“I think this might be my ‘Bad Luck Year’ (Yakudoshi), but when exactly should I go to a temple?”
“I’m anxious because I don’t know the proper manners or how much money to wrap…”
When you realize your age hits a “Yakudoshi” (critical year of calamity) or when bad luck seems to follow you, it’s natural to have these questions. Because Yakudoshi marks a major turning point in life, you want to make sure you ward off the bad luck properly without making any mistakes.
The short answer: The standard time for Yakuyoke is generally from New Year’s Day to Setsubun (around February 3rd), though many temples accept requests year-round. The most important things are to go at the right time, follow basic etiquette, and visit with a respectful heart.
In this article, we will completely explain the points you need to know before going for Yakuyoke:
- The correct timing (Pre-Yaku, Main-Yaku, Post-Yaku).
- Basic manners regarding clothing and the money envelope (Ofuse).
- 4 Famous Temples known for powerful spiritual benefits.
By reading this, you will resolve your doubts and be able to head to the temple with a clear, refreshed mind.
What is Yakuyoke? Differences from Yakubarai and Ages
There is a similar term called “Yakubarai.” Do you know the difference? First, let’s clarify the difference and check when you should go.
The difference between “Yakuyoke” and “Yakubarai” is Temple vs. Shrine
Generally, rituals performed at Temples are called “Yakuyoke,” while those at Shinto Shrines are called “Yakubarai.”
- Yakuyoke (Temple): A prayer to build a defense against calamity or to remove it. In Esoteric Buddhism (like Shingon or Tendai sects), a fire ritual called “Goma Kito” is often performed to burn away worldly desires and bad luck with flames.
- Yakubarai (Shrine): A ritual to purify the impurity (kegare) and misfortune attached to one’s body, returning it to a clean state.
Both share the same purpose: “Praying to avoid disaster and live safely.” You can choose whichever you feel more connected to or usually visit.
Yakudoshi Chart for Men and Women (Main, Pre, and Post)
Yakudoshi is calculated using “Kazoedoshi” (traditional age reckoning: you are 1 year old at birth, and gain a year on New Year’s Day). The years requiring special caution are the “Great Yaku” (Taiyaku): age 42 for men and 33 for women.
【Men’s Yakudoshi (Kazoedoshi Age)】
- 25 (Pre: 24, Post: 26)
- 42 (Pre: 41, Post: 43) Great Yaku
- 61 (Pre: 60, Post: 62)
【Women’s Yakudoshi (Kazoedoshi Age)】
- 19 (Pre: 18, Post: 20)
- 33 (Pre: 32, Post: 34) Great Yaku
- 37 (Pre: 36, Post: 38)
- 61 (Pre: 60, Post: 62)
How should I spend my Yakudoshi?
Yakudoshi often coincides with physical and social changes in life. While it is said that one should be cautious about big challenges or decisions (like changing jobs or buying a house), there is no need to be overly fearful.
Think of it as a “mental preparation period.” Lead a regular, healthy life and use Yakuyoke to reset your mindset positively.
When should I go? Best Timing and ‘Rokuyo’
While there is no strict rule saying “you must go by this date,” there is a customary period when most people visit.
Ideally, go between “New Year’s Day and Setsubun”
In the old calendar, “Risshun” (Start of Spring, around Feb 4th) was considered the start of the new year. Therefore, it is most common to perform Yakuyoke between January 1st and Setsubun (around Feb 3rd).
Many temples hold large-scale Yakuyoke festivals during the New Year and Setsubun periods.
Can I still get a prayer if I miss Setsubun?
Don’t worry if you missed the date. Famous temples usually accept prayer requests (Kito) every day throughout the year.
Going on your birthday or simply when you feel the need to go is also fine. The most important thing is the feeling of wanting to cast off bad luck.
Should I worry about “Rokuyo” (Lucky/Unlucky days like Butsumetsu)?
In Buddhism (Temples), Rokuyo (Taian, Butsumetsu, etc.) does not matter. Rokuyo originates from Chinese divination and is unrelated to Buddhist teachings.
Therefore, going on a “Butsumetsu” (unlucky day) is not a problem. However, if you are superstitious, you may choose a “Taian” or “Tomobiki” day for your own peace of mind.
