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Goshuingoshuin

Editorial Guidelines

Our commitment to accurate, respectful, and authoritative content about Japanese temple and shrine culture

Last updated: January 27, 2026

Our Editorial Standards

At Goshuin, we are committed to providing accurate, respectful, and comprehensive information about Japanese temple and shrine culture. These guidelines outline how we create, verify, and maintain our content.

Who Creates Our Content?

Author Credentials

All content is created and reviewed by team members with direct experience visiting temples and shrines in Japan. Our primary author, David Dias, has personally visited over 200 temples and shrines across Japan, documenting goshuin traditions firsthand.

Expert Consultation

For historical and cultural content, we consult with:

  • Temple and shrine officials when possible
  • Japanese cultural historians
  • Academic sources on Shinto and Buddhist traditions
  • Native Japanese speakers for accuracy

How We Verify Information

Primary Sources

We prioritize information from:

  1. Official temple/shrine websites - Hours, admission, contact details
  2. Direct visits - Photos, accessibility, goshuin availability
  3. Official tourism boards - Regional and prefectural tourism offices
  4. Academic publications - Historical and cultural context

Verification Process

Before publishing, all content goes through:

  1. Fact-checking - Verifying hours, prices, and accessibility against official sources
  2. Cultural review - Ensuring respectful and accurate representation
  3. Translation review - Native speaker verification for Japanese content
  4. Regular updates - Periodic review to ensure information remains current

What We Cover

Temple & Shrine Information

  • Location and transportation access
  • Opening hours and admission fees
  • Goshuin availability and designs
  • Historical background and significance
  • Visitor amenities and accessibility

Pilgrimage Routes

  • Complete temple lists with route order
  • Distance and elevation data
  • Transportation options
  • Practical travel guidance

Cultural Context

  • Goshuin traditions and etiquette
  • Temple vs. shrine distinctions
  • Seasonal events and festivals
  • Proper visiting practices

Our Accuracy Commitment

Corrections Policy

If you find an error in our content:

  1. Contact us through our feedback form
  2. We investigate within 48 hours
  3. Corrections are published with transparency
  4. Significant corrections are noted with update dates

Update Frequency

  • Temple hours/prices: Reviewed quarterly
  • Goshuin availability: Updated upon user reports
  • Historical content: Reviewed annually
  • New content: Added weekly

Cultural Sensitivity

Respectful Representation

We are committed to:

  • Accurate representation of Shinto and Buddhist traditions
  • Respecting sacred spaces and practices
  • Using appropriate terminology (Japanese with explanations)
  • Acknowledging the living nature of these traditions

What We Don't Do

  • Promote disrespectful behavior at sacred sites
  • Misrepresent religious or cultural practices
  • Use unauthorized photography
  • Encourage behavior that disrupts worship

Data Sources

Cited Sources

When making historical or statistical claims, we cite:

  • Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan
  • Official prefecture tourism offices
  • Academic journals and publications
  • Temple and shrine official records

User Contributions

Community-submitted content (photos, reviews) is:

  • Reviewed before publication
  • Attributed to contributors
  • Subject to the same accuracy standards

Questions?

If you have questions about our editorial standards or want to report an issue, please contact us.