While visiting shrines or temples in Japan, you may have noticed someone holding a beautifully crafted notebook, respectfully handing it to a priest or monk.
This notebook is called a Goshuincho, a special book used to collect Goshuin, which are handwritten stamps and calligraphy offered by temples and shrines as a mark of worship.
More than just travel mementos, Goshuincho reflect a deep respect for the divine and embody Japan’s rich religious heritage.
In recent years, an increasing number of travelers and devotees have embraced this tradition, which blends spiritual meaning with artistic beauty.
But what exactly is a Goshuincho? What etiquette surrounds it, and why has it captivated so many?
Let us step into the world of Goshuin and explore the beautiful footprints of Japan’s temple and shrine culture.
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Contents １. What Are Goshuin and Goshuincho? ２.The Historical Origins of Goshuin ３. General Process and Etiquette for Receiving Goshuin |
１． What Are Goshuin and Goshuincho?
A Goshuin is a commemorative stamp or seal that visitors receive when they visit a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple in Japan. It serves as a form of proof of worship and a symbolic record of one's spiritual connection with the deities or Buddhas.
While the design and style of Goshuin can vary between different temples and shrines, they typically include elements such as the characters for ""worship"" (奉拝), the date of visit, the name of the shrine or temple, the name of the deity or Buddha enshrined, and official stamps or handwritten calligraphy in black ink.
In recent years, many temples and shrines have begun offering limited-edition or seasonal Goshuin with unique and creative designs, making them highly collectible. These rare versions are often tied to festivals or specific times of the year and have become a major draw for both worshippers and travelers.
A key part of the appeal lies in the artistic beauty of each Goshuin. Even at the same temple or shrine, the design can vary depending on the calligrapher’s individual style. The way the ink is applied, the pressure of the brush strokes, and the placement of the seals all contribute to making each Goshuin a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Goshuin should not be collected on ordinary paper or notebooks. Instead, they are recorded in a special book called a Goshuincho.
There are two main types of Goshuincho: the accordion-style (Jabara-shiki), which unfolds to reveal a continuous sheet of thick paper, and the bound-style (Watoji-shiki), which resembles a traditional Japanese book.
Today, the accordion style is the most commonly used. When fully opened, it offers a stunning, panoramic view of all the collected Goshuin, showcasing the spiritual journey in a visually striking way.
２．The Historical Origins of Goshuin
The origins of Goshuin can be traced back to ancient times, when religious pilgrims would offer handwritten sutras to temples or shrines and receive a certificate of completion known as a Nokyo Shō (納経請取状) as proof of their offering. This practice began during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) and gradually spread as more believers traveled across Japan to visit sacred sites.
During the Edo period (1603–1868), the use of Nokyocho (sutra offering books) became more widespread, especially within regional pilgrimage cultures such as those in Saigoku and Shikoku.
Over time, these books evolved into the Goshuincho we recognize today. Back then, Goshuin served primarily as a certification of both pilgrimage and sutra offerings, reflecting a deep sense of religious devotion.
Today, a Goshuin typically consists of a red seal paired with elegant black ink calligraphy. It serves not only as a record of one’s visit, but also as a symbolic expression of a spiritual bond with the deities or Buddhas. As Goshuin designs have become increasingly elaborate and diverse, they have also grown in popularity as meaningful cultural keepsakes.
３．General Process and Etiquette for Receiving Goshuin (Temple/Shrine Seals)
Below is the general process and basic etiquette for obtaining a goshuin, which can be referred to whether you are a first-time visitor or someone with prior experience:
- Prepare a Goshuin-chō (Goshuin Book) First, you need to prepare a dedicated goshuin-chō. While these books can be purchased at stationery stores or online, they are often sold at temples and shrines as well, with some locations offering special limited-edition designs. However, not every temple or shrine sells them, so it’s recommended to check in advance.
If you don’t have a goshuin-chō, most places will provide a paper version of the seal (called kakioki).
※Please do not use regular notebooks or memo pads, as this is considered disrespectful.
- Pray First A goshuin is a “proof of worship,” so it is essential to perform the proper worship first (at the haiden for shrines or the hondō for temples) to show respect. Please follow the specific worship etiquette of each shrine or temple.
It is very important not to skip the prayer just to collect stamps, as doing so goes against the original purpose of goshuin.
- Submit Your Goshuin-chō and Pay the Fee After praying, proceed to the shuinjo (goshuin reception desk) or nōkyōsho to receive the goshuin.
Open your goshuin-chō to a blank page where you’d like the seal to be written, and politely make your request (e.g., “Goshuin o onegai shimasu”).
The fee is typically around 300 to 500 yen, though this may vary by location. Some places may list the price as “okimochi de” (a discretionary offering).
If the goshuin is in kakioki (pre-written on paper) form, they will give you a prepared sheet. If you wish to take photos, be sure to ask for permission beforehand.
