My Goshuin Stamps Collection & Where I Got Them In Japan

My Goshuin book full of stamps is my dearest treasure from my month-long trip to Japan in 2023.

Two years later, I finally sat down to take pictures and upload all of my stamps and I am kinda glad it took me so long. I now have an almost nostalgic moment, remembering the trip and it is a fantastic way to start the day! I think…

So if you’re just a Japan fan, curious about goshuin, or hunting for stamps yourself, I hope this walk down the memory lane will be useful 🙂

I want to say that I don’t speak Japanese and my understanding of some texts may be wrong or incomplete. Please feel free to correct me (with links to sources) in the comments! Happy to learn.

What Is The Meaning of Goshuin?

Goshuin stamps started as a mark that was given to devoted worshippers who would come to shrines, pray, copy the sutras (by hand), offer it to the temple, then, as a proof, they would get a stamp – I think it was called nōkyō (sutra offering).

Later, those on pilgrimage also were given a stamp as a proof, sort of “been there” mark or a merit of your faith.

At the same time, they were/are a form of a blessing and a good luck thing that can help you see your wish come true (if you follow the tradition).

Today, it is still carrying the same meaning, but people, including foreigners are allowed to get stamps without presenting a copy of sutras. Although, you are very much encouraged to pay respects at the temple, in a way you see fit (within the rules, of course!!).

Some shrines and temples will give you a little page with text in Japanese:it can be the history and tradition of goshuin or the shrine itself. Use Google Translate to understand it, don’t toss it!

At two places, I was actually given a printed Buddhist sutra and shinto prayer, too.

I kept them, of course!

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Where To Buy Goshuin Book(goshuincho) and Do You Need One?

Most people wonder if they really need a special book and the short answer is yes, you do.

It is just the respectful way to approach this aspect of Japanese culture and the books itself are absolutely beautiful souvenirs to have. A book I got in 2023 was about 1500 Yen (about 10 USD), it is emroidered by hand,I think.

You can buy one when you’re already in Japan, in a shrine, no matter the city.

You SHOULD NOT use this book for other stamps from tourist locatioins, including castles.

Not all temples will have the book, though, only bigger ones. I bought mine in Fukuoka, at the start of my trip, at Kushida Shrine:

Not sure about now, at the time, it was only possible to pay cash for both books and stamps so I was always carrying my coin wallet with me, which I won in a ninja game in one of the castle by the way !! *proud of myself*

The book also came with a protective transparent case, which is very Japanese way of keeping things clean and orderly, and I think kinda genius.

Today, I just found out that you can even buy Goshuincho book on Amazon (affiliate link), although for 20-30 USD I’m not sure why would you do that.

Unless you really worried you won’t be able to get it or you start in a really small town or you are starting one of the pilgrimage routes right away (88-temple Shikoku pilgrimage or the 33-temple Kannon pilgrimage).

Where I got Goshuin Stamps In Fukuoka

My month-long trip in Japan started in Fukuoka, where I got the book, too. Amazing city with art scene, street food, nature, and coast.

• Kushida Shrine (1-41 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0026, Japan) – shinto shrine, protecting Hakata (Fukuoka). My FIRST goshuin so I will always cherish it. They also had regular stamps there (on the right/bottom)

• Shofukuji – Peaceful temple and park within. Possibly, this is the goshuin from there (but I am not 100% certain) (6-1 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037, Japan)

• Tochoji Temple – Buddhist temple where the Great Buddha of Fukuoka is “sitting”. This stamp comes with a postcard of the wooden Buddha inside, which you can’t take a photo of (6-1 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037, Japan).

I snapped a photo of the process, but in general, please ask the permission, as in some shrines and temples it will be a very clear No.

• Dazaifu Tenmangū – beautiful vast territory outside Fukuoka, well worth the trip! There is also a market before the entrance with lots of souvenirs and food. It is one of the rather touristy places, but it is gorgeous. Dedicated to the God of learning, there were tons of students placing little wooden plates with wishes and blessings. (4 Chome-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117, Japan)

Goshuin Stamp From Hiroshima

I believe I got this one at the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine within the castle grounds (21-2 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0011, Japan).

