Have you ever heard “Goshuin”? It is a special stamp that you can get at Shrines and/or Temples in Japan. It could be a good souvenir too! Let’s get to know it 🙂
What is Goshuin?
It is like a stamp of Temple or Shrine that shows/proves your visiting there. Each one has own unique one, such as calligraphy, stamp, sticker some times.
Some shrines and temples have a seasonal Goshuin. I’ve gotten one at New Year’s Day, Sakura (cherry blossom) Festival, and the 1st Day as “Reiwa”, and etc.
Goshuin Collecting
Goshuin Collecting is a lot of people’s hobby these days. Either of mine 😉
We call it “Goshuin Atsume”, Atsume is short for “Atsumeru”(Verb) which means “collect” in Japanese.
How Can You Get a Goshuin?
You can simply go to shrine/temple’s office with Goshuin Cho if you have it. You can buy it there if you don’t have it, or you can get Goshuin on paper too.
When Do You Need To Go?
It needs to be in open hour when you visit there, otherwise you can not find an office to get it.
How Much Does It Cost?
Usually it costs 300 yen to 500 yen. Also sometimes it says “Okimochi de” which means “by your own scale of appreciation”
What Is Goshuin Cho?
Goshuin Cho is a notebook that you can collect Goshuins.
Can you get Goshuin without bringing Goshuin Cho (notebook)?
Yes, you can say that you’d like to get Goshuin but you don’t have a notebook. Then they would give you a paper with Goshuin.
Where Can You Buy Goshuin Cho?
You can buy it at shrines, temples, also stationary shops such as LOFT, Tokyu Hands, etc.
Is it OK to mix Goshuins with at Shrines and Temples?
As I wrote before, for many of Japanese people – as long as I know – don’t see themselves as religious. And many people go to Shrines and also Temples. So it is OK to go both.
From my experience, I bring my Goshuin Cho to Shrines and Temples, and there are Goshuins from both places.
I know some people use Goshuin cho (notebook) from both side to divide Goshuin from each place (Shrines / Temple).
Although, at some shrines or/and temples, they refuse to give you Goshuin if there is a Goshuin at Shrine or Temple on your Goshuin cho (notebook).
It is fun to visit Shrines and Temples, also please check some of Goshuin too!
