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How to Receive a Goshuin|A Beginner’s Guide to Shrine and Temple Seals

A goshuin is a handwritten seal you receive as proof of your visit to a shrine or temple: brush calligraphy in black ink with red stamps. Each place has its own design, and more and more travelers collect them as memories of their journey.

What is a goshuin?

A goshuin shows the name of the shrine or temple and the date of your visit in ink, with red seals. Originally it was given at temples as proof that a worshipper had copied and offered a Buddhist sutra. Today it is given at both shrines and temples as proof that you came to pray.

A goshuin is not a souvenir stamp — it is a sign of your connection with the deities and Buddhas. Please treat it with care.

Get a goshuin book

Goshuin are written in a special book called a goshuin-cho. You can get one at many shrines and temples, and also at stationery shops. Some places offer their own original books.

Most places are fine with shrine and temple seals in the same book, but if you prefer, keep separate books for shrines and temples.

The steps

1. First, pray at the shrine or temple. A goshuin is proof of your visit, so pray before asking for one.

2. Go to the counter (juyosho, or the goshuin/nokyo office).

3. Open your book to the page you want written on and hand it over. Removing any cover is a kind touch.

4. Pay the offering fee (hatsuhoryo at shrines, nokyoryo at temples) and receive your book. It is often around 300–500 yen — follow the posted price.

Manners to keep in mind

• Have small change ready so no change is needed.
• Wait quietly while it is being written, and please do not take photos or videos.
• When it is busy, you may receive a pre-written sheet (kakioki). Paste it neatly into your book later.
• Each place has set hours for goshuin, and some close in the late afternoon, so go early.
• Some shrines and temples do not offer goshuin. If so, please do not insist.

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