MEMOIRS OF A GOSHUIN A Guide to Shrine & Temple Stamps
By Natasha Taliferro
Are you living or visiting Japan and want a way to memorialize your time minimalistically or without collecting a bunch of trinkets? A great way to participate in Japanese culture and have a great souvenir to take home is to collect goshuin.
Collecting goshuin has become a popular hobby among many travelers. You can find a wealth of information on the best pilgrimage routes to take, what kind of goshuin a location has, and even when seasonal or rare goshuin are being used.
WHAT IS A GOSHUIN?
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A goshuin ( ) is a red stamp found at shrines and temples in Japan. They are collected using goshuin-cho ( ), a stamp or seal book that can be bought at the shrines and temples, or even at craft stores in Japan. These red stamps serve as proof that one has visited the shrine or temple and worshipped there. Originally, goshuin were obtained during long pilgrimages to shrines, temples and other holy sites; however, goshuin are now collected within the younger Japanese society because of their beautiful designs.
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STAY JAPAN Winter 2020-2021
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In today’s goshuin trends, the most intricately designed goshuin attract the most attention.
