Last Updated on October 12, 2025 by Laura
If you are planning a visit to Japan, there is something you perhaps want to know before your trip. The existence of a very special book narrating the story of your temples’ visits around the country through beautiful, elaborated handcrafted stamps. This is called goshuincho and somehow it’s probably one of the most special treasures you can get from your visit to Japan. This blog will be your complete goshuin stamp book guide. Here, I will tell you everything I’ve learnt about it, and I wished to know before my visit. Including where to find these stamps and the etiquette you need to follow to receive them.
Goshuin atsume an ancient practice for a contemporary tourist
Goshuin stamp book guide – Goshuin I received from the Kogenji Temple
It would be nonsense to collect a goshuin without linking this to its appropriate historical background. Tracing back the origins of the goshuin atsume 御朱印集め (practice of collecting red seal stamps) wasn’t an easy job. There were only basic and copy/pasted information on most of the online sources and unreliable facts that I couldn’t verify. Indeed, most of the sources I consulted trace back the appearance of the shuin 朱印 (red seal) in between two periods: Ritsuryō (7-12th centuries) and Kamakura Period (1185-1333) with no certain information on the origin of the practice.
Nevertheless, during these periods the word shuin was used very generally and applied blankly to all red seals used in official documents. Indeed, during those times, rather than shuin, temples used the word nokyo for their seals. This is still used nowadays, but its usage within a temple setting is slightly different from a goshuin (I’ll explain this in a separate paragraph).
From shuinjo to goshuin
During the Sengoku and Edo periods (1467 -1868), people in power such us shogun, feudal lords or military commanders used vermilion seals on official documents (specifically on the territorial concessions to samurai, temples, nobles etc). These documents were known with the name shuinjo. According to the Catalogue of the Tohoku Gakuin University Museum, the oldest surviving shuinjo dates back to 1512 issued by a samurai to exempt Saikoji Temple from paying the Munebetu tax.
Red seals were used mostly to distinguish official matters from private correspondence (where black seals were used) introduced during the Ritsuryō period. Nevertheless, their systematic use seems to be observed regularly from the later Sengoku period. It is plausible to assume that temples and shrines adopted this rule as part as their official correspondence too. Indeed, as already mentioned in the previous paragraph, seals provided during those periods were called nokyo (roughly translated as “stamp of authenticity”). This were given as proof in exchange for submitting a copy of a sutra to a temple.
(i.e. for those who are interested, sutra is a type of Buddhist scripture that records the teachings preached by Shakyamuni).
The rise of shuin
So, how the nokyo became a shuin? There were two main factors which contributed to this shift. The first, is the rising in personal pilgrimage undertook by common people. Similar to European pilgrims, also Japanese pilgrims received a token for their temple and shrine visits. Those tokens were the red seals used as proof of their visits without the need of receiving a sutra. The second factor came at the end of the Edo period. Indeed, since 1868, common people were allowed to use red seals. This posed an end to the exclusive use of red seal as part of official communications within noble ranks. The use of red seals became widespread and less customary.
Nokyo vs shuin what is the difference?
In the late year of 1800, with the rise in personal pilgrimage and collection of seals as proof of visit, there was a need for separation between seals released for strict religious purposes after receiving a sutra and seals released to worshippers as a proof of visit (with no sutra). Because the word shuin was no longer associated to official correspondence, it was slowly continued to be used to distinguish the type of “proof” seal from the nokyo. The way of collecting seals was also separated. In fact, while the nokyo were collected in a special book of offerings called noukyoucho, shuin were collected in purposely created stamp books called shuincho 朱印帳. To make this distinction even clearer, the word stamp/seal was associated to that of temple becoming goshuin (temple seal), with the act of collecting stamps called goshuin atsume.
Are nokyo still in use?
Yes. Nokyo seals are still in use in many temples who are not releasing them unless a sutra is gifted or recited. For example, certain temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage have nokyo, not goshuin.
From a certain point of view, also the goshuin require an exchange. In fact, to receive a goshuin, pilgrims had to make a monetary offer to the temple/shrine.
