Goshuincho
Ritual objects御朱印帳 ・ Reading: ごしゅいんちょう
Definition
A goshuincho is the dedicated book in which goshuin seal stamps are collected, with accordion-fold pages. Visitors present it at each temple or shrine to receive a new stamp.
Where it comes from
The goshuincho grew out of the practice of collecting goshuin, the vermillion seal stamps once given as proof that a person had made an offering or copied a sutra at a temple. Over time the book became a keepsake in its own right, a personal record of the places someone has visited and prayed. Each page carries a stamp pressed in red ink alongside handwritten characters in black, usually naming the temple or shrine and the date.
What to look for
The pages fan out in one continuous accordion fold rather than being bound like an ordinary book, so a finished goshuincho can be opened out in a long ribbon. Covers range from plain cloth to richly patterned brocade, and many temples and shrines sell their own designs featuring a local motif. Some people keep separate books for Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, since the two traditions are distinct.
How to use it
Hand your goshuincho to the office, open to the next blank page, and wait quietly while the seal is written. There is normally a small fee. Treat the book with care, as it is regarded as a devotional object rather than a souvenir, and never ask for a stamp before you have actually paid your respects.
Common questions
- Where can I buy a goshuincho?
You can buy a goshuincho at most large temples and shrines, where they are sold at the office that also issues the goshuin. Many stationery shops and online sellers offer them too, and it is perfectly fine to bring your own goshuincho from home.
- How much does a goshuincho cost?
A goshuincho usually costs around 1,000 to 2,000 yen, depending on the design and the covers. This is separate from the goshuin fee itself, which is normally about 300 to 500 yen each time you have the book inscribed.
- Do I need separate goshuincho for temples and shrines?
You do not strictly need separate goshuincho for temples and shrines, and many people happily use one book for both. However, some places will only inscribe a book kept for their own tradition, so keeping two separate goshuincho, one for Buddhist temples and one for Shinto shrines, avoids any awkwardness.
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