Ono Juzu Shop
Contact Us
Tel.075-221-2608

Located near Shijo Kawaramachi in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto.
we are a Juzu Prayer beads specialty store with over 300 years of history.
We offer a wide selection of Juzu prayer beads for various Buddhist sects and storage pouches. Prayer bead repair services are also available.
Ono Juzu Shop
Representative name: Koichi Ono
TEL.075-221-2608
272 Enpukuji-mae-cho, Teramachi-dori, Tako-yakushi-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8045, Japan
Member of the Kyoto Nenju Prayer beads Manufacturing and Sales Business Cooperative Association
https://www.onojuzuten-kyoto.com/

Greetings
Ono Juzu shop is dedicated to offering traditional beauty and tranquility through our curated selection of high-quality Juzu Prayer beads.
Prayer beads are more than decorative items; they symbolize inner peace and prayer. Cherished through centuries of Japanese culture, they hold deep significance.
Whether you are purchasing prayer beads for the first time or searching for a truly special piece, we are here to provide heartfelt guidance to ensure your satisfaction. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or inquiries.

The Origin of Juzu Prayer Beads

The history of Juzu prayer beads dates back to ancient India, before the establishment of Buddhism. In ancient India, Hinduism was widely practiced, and there was a custom of using prayer beads to count the number of prayers. This tradition was carried over to Buddhism, and prayer beads are said to have been used when chanting Buddhist prayers. It is said that prayer beads were introduced to Japan at roughly the same time as Buddhism.

Types of Prayer Beads and Their Meanings
The Role of Juzu Prayer Beads and Their Meaning

Formal Juzu Prayer Beads
Juzu prayer beads are traditionally composed of 108 beads. In Buddhism, it is believed that humans have 108 earthly desires (attachments and worries). Buddha taught that by repeatedly praying to the divine, one can overcome these desires and attain true happiness. The 108 beads symbolize these desires, and by counting each bead while chanting, practitioners seek to gradually free themselves from worldly attachments.
Simplified Juzu Prayer Beads
For convenience and portability, simplified Juzu prayer beads offer flexible bead counts. While 27 or 18 beads, divisors of 108, are common, the count is tailored to bead size and ease of use, ensuring a practical yet traditional design.
Men's and Women's Juzu Prayer Beads
Men's Juzu prayer beads are characterized by their simple design, muted colors, and larger beads for ease of handling. In contrast, women's Juzu prayer beads showcase smaller beads, colorful tassels, intricate designs, and a broad spectrum of colors. Prayer beads are generally personal items, with each family member owning their own.
Material of Juzu Prayer Beads
There are many types of materials, including wood, stone, and precious stones, and they are chosen based on personal preference and the purpose of use. Originally, it was believed that Shippou, which is written about in Buddhist scriptures, was the best material to use. Shippou refers to gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, polished mantis shrimp shells, coral, and agate.

How to Use Juzu Prayer Beads Correctly
Proper Use of Juzu Prayer Beads

For general use, Juzu prayer beads are held in the left hand, supported by the right. When moving, retain them in the left hand. Formal Nenju prayer beads are worn on the left arm, positioned with the parent bead (larger bead above the tassel) facing upwards, and the tassel either inside or outside. Simplified Juzu prayer beads are held between the left thumb and index finger, with the tassel hanging downwards beneath the little finger.
Juzu Prayer Beads Use in Japan
Memorial Services and Funerals
Prayer beads are used in formal Buddhist ceremonies such as memorial services and funerals. Participants hold the beads in their hands, join their hands together, and offer prayers.
Daily Prayer
Juzu prayer beads are also used for daily prayers and chanting of nenbutsu (Buddhist prayers). Whether in front of a home altar or at a temple, holding the beads while praying helps to calm the mind and deepen one's spiritual practice.
Seasonal Events
Juzu prayer beads are also used when participating in Buddhist events such as New Year's and Obon observances. When participating in events at temples, people bring Juzu prayer beads with them and offer prayers.

Improper Use of Juzu Prayer Beads Etiquette

Juzu prayer beads play an important role in Japanese Buddhism. Handle them with care and respect by keeping the following points in mind.
1. Avoid placing Juzu prayer beads on the floor or ground.
Juzu prayer beads, used in formal Buddhist ceremonies like memorial services and funerals, should be respectfully stored in a Juzu prayer bead bag or pocket when not in use, or placed on a handkerchief or similar item on a desk.
2. Avoid treating Juzu prayer beads as toys.
The wrapping of Juzu prayer beads around fingers, the spinning of them, or the treatment of them as toys is considered a breach of etiquette. Prayer beads are sacred Buddhist implements and are to be handled with meticulous care and reverence.
3. Avoid forcefully pulling or stretching Juzu prayer beads.
Avoid handling prayer beads roughly. Many are delicately crafted, and excessive force may cause them to break. Always treat them with care and respect.

Store Overview


Store name
Ono Juzu Shop
telephone number
075-221-2608
Fax number
075-256-3288
address
272 Enpukuji-mae-cho, Teramachi-dori, Tako-yakushi-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8045, Japan
Payment Options (Excluding Cash)
VISA card, MASTER card, JCB card, AMEX card
Industry
Manufacturing and sales of Juzu prayer beads
Opening Hours
11:00~19:00
Closed Day
Irregular holidays
Home page

Access
Railway
5 minutes walk from Shijo Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line
bus
2 minutes walk from Shijo Kawaramachi bus stop on the Kyoto City Bus
others
From JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, take a taxi and get off at the corner of Kawaramachi and Tako-yakushi. Walk west for about 1 minute.
parking
None. Please use the nearby parking lot.