Goshuin is a calligraphically designed temple stamp that you receive in Japan when visiting temples or shrines.
Many people collect goshuin from shrines and temples in their goshuincho (temple stamp book).
My late grandmother was one of them; she kept several goshuincho books, and when she died, they were cremated with her.
Goshuin has a long history and is said to have existed in Japan as early as 1,000 years ago.
It is believed that this custom originated when a person dedicated a copy of a sutra (a transcription of a sutra) to a temple and received a seal and certificate as proof of the dedication.
Later, around the 12th century, the number of pilgrims visiting Japanese temples and shrines increased, and the custom of receiving goshuin became widespread.
From the 17th century onwards, pilgrimages and visits to shrines became commonplace for the general public, and the culture of collecting seals in goshuincho became routine.
The pilgrimage of the common people combined travel with pleasure, so it was also a souvenir of the journey.
The price for a goshuin ranges from 300 to 500 yen.
Some temples and shrines have artistic goshuin, such as paper cutouts, which cost around 1,000 yen.
Normally, the goshuincho is presented at the temple or shrine office to receive calligraphy and seals.
However, since the coronavirus pandemic, you are sometimes given a sheet of paper that has already been calligraphied and stamped.
This paper must be affixed to the goshuincho by the person themselves.
Most temple and shrine employees are skilled calligraphers.
Calligraphy is a Japanese cultural and artistic tradition, and goshuin provide an accessible way to engage with it.
Of course, this is also a sacred item and should be kept in a safe place.
Goshuin collectors are not only devout elderly people, but also young women and foreign tourists.
If you are interested, you can contact the temple office. The goshuin counter is also located in the corner where amulets are sold.
My small travel agency can arrange tour guides to accompany you to temples and shrines.
They can help you if you are interested in both omikuji and goshuin. Omikuji are often written in Japanese only.
If you are interested in omikuji, you can read my previous blog entry about them.
Let’s try Omikuji. How is my luck?