Basic Manners for Yakuyoke: Clothing, Money, and Envelopes
When receiving a prayer at a temple, please observe minimum manners to show respect.
Appropriate Clothing (Men & Women)
There is no strict dress code, but clean, respectful clothing suitable for a sacred place is basic.
- Men: A suit is best, but office casual (jacket and slacks) is acceptable.
- Women: One-piece dresses or suits. Avoid revealing clothes and bright/flashy colors.
- NG Clothing: Shorts, sandals, ripped jeans, revealing tops, overly loud patterns.
- Note: Temple halls are often cold in winter, so dress warmly.
How much is the Prayer Fee (Ofuse)?
The market rate for Yakuyoke prayer fees is typically between 3,000 JPY and 10,000 JPY.
Many temples have set prices (e.g., 5,000 yen, 10,000 yen), and the size of the wooden amulet (Ofuda) you receive may vary based on the amount.
If there is no specified amount, 5,000 JPY is a safe standard.
Envelope Choice and How to Write
Do not hand cash directly. Put it in a Noshi-bukuro or a white envelope.
- Type of Envelope: Choose one with a Red and White Bow Knot (Cho-musubi) water cord. Since Yakuyoke is considered a wish for opening luck, the bow knot (which can be retied easily, symbolizing “good things can happen many times”) is standard.
- Front Writing: Write “御布施” (Ofuse) or “御祈祷料” (Gokito-ryo) at the top center, and your Full Name at the bottom center.
- How to Hand it over: At the reception, hand it over with the writing facing the receptionist, saying “Onegaishimasu” (Please).
4 Famous Temples with Powerful Benefits
Here are 4 famous temples in Kanto and Kansai known for their amazing Yakuyoke benefits.
[Kanto] Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji (Kanagawa)
Known nationwide as “Yakuyoke no Odaishi-sama.” With a history dating back to the Heian period, it is famous for its powerful Goma Prayer rituals. The sight of the fire ritual burning away worldly desires to the sound of taiko drums is overwhelming.
- Location: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
[Kanto] Sano Yakuyoke Daishi Sosoji (Tochigi)
One of the three great Daishi temples in Kanto. It is very crowded during New Year’s and is well-known for its TV commercials. It is famous not only for Yakuyoke but also for Hoi-yoke (Directional Warding).
- Location: Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture
[Kansai] Mondo Yakujin Tokoji (Hyogo)
One of Japan’s three major Yakujin temples, enshrining “Yakujin Myoo” who is said to drive away all calamities. It is said to have particularly strong benefits for the “Men’s Yakudoshi” (25, 42, 61), but it is popular for women as well.
- Location: Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture
[Kansai] Abiko Kannonji (Osaka)
One of the oldest Kannon temples in Japan. The “Setsubun Yakuyoke Great Festival” featuring massive Goma fire rituals is extremely famous. Legend says Prince Shotoku visited this land to pray for warding off evil. It is a historic power spot.
- Location: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
FAQ: After the Ritual
How to display the Amulet (Ofuda) at home?
Place the amulet received after the prayer on a household altar (Kamidana/Butsudan). If you don’t have one, place it on a clean shelf higher than eye level, facing South or East.
When and how to dispose of old Amulets?
The efficacy of an amulet is generally considered to last for one year. After a year, return it to the “Old Amulet Return Area” (Kofuda-nosho) at the temple where you received it with gratitude.
Can someone go in my place if I can’t go?
If you cannot visit due to illness or distance, a proxy (family member, etc.) can receive the prayer for you. They will need to write down your name, date of birth, and address on the application. The benefit is said to be the same.
Summary
Yakudoshi is a turning point in life and a time when physical and mental maintenance is needed. Yakuyoke is ancient wisdom for spending this anxious period with peace of mind.
- Timing: Ideally New Year’s to Setsubun, but year-round is OK.
- Manners: Wear clean clothes and present money as “Ofuse.”
- Location: Choose a specialized temple like Kawasaki Daishi or Mondo Yakujin.
Visit with the correct knowledge and manners, cast off the bad luck, and take a fresh new step forward!
A Message from the Guide
To be honest, I don’t really care about it, so I’m not planning on going for Yakuyoke.
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