One Goshuin Stamp From Okayama

Okayama Jinja Shrine – small shrine from 9th century on the other side from the castle. (2-33 Ishizekicho, Kita Ward, Okayama, 700-0813, Japan)

Where I got Goshuin Stamps In Kyoto

Kyoto is a wonderful city but to get to all the temples you need a few days and a lot of commute (I was using public transport). I, of course, just scratched the surface, but I think I got several good ones!

• Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine (537 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8042, Japan) is right within the market, tiny shrine for learning and good fortune, but very pretty stamp! Lanterns and traditional alcohol boxes add charm!

• To-Ji Temple, Kyoto. Beautiful garden with ponds and bridges and incredibly old (and tall) pagoda. (1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8473, Japan). Very unique goshuin in my collection, the calligraphy is so elegant and done with fine lines.

• Ryoanji Temple has one of the boldest goshuin stamps in my collection. It is close to Golden Pavillion and its zen garden is impressive – not to miss! (13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001, Japan)

• Fushimi Inari Shrine (68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan) is, of course, on my list! Comeearly, and go fast through the first few sections of the Toori tunnel to beat the crowd. Later on, there are tons of turns and a hike to the top so allocate half a day for this shrine, for sure.

This is the only time I was given a “translation” explaining the structure of a goshuin: you always have a date, a seal of the temple, and often some remarks or blessings.

Sometimes, you get pre-printed stamps, too, like this one from Fushimi Inari Shrine:

• Jōnan-gū. The stamp is on the pink paper for a reason, the garden arpund this temple has gorgeous pink blossoms in spring! (Japan, 〒612-8459 Kyoto, Fushimi Ward, Nakajimatobarikyucho, ７)

• Kiyomizu-dera was super busy when I visited, but the views of Kyoto are worth it. Plus, there is a red pagoda on its right (if looking from the city) which is super beautiful as well as a little forest path to it. (1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan). You can recieve two goshuin stamps here.

From Kyoto, I went to Nara, of course, and besides feeding deer I got a stamp at Kinryu Shrine (160 Kasuganocho, Nara, 630-8212, Japan)

and Kasuga Taisha Shrine (160 Kasuganocho, Nara, 630-8212, Japan), which is clan/family founded shrine from Nara period (8 century).

• Back in Kyoto, I visited more shrines. For example, Kōdō Gyōgan-ji buddhist Temple (Japan, 〒604-0991 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Gyoganji Monzencho) with lotus pots and adorable cats wandering around!

• Kinkaku-ji or the famous Golden Pavillion. The first one, I think, it is not exactly a goshuin, but a blessing for good luck, but I’ll take it! I also had amazing green tea here with a garden view.

• Sanjūsangendō Temple – a very unique Buddhist temple, with 1001 wooden of Kannon goddess of compassion, and it is a part of a Kannon pilgrimage (total of 33 temples). Must visit!

• Yasui Kompiragū Shrine. Social media made this shrine with make a wish rock very popular, but it is still worth visiting, especiallyif you’re walking through Gion disctrict.(70 Shimobentencho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0823, Japan)

Where I got Goshuin Stamps In Osaka

Unfortunately, I didn’t get as many temple visits in Osaka as I wished as pretty much all the days we were here it was raining. I was still exploring through the rain, but I did have less patience haha

• Shitennō-ji (1 Chome-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan), beautiful buddhist temple with more than 14 centuries of history. Stamp came with a quick history page.

• Hozenji Mizukake Fudoson Temple is right around the corner from Dotonbori tucked between streets, almost like you’re walking into someone’s backyard. Very interesting moss-covered statue of Fudo Myoo (he carries wisdom and protection). (1 Chome-2-16 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan)

• Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine. The castle and the museum nearby are a must, and you can also visit relatevely recent (300 years compared to millenia old) shrine within its grounds.

• Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine (2 Chome-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0045, Japan). Massive compound and garden to walk and explore. Beautiful vermilion structures, lots of small shrines, and a rabbit statue! I loved it more than Shentoonji…

At Sumiyoshi Taisha, the lady was wearing stunning headpiece and she allowed me to take a photo! It was so beautiful and she was so elegant with it:

• Namba Yatsuka Shrine (2 Chome-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016, Japan) with its signature lion head on the seal

Made A Stop In Fujinomya: +2 Goshuin

If you’re taking a train from Kyoto or Osaka to Tokyo or the other way around, stop by and visit waterfalls, nature, or even climb Fuji (if routes are open).

