Ofuda (Talisman / Home Altar Charm)

An ofuda is a talisman issued by a Shinto shrine, typically a strip of paper or thin wood inscribed with the name of the kami, the shrine, or a sacred phrase. Unlike omamori, which are carried on the person, ofuda are intended to be placed in the household kamidana (home altar) or affixed near the entrance of a home or business for ongoing spiritual protection.

The most widespread ofuda is the Jingu Taima (also called simply 'Taima'), issued by Ise Jingu and distributed through shrines nationwide. Millions of Japanese households enshrine this Ise ofuda in their kamidana, along with ofuda from their local ujigami shrine and any other shrines they have a special connection to.

Like omamori, ofuda are typically renewed annually. Many people obtain new ofuda during hatsumode and return the old ones to the shrine for ritual burning. The ofuda represents a tangible divine presence in the home — not merely a symbol, but understood as an actual vessel through which the kami extends protection to the household.