- Receive Your Goshuin-chō and Express Thanks Receive your goshuin-chō with both hands and say, “Arigatou gozaimasu” (Thank you very much).
Unless there are special circumstances (such as illness), the goshuin should be obtained in person after visiting the temple or shrine. This personal experience is important for truly forming a spiritual connection with the deity or Buddha.
Here are the general steps to follow when receiving a goshuin (temple or shrine seal), as well as the basic etiquette to observe. Whether you're experiencing it for the first time or have done it before, please use this as a reference.
４．Recommended Goshuincho and Stationery to Adorn the Pages
Our store offers a curated selection of goshuin-chō (stamp books) in a variety of styles. From elegant Kyo-yuzen patterns to washi textures rich in traditional Japanese aesthetics, each design adds a unique charm to your goshuin journey. We warmly welcome you to visit and find the perfect one for you!
Our accordion-style goshuin-chō (stamp books) are not only perfect for collecting goshuin, but also versatile enough to be used as sketchbooks, journals, or travel diaries. Each book comes with a title label sticker.
However, once you decide to use it for collecting goshuin, please reserve it exclusively for seals obtained from temples and shrines.
1. Neon-Color Yuzen Paper Goshuin-chō
Made with traditional Kyo-yuzen paper, this design revitalizes classic small-pattern motifs with vibrant neon hues, creating a playful and charming modern look.
2. Nanten Yuzen Paper Goshuin-chō
The nanten plant, which bears round red berries in winter, has long been considered an auspicious tree in Japan. As nanten is a homonym for “turning difficulty,” it symbolizes protection, good fortune, and the transformation of bad luck into blessings.
This goshuin-chō features a nanten-themed Yuzen washi design, dyed with an elegant yet modern color scheme. It beautifully blends traditional symbolism with contemporary aesthetics, adding a touch of auspicious charm to your pilgrimage journey.
→＜SHOGADO＞Nanten Goshuincho is here.
3. GARDEN and TONE Series Goshuin-chō
These designs feature botanical motifs enhanced with gold and silver accents. The covers are crafted from Yuzen paper, each sheet individually hand-dyed by artisans in Kyoto studios, offering a refined texture and depth unattainable through mass printing.
To help preserve this traditional craft, we’ve reimagined classic patterns with modern color palettes, creating a series that merges timeless elegance with contemporary flair. The reverse side is embellished with subtle gold and silver foil stamping, adding a touch of quiet sophistication.
4.Washi Tape
This stylish washi tape is made by turning adorable small-pattern Yuzen paper into sticker form.
It comes with a release backing, making it easy to cut, punch holes, or customize freely.
Since goshuin-chō are used to collect goshuin (seal stamps) from temples and shrines, they hold significant commemorative and cultural value. Therefore, care should be taken when decorating or using them.
【 Recommended Ways to Use the Washi Tape 】
★ Decorate the cover or back cover:
Add a personal touch by decorating the cover or edges of your goshuin-chō with washi tape. This is a popular practice. It’s recommended to use traditional Japanese-style tapes or those with subtle colors that match the solemn atmosphere of temples and shrines.
★ Use on blank spaces inside for journaling:
Some people place small strips of tape next to their goshuin to note the date, temple name, or personal reflections. This can enhance the memory and meaning of your visit.
✖ Avoid covering the goshuin itself:
Never place tape over the seal or calligraphy. It is disrespectful to the person who wrote it and may damage the goshuin.
【 Not Recommended Uses 】
✖ Do not use it like a sticker book to overly decorate pages:
Goshuin have religious significance, and excessive decoration can be seen as disrespectful.
✖ Avoid using bulky or 3D decorations:
Overly thick embellishments can make the goshuin-chō difficult to flip through or interfere with stamping.
5.Blush Pen KOTO
"Some temples and shrines do provide pre-written or pre-stamped goshuin, placed near the shrine office or in designated areas for visitors to take freely.
These goshuin usually do not include the date, so you'll need to fill in the date of your visit yourself.
At times like this, having a good brush pen is essential!
Not only can it be used to add the date, but it’s also perfect for writing or drawing in goshuin books designed for travel notes or personal reflections—turning each page into a part of your story.
This high quality brush pen features a barrel wrapped in traditional Japanese Yuzen washi paper, with a tip handcrafted by artisans in Nara.
Elegant in appearance and smooth in writing, it uses a high-elasticity synthetic brush tip that faithfully reproduces the feel of real brush strokes.
It’s ideal for both everyday writing and as a thoughtful gift.
→＜Akashiya＞ Blush Pen is here.
５．Conclusion
"In the world of goshuin, every visit, every brushstroke, is a dialogue—with the divine, with the land, and with oneself.
Through goshuin-chō, pens, and washi tape, we record our journeys with reverence and leave our thoughts with creativity—transforming each pilgrimage into a quiet, personal moment that is uniquely yours.