Stories, guides, and insights on Japan's temples, shrines, and spiritual traditions.
SeasonSummer
Autumn Higan (Aki no Higan)
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History
How ascetic landscapes, institutions, route books, Edo travel, transport, and local hospitality shaped Japanese pilgrimage.
6 min read
Japan Standard Time · UTC+9
Autumn Higan (Aki no Higan)
Starts on · –
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What goshuin (御朱印) are, what they cost, how to ask for one politely, and where to start collecting Japan's hand-brushed temple and shrine stamps.
Everything you need to know about goshuincho (御朱印帳) - the beautiful accordion-fold books for collecting goshuin. Learn where to buy, how to choose, and how to care for your stamp book.
Discover the most beautiful goshuin in Tokyo. From Sensoji to Meiji Jingu, explore the best temples and shrines for stamp collecting with suggested routes and insider tips.
Discover the most beautiful goshuin in Kyoto. From Kiyomizu-dera to Fushimi Inari, explore Japan's cultural capital for temple stamp collecting with area guides and routes.
Journey
Connect the places and cultural stories you discover here into a trip through Japan.
Explore JourneyCultural dates happening now and over the next seven days.
Temple or shrine event
Kibitsu Jinja
Happening now to
Temple or shrine event
Zeniarai Benten Jinja
Happening now
Temple or shrine event
Enoshima Daishi
Starts on
Temple or shrine event
Hosenji
Starts on
Temple or shrine event
Daikaku-ji
Starts on to
6 min read
Follow Buddhist temple etiquette from the gate through incense, prayer, hall entry, photography, and receiving a goshuin.
6 min read
Use temizu respectfully at Japanese shrines, including ladle, running-water, suspended, and flower-basin arrangements, while following current local instructions.