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine – enshrined the spirit of the Mountain Fuji to provide peace to the villages around. Also has spring water you can drink! (1-1 Miyacho, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0067, Japan)

And the second stamp from this shrine:

Where I got Goshuin Stamps In Tokyo

• Sensō-ji is extremely busy and there will be a line for goshuin. It is also sometimes hard to find it – there is a hall on the left from the main shrine where you can get it.

• Gotoku-ji Temple the iconic temple with thousands of lucky cats (manekineko).You can not only collect a goshuin here, but buy your own kitty 🙂

• Nezu Shrine with amazing garden and a tunnel with red Toori gates alongside the garden. 1 Chome-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0031, Japan

• Kanda Shrine had a special edition for the festival . It is one of the 3 important Shinto festivals in Tokyo dedicated to three deities. The stamp is an artwork!

• Shinagawa Shrine. Less popular shrine in Tokyo that I stumbled on looking for pigmetns (for painting). A few deities are enshrined here, but come say a thank you to Ame-no-hirinome-no-mikoto – she protect travelers (as I understood).

• Namiyoke Shrine – small shrine by the old Tsukiji fish market famous for the massive lions heads on display, for protection, of course.

• Meiji Jingu (likely)

• Shibamata Taishakuten Temple goshuin is my favorite, most loved stamp! It is made by hand and it was a special edition during spring and Golden week and it is much larger than regular stamps. The temple itself and the area around it are amazing – lots of traditional wooden architecture and wood carvings.

• Hanazono Shrine (5 Chome-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan) known for its festival and granting prosperity, love, and success for worshippers. It has lots of lanterns and red tori gates!

• Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine. It is a peaceful, overlooked shrine worshipping deity of warriors, with a sumo ring dating back to Edo era because the founder of this shrine loved wrestling himself.

Kamakura (a day trip from Tokyo I highly recommend!!)

I got of the Kita Kamakura Train station and walked my way through a few temples until I reached the city, and last I went to Kotokuin (Big Buddha, the most famous temple from Kamakura). Absolutely magical day, even if you don’t collect stamps, it is so green, pretty, and cozy!

• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (2 Chome-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588, Japan). Massive, beautiful shrine that leads you into the city (if you coming from the Kita Kamakura station)

• Kenchoji Temple (8 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8525, Japan). Absolutely gorgeous, wooden temples from 13th century, zen gardens, and amazing views.

• Meigetsu-in (189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, Japan). Another amazing temple in Kamakura where we had with my partner some green tea and sweet treat in a peaceful garden. Go when hortenzias are in season, you will be in paradise!

• Engaku-ji Temple and a comemortive stamp (on the left/top) dedicated to Hojo Tokimune who during shogun times fought off mongol invasions and contributed to the spread of buddhism in Japan. And second stamp is very sepcial and pretty – issued for the festival (on the right/bottom).

• Tokei-ji Temple – a very quiet and serene temple within a garden that used to be a refuge for women. (1367 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, Japan)

• Kotokuin Temple (4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan) is probably the most famous from Kamakura thanks to its hilltop location and Great Buddha. I have a regular and a special goshuin from this temple:

My Goshuin Map

To help you plan your trip around shinto shrines and buddhist temples, I added all the ones I visited and collected stamps at at this Google Map:

Goshuin Stamps Map

FAQs

Are goshuin stamps free?

No, usually regular goshuin stamps at shrines and temples are about 200 to 500 Yen (1.3-3.4 USD), while special editions and seasonal stamps, including cut out stamps of larger size can be about 1000 yen (about 7 USD).

These are the prices I paid for my stamps in 2023 in South and Central Japan.

Are goshuin books double sided?

Yes, these goshuin books (goshuincho) for collecting stamps have a special format like an accordion and you can put stamps on both sides. Shrine workers will know what to do.

You can easily fit 40+ stamps in one book.

Can Christians collect goshuin?

Of course! No one at a shrine will ask you about your beliefs or reject you.

Any religion is welcome unless there is something within your own systems of values that doesn’t allow you to receive goshuin stamps or say a blessing or a prayer in a shinto or buddhist temple.

Can you frame goshuin?

Yes, especially seasonal goshuin that often have A4 format and are incredibly beautiful pieces of art.