The boom of goshuin collection in modern times
With an increase in tourism, since 2010, popularity in goshuin collection increased. Goshuin have been used as incentive to visit certain shrines or suggest tourists certain types of visitor routes. This created a few problems including the reselling of goshuincho on internet. For a certain period, that crossed over the COVID-19 pandemic as well, temples stopped to issue goshuin. It’s only during the last couple of years, when tourists returned to Japan, that goshuin became part the tourism industry as memento of temple and shrine visits.
Goshuin and goshuincho. Everything you need to know to start your collection
Goshuin stamp book guide – My goshuincho cover book and the goshuin received at Senso-ji temple
Let’s start with the goshuin itself. I want to strongly highlight how this is a religious stamp. As such, there is a decorum in it and some etiquette to observe when receiving it. I will guide you step-by-step on this, but, for now, you’ll need to know that receiving a goshuin is like receiving a blessing. You’ll pay your respects to the temple (usually a small sum), observe the proper etiquette and then you are allowed to get one. It’s a connection you’ll have with the temple/shrine you’ll visit. It’s personal and unique for each place.
Now that you have learnt about the origins and meaning of your precious souvenir, it’s time to dive deeper into the information you’ll need to collect one (or more!).
First of all, before getting your first stamp, you’ll need a goshuincho. As said before, goshuincho is the book where you will collect all your goshuin stamps. Modern goshuincho were introduced in the early years of 1900 and feature a traditional Japanese folding style introduced during the Taishō era.
Why I need a goshuincho?
For mainly two reasons. The first because a goshuin contains Sanskrit characters ( seed characters ) that are said to represent Buddha itself. Therefore, it is considered to be on the same level as the talismans. Secondly, a goshuin represents a sacred connection that the visitor has established with the temple visited. As such, this has to be recorded on a book that maintain its sacred, spiritual nature. Therefore, the goshuincho is the only booklet fit for this purpose.
Where I can buy a goshuincho?
Goshuin stamp book guide – Goshuin Office on the right hand side before entering the temple.
Goshuincho are sold exclusively within the temple grounds in the goshuin office. They might have different type of hard covers and some feature special designs or a picture of the temple you are visiting. Goshuincho are not cheap to get. Their price can range from $20 to $40 depending on the type you get (I paid mine around $40). However, they are beautifully made and certainly a unique thing to get from your trip.
If you are unsure which temples and shrine have goshuin, this website (in Japanese) has quite an extensive list.
Can I use a regular booklet?
No. Only goshuincho are accepted for goshuin stamps. I know that in Japan there are several other type of stamps one can collect (e.g. the eki stamps). However, don’t even attempt to mix the two things. You will be turned away and, to be honest, this feels quasi-offensive as it shows one didn’t understand the purpose of the goshuin.
Can I mix Shinto and Buddhist temples and shrines on my goshuincho?
Technically not. Some temples and shrines may refuse to write their goshuin in a stamp book that contains a mix of stamps from both Shinto and Buddhism beliefs. However, I noted that with a large influx of tourists, rules seemed to be a little more relaxed. However, just to be on the safe side it would be better to have two different stamp books.
Goshuin stamp book guide – How do I pay for my goshuin/goshuincho?
I visited more than 40 temples and shrines in Japan and I can firmly confirm that only cash were accepted for both items. Therefore, is always better to have a small cash change with you as a single goshuin usually cost between JPY 300 and 500 (1000 for special editions).
Etiquette to follow when receiving a goshuin
Goshuin stamp book guide – Paying respect to the temples and shrines visited
Here below I will break down the steps you need to follow in order to receive a goshuin without causing a diplomatic incident.
First of all, remember always that you are in a temple/shrine. Don’t run directly to the goshuin office without first show your respect for the grounds you are walking. Even if this is not your religion, it won’t kill you to be thankful for where you are and express a gratitude pray. To note also that certain temples don’t release goshuin straight away. You’ll need to visit and pay respect to the temple first. We encountered this rule a lot in Kamakura and Kyoto temples/shrines.
