Goshuin a Souvenir from Japan
The perfect keepsake from your trip to Japan: Goshuin (御朱印) and Goshuincho (御朱印帳)
Shopping for souvenirs while in Japan can seem daunting, it’s easy to lose sight and start buying the many weird and wonderful things that Japan has to offer. But how many of those items will beautifully document places you have come across on your travels? Goshuin is the perfect keepsake to look back at your time in Japan.
But what is Goshuin/Goshuincho?
Essentially a Goshuincho is an empty booklet for stamps and seals, and a Goshuin is the stamp/seal that goes in it. It’s common for people to carry a Goshuincho with them when visiting temples and shrines, as many places will offer their own individual design specific to their prefecture, season, and even certain festivals and celebrations around the time of your visit.
When it comes to buying a goshuincho, many places in Japan stock them, and that includes most temples and shrines. There are an array of design and colour options to fit all personalities and ages, from sleek or elegant to cute or traditional. Some places may turn you away, however, if your goshuincho isn’t the correct sizing, so please be cautious of this. If that does happen to you or you forget to bring your goshuincho with you, you can ask the desk to instead create your unique goshuin on a piece of paper that you can stick in at a later date.
The goshuin itself is unique to you, as is it handmade by workers at the temple. Most goshuin follow a similar design of a red stamp with black ink calligraphy over the top. You may get other patterns or drawings incorporated into it, especially if it’s limited edition or festival-specific. The goshuin should include the temple’s name as well as the date, so you’ll always remember when you visited.
How can I start collecting?
This is the fun part. I would recommend spending time at the temple or shrine, upholding the rules and cultural standards, and putting money in the prayer box to pray. Once finished, head over to the goshuin desk, pay the fee, and hand your goshuincho over to the assistant. After a moment you will be called back and your goshuin will be complete! It’s as easy as that.
If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and more popular attractions, why not relax a little and explore one of Japan’s many tranquil temples and shrines, and buy a unique goshuin to remind you of your time there.
