Goshuinchō 御朱印帳
A Goshuinchō, often translated as a “book of seals,” is a traditional Japanese book used to collect seals from Shinto shrines. These seals, called 御朱印 Goshuin, are unique stamps with vermilion ink and calligraphy, inscribed by Shinto shrine officials as proof of a visitor’s pilgrimage.
The practice of collecting these seals dates back centuries and is believed to have originated as a way to prove that a person had copied sutras during devotional practice.
Collecting Goshuin has gained widespread popularity, especially among young people and tourists. Many use their Goshuinchō as a souvenir, filling it with seals from places they’ve visited.
These Goshuinchō and Goshuin are available at the Shamusho, or shrine office, in exchange for a donation. Some Shinto shrines offer additional, special seals to mark the seasons, celebrate festivals, or highlight unique features of the area.
To use a Goshuinchō, simply bring it to the shrine office, where a staff member will inscribe the seal along with the shrine name and date of the visit.
Receive our Shrine’s Goshuin at our in person events, such as Oshōgatsu or Aki-matsuri. Goshuin are only available in person and cannot be received online.
Please note: A Goshuinchō is intended exclusively for official Goshuin stamps received directly from Shinto shrines and should not be used for unrelated stamps, such as train stamps or stickers. It is also recommended to keep separate Goshuinchō when visiting Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.