I would also recommend to familiarise with the temple/shrine you are visiting, its history and the deity that is worshipped. I found this being respectful for the place that is visited.
Getting the first goshuin
Goshuin stamp book guide – Scribes painting my goshuin. Please notes these shrines were the only two (among 40 visited) allowing photos
A first step to get your first goshuin is of course buying the goshuincho. All you need to do (after accustomise yourself with the temple), is finding the goshuin office and choose one of the goshuincho they have available. These are usually displayed in the same location where to pay. Small temples might not have a huge selection, but there will be always some options available. Once you have chose your goshuincho pass it with both hands to the scribe available. You can either pass it closed it if it’s new or open to the first page (better). Please note that each temple/shrine might offer also different types of goshuin and you might need to choose the type you want on your stamp book (more on this later).
Make sure to listen what the scribe will tell you. Indeed, they can either say that preparing the goshuin will take some time or they can ask you to wait there. In the first case, you will be given a token to return when collecting your goshuin. In the second case, you might be asked to wait on the side and given a number or you can just witness the goshuin being prepared in front of you.
Once your goshuin is ready, have your change in hand to be placed in the area the scribe will show you (usually a small tray for coins).
Accept the goshuin with both hands and thank the scribe with Arigatō gozaimasu ありがとうございます accompanied by a brief bow.
Etiquette for all the following goshuin
Goshuin stamp book guide – My Goshuincho
Once you have have unlocked your first goshuin, the procedure to follow each time is very similar. From the second goshuin onward, is better to prepare in advance the page you want the stamp to be done and give the goshuinco open to the scribe.
If you want some day trips ideas for your stay in Tokyo, read my guide on the best day trips by train from Tokyo!
Do and don’t when getting a goshuin
So, just to summarise what is considered OK and what is taboo when getting a goshuin, I prepared a short list to follow here. I’ve seen way too many foreigners misbehave in Japan and this is absolutely awful to see. So, please make sure to be respectful of the culture and place you visit.
- DO – Research the temple/shrine you are visiting and the worshipped deity
- DO – Respect the place you are visiting and the people who work/pray there
- DO – Prepare your cash in advance to pay the goshuin offer
- DO – Be kind to the scribe and follow the instructions given
- DO – Open the goshuincho to the page you wish to receive the stamp
- DON’T – give the cash change directly in the hands of the scribe (this is not appreciated)
- DON’T – Attempt to re-sell your goshuincho or collect goshuin on behalf of someone else
- DON’T – Treat the goshuincho as a common souvenir. It’s a precious spiritual book and must be kept as such
- DON’T – Use the same goshuincho for Buddhist and Shinto shrines/temples. Is better to kept the seals separated
- DON’T – Photograph/film the scribe or the goshuin making unless this is allowed (some temples allows this, some other are very strict).
- DON’T – Get a goshuin if you are not ready to respect the above rules
Goshuin types
Something you need to know when getting a goshuin and that might confuse you is that there are actually different types of them. In fact, partially to promote tourism in certain area and partially because goshuin are now very popular, certain temples have now adopted various typologies of that visitors can choose. Based on my direct experience and what I learnt during my research I divided them in a few categories.
Regular goshuin
Goshuin stamp book guide – Lovely goshuin that I received from the Hakone Jinja Shrine
Regular goshuin are always available. These feature the classic simple design with the information on the temple and the red stamp. Certain temples might give visitors goshuin on a paper leaflet if too crowded or in absence of the scribe. Regular goshuin usually cost between JPY 300 and 500.
Special/limited edition goshuin
Goshuin stamp book guide – Limited edition goshuin I received from the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
During certain periods of the year, such as spring, and during certain matsuri celebrations temples and shrine might have special goshuin that visitors can buy. For example, we happened to visit the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine during the first day of the Sakura festival this year and the shrine had some beautiful cherry-blossom themed goshuin. Special edition goshuin are at the same time limited edition because they are available only for a certain period of time. These goshuin are usually more expensive with a price ranging between JPY 1000-2000.
