Goshuin
Ritual objects御朱印 ・ Reading: ごしゅいん
Definition
A goshuin is a hand-brushed seal stamp given at Japanese temples and shrines as proof of a visit, combining red ink stamps with calligraphy. It usually records the name of the site and the date.
What you receive
A goshuin is brushed by hand at the temple or shrine office while you wait. The calligrapher writes the name of the site and the date in flowing sumi ink, then presses one or more red seals over the writing. No two are ever quite the same, which is part of why people collect them.
How to receive one
Pay your respects first, then bring your goshuincho to the office and hand it over open to a fresh page. There is normally a small fee of 300 to 500 yen, so keep coins ready and avoid asking staff to rush.
A record, not a souvenir
A goshuin marks a genuine visit rather than a sightseeing stamp. Collect one only after actually praying, keep the book clean, and never haggle over the fee.
Common questions
- How much does a goshuin cost?
A goshuin usually costs 300 to 500 yen, and it helps to bring small change since many temples and shrines prefer the exact amount.
- Do I need a goshuincho to receive a goshuin?
You normally receive a goshuin directly in a goshuincho, the folding stamp book made for this purpose, though some places also offer a pre-written version on loose paper that you can paste in later.
- What is the difference between a goshuin and a tourist stamp?
A goshuin is a hand-brushed record of a genuine visit given after you pay your respects, while the free self-inking stamps found at stations and attractions are simply souvenirs and are not treated with the same reverence.
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