Goshuin Guide

Goshuin is Traditional Japanese Shrine Seal. They are handwritten by monks of a temple and are proof that you have visited a specific temple or shrine. Goshuin is full of symbolic, religious, and historical meanings. Be sure to fully read this guide and see all the scans of the Goshuins I collected so far for a simple goshuin guide!

Originally, goshuin was given in exchange of a shakyo (sutra), but now, anyone who comes to the temple is able to get one.Regardless of the reason behind why you want to collect goshuin, remember that this seal carries a very deeply rooted spiritual connotation for many devout people, and for the monks and kannushi who write them. Be sure to be respectful, and give your prayers to the temple before or after getting the goshuin.

Goshuin can be collected from many temples and shrines across Japan, but not from all. Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines usually have them, but its always good to make sure to look around for a sign that says 御朱印 or 朱印. If you can’t find it, you can always ask the shrine staff with “goshuin wa arimasu ka?” (“Do you have a goshuin?”) 

In order to start to collect Goshuin, you need to get the book itself, a goshiun-cho. You can get the book for around 1,500 yen at most temples. I got mine from Kōtoku-in, which is where The Great Buddha of Kamakura lives. From there, each stamp will usually take up one page, and cost from 300 – 500 yen.

I linked a great video I saw on youtube about how to get a Goshuin. Be sure to check it!

The procedure to get and create a goshuin is the same in each temple or shrine, but each temple and shrine will have a different goshuin and a different style. This can even vary with the person writing, as different people have different styles.

The name of the temple, as well as the date of your visit, will be written, as well as stamps and symbols. Some locations even offer multiple goshuin, and you can choose the one you like, or you could have them all added to your collection.

The goshuinchō is therefore a book designed to collect these important seals, which should not be placed just anywhere. As explained earlier, pilgrims would collect the seals as evidence of their devoutness and piety, but there was an ulterior reason. The idea was that they would carry their goshuinchō to the afterlife to prove to the deity they would encounter that they had led a righteous life in the eyes of the god.

Nowadays you’re not required to, but in the past, you could receive a goshuin only after praying. If you want to experience the full tradition and meaning behind earning a sacred seal (or maybe just to impress some bystanders and monks) you could ask where and when the next worshipping service will take place.

---

Email me at pennylesstravels@gmail.com for consultations to plan your trip to Japan or more!

---

Traveling to Japan? Check out and Subscribe to my Youtube Channel!

Sign up for my newsletter!

Some Useful Sources when traveling to Japan:
My Japan posts: Pennyless Travels Japan posts
Youtube Channel: Just Coneys Corner
Food/Travel Instagram: @coneystravel
General Tourism information: Japan Travel Website
Best E-sim for travel in Japan: Airalo
Airport pickup pocket wifi: 4G WiFi pocket wifi