As a special memory of your journey in Japan

In Japan, it has been a tradition to receive a proof called “Goshuin（御朱印）” when visiting shrines as a sign of worship.

Collecting Goshuin stamps has become popular, particularly among the younger generation in Japan, in recent years.

Goshuin serves as a distinctive seal received at Japanese shrines, serving as proof of your visit.

The Goshuin from Shinjuku Hanazono Shrine

Shrine priests apply a stamp with a design symbolizing the shrine onto a Goshuincho（御朱印帳）a dedicated book for shrine stamps. Each Goshuin carries a unique design, symbolizing the visited shrine.

When visiting a shrine, let’s start with worship. Proceed through the approach, cleanse your hands at the temizuya（手水舎）, and perform a traditional Japanese-style worship at the main hall of Shrine.

■How to Pray at a Japanese Shinto Shrine

How to Receive Goshuin (Shrine Stamps)

The shrine office

When you go to the Syamusyo (社務所-shrine office), which is located near the main hall of the shrine, you will find a window where charms and other items are sold. You can also receive Goshuin there.

1, Approach the window and wait for your turn.
2, Present your Goshuincho (shrine stamp book) to the shrine priest.
If you don’t have a Goshuincho, you can also receive only the Goshuin paper.
3, Choose a stamp design from the available options or let the shrine priest make a selection.
4, The shrine priest will write the name of the shrine and the date using a calligraphy brush, and then apply the stamp onto the page.
5, Receive your Goshuincho back from the shrine priest.
When receiving a Goshuin, it is important to approach the shrine priest with a respectful attitude. It is customary to express gratitude and bow as a sign of respect.

Note: Some shrines may have specific rules or procedures for receiving Goshuin, so it’s always good to follow any instructions or guidance provided at the shrine.

Created with a calligraphy brush

Goshuincho captivates with its beautiful designs and the texture of washi paper. It becomes a precious item for recording your shrine visit experiences.

There are various designs of Goshuincho

The average price for a Goshuin is around 500 yen. The Goshuincho, similar to a notebook in which you receive the stamps, can be either brought with you or purchased at the shrine if you don’t have one. The average price for a Goshuincho is around 1,500 yen.

There is also a dedicated bag called Goshuin-bukuro for storing Goshuin stamps.

Goshuin-bukuro

The Goshuincho filled with various shrine stamps will become a precious book of memories from your journey in Japan.　

■Experience History and Culture at the Power Spot Hanazono Shrine

In this instance, we introduced Goshuin at shrines, but it’s worth noting that Goshuin can also be obtained at temples in Japan.

（YOKOSO　SHINJUKU）