that there is no expiration date on amulets, so you may return them when your wish is fulfilled. One year is just a guideline, so it does not mean that the amulet will lose its effectiveness after a year. I think it is important to have a new amulet every year and move forward with a fresh attitude. However, if you are praying for safe childbirth, passing exams, or finding a good partner, it is best to return the amulet when your wish is fulfilled. The best place to return the amulet is the shrine or temple where you bought it, but if you cannot go to the same place due to distance or other reasons, it is fine to return it to a nearby shrine or temple. Please be careful not to throw it in the trash or dispose of it. Shrines and temples have places and boxes called ``old amulet depository,'' ``old amulet depository box,'' and ``burning,'' so you should return it there. If you visit a shrine or temple during the New Year holidays, you will see clear signs posted, so the best time to return your certificate is during your first visit of the year.

What did you think? There are so many cute and unique charms just at Hasedera Temple in Kamakura. Please come to Kamakura to find the perfect charm for you. We also recommend going for a stroll in a kimono at VASARA Kimono Rental. There are also various charms at other shrines and temples. We will introduce them at a later date.