Commemorative goshuin
Commemorative goshuin are very similar to the special edition ones. Nevertheless, these are usually sold during special religious celebrations within the temple settings. Also these goshuin cost usually around JPY 1000.
Pilgrimage route goshuin
Goshuin stamp book guide – Goshuin collected at the stations of the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. One of them is a special edition for sakura
These particular goshuin are part of a specific route that is followed mostly by pilgrims. For example, the 88 Temples of Shikoku (Shikoku Henro). This is a 750-mile pilgrimage route that stretches around the island of Shikoku. Serious goshuin collectors and pilgrims usually attempt to collect all the 88 seals released by each station. Similar routes are the 34 Kannon Pilgrimage (Chichibu Fudasho) in Saitama or the Sasaguri 88 Pilgrimage in Fukuoka.
Please note that collecting these goshuin will require several days. If you are interested in pilgrimage stamps but you don’t have much time, I discovered that the Fushimi Inari Shrine has actually a goshuin mini-pilgrimage route. Indeed, 3 out of the 10 stations along the route have goshuin offices and guess what? They all have different goshuin as each one correspond to a different station of the route. We got even one with a inari stamp that is really beautiful! Many people don’t realise this assuming the office is the same.
Paper cutting goshuin
Goshuin stamp book guide – Paper-cut goshuin I received from Enoshima Hetsumiya Shrine
Paper cutting goshuin are a special type of stamp visitors can acquire. These have been originally created as a commemorative gift for parishioners at the Ryusenji Temple. However, they soon became so popular that people were queuing for hours to get them. These are now available nationwide but only on specific temples/shrines. For example we managed to get a few in Kamakura and Enoshima. Similarly to special edition goshuin, also the paper cutting ones are quite pricey ranging from JPY 1000-2000.
How to read a goshuin
Each goshuin looks different from another. However, they all have some fixed elements that you can easily recognise in each seal. Below I tried to divide the picture in the elements that are commonly found in each goshuin.
Goshuin stamp book guide – Goshuin collected at Senso-ji divided in part to understand the meaning
- The top left calligraphy is the date of the visit. Each goshuin has a different date depending on your visit.
- The bigger calligraphy at the centre of the page is the name of the temple visited. This sometime includes the honzon, the name of deity worshipped at the temple.
- The smaller stamp at the top right, refers the temple god and includes the word houhai (奉拝), which means to “worship”.
- The largest stamp at the centre of the page is the name of the shrine/temple. It’s also called Goho Seal or Three Treasures Seal (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha).
- The smaller stamp on the lower left corner is an additional temple seal. This seal is not always present and sometimes is made by the emblem of the temple.
- This is a peculiar calligraphy (lower left side) is specific of this temple. In fact, these kanji mean “Jinlong mountain” that is another way of calling Senso-ji temple. Not all temples/shrines have this writing and the meaning changes according to the place.
Goshuin stamp book guide – Useful Japanese phrases to use when collecting a goshuin
Below you can find some useful phrases to keep in mind when searching for the goshuin office or collecting it.
- If you can’t find the goshuin office you can ask any other open stores in the temple and use the phrase sumimasen, goshuin wa doko desu ka? Excuse me. Where is the goshuin office?
- When passing your goshuincho with the blank page open say: Goshuin o onegai shimasu. May I have a goshuin?
- If the scribe is not available or they don’t give you hand written goshuin, staff may ask you if it’s ok to receive a pre-written goshuin stamp. You can reply Kakioki demo daijōbu desu. A pre-written stamp is ok.
- If you want to ask how much is the goshuin fee, yo can ask Hatsuho-ryō wa ikura desu ka?
- Thanks after receiving the goshuin: arigatō gozaimasu
Well! Now you are very expert on how to find and collect goshuin. I hope you have a fun and meaningful time collecting them! Happy travels!
Short video of my goshuin collection adventure
Here below a short reel of my goshuin collection adventure!
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