When it comes to picking souvenirs, it can be hard to find something true to the destination that isn’t a gimmick. Shops next to big attractions are filled with cheesy magnets, mugs, and coasters. If you’re going to Japan, your favorite souvenir might just be the size of your hand and covered in black and red ink. 

What Is a Goshuin?

A goshuin is a combination of stamps and handwritten Japanese calligraphy that documents your visit to Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Each goshuin is a work of art, meticulously painted with great care. 

It’s part of a beloved practice by both locals and visitors who collect goshuin in a special accordion book called a goshuincho. With each new stamp that fills the pages, it creates a beautiful travel log and spiritual record.

My First Goshuin

On my first morning in Tokyo, we followed signs for goshuin at Senso-Ji Temple. Inside a small building next to the main temple, we found three people at a table in white coats hunched over, paintbrushes in hand. 

I’d done research beforehand and knew I needed a goshuincho (stamp book). Luckily, next to the service counter, there were goshuincho in different sizes and a variety of colors lined up on a shelf. I picked the one that I knew would fit in my backpack and be easy to carry around. It had an orange cover with sparkly golden dragons and cost 2,500 Yen (approximately $17).

Now, I was ready to ask for my first goshuin. At the counter, one of the men in the white coats pointed to two pieces of paper. With limited English he explained the difference between the seals, and I chose the design that included the name of the temple and the date I visited. I handed my goshuincho to the man, who in return gave me a blue plastic token with a number on it. 

Overall, I was surprised with how few words we exchanged and I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of the process. Within 5 minutes, my number was called. I dropped 500 Yen into a blue tray, collected my book, and uttered my best “Arigato gozaimasu.” I opened the book with cautious excitement. I found three red stamps and calligraphy in bold, black strokes. Even though I couldn’t decipher the Japanese characters, the page’s contents felt precious and like a true work of art.

Goshuin: A Meaningful and Compact Souvenir

For the rest of the trip, the goshuincho went with me everywhere. I learned early on you never know when you’ll stumble on a shrine or temple. It might be down an alley, in the middle of a park, or even through a cave.

Filled with 17 goshuin, my little book (which I affectionately call my Temple Passport) holds the memories and stories from my trip to Japan. It reminds me of my visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo where I caught a peek of a marriage blessing and dozens of Shinto priests during their morning prayer. 

And of one of the shrines dotted along the 10,000 torii gates up Mount Fushimi Inari where my husband and I walked the route at 7:30am to beat the crowds (but it turns out we still weren’t early enough!)

There’s also the goshuin from Todaiji Temple in Nara–the city where deer roam in the streets–and the immense bronze Buddha statue (one of Japan’s largest) that left me speechless. 

Collecting goshuin was both a fun and meaningful way to engage with Japanese culture—and a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir. Now, my goshuincho sits on the bookshelf at home as a reminder of my honeymoon. Its handful of empty pages are a promise that we’ll return to Japan to fill them with more adventures. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Goshuin

How much does a Goshuin cost?

Typically, there is a small donation required for each Goshuin. I paid 500 Yen (approximately $3.50) most of the time. The donation helps support the temple or shrine.

Where can I collect Goshuin?

Goshuin can be collected at Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines across Japan. Some only offer pre-written or printed papers while others will handwrite and stamp your book.

Do I need to bring my own Goshuincho (Goshuin book)?

While you can bring your own Goshuincho (a special book for collecting stamps), many temples and shrines also sell them on-site. The book is where the stamps are placed and usually has spaces for multiple stamps to be added. You can’t, however, just bring any random notebook.

How do I request a Goshuin?

When you visit a temple or shrine, you can request a Goshuin at the office or altar (often a small building where temple or shrine officials are). There will usually be signs pointing you in the right direction or you can politely ask someone at the temple for help.

Can I collect Goshuin without participating in religious activities?

Yes, you can collect Goshuin without taking part in rituals or prayers. However, some temples and shrines might have specific customs for visitors, so it’s polite to respect the environment and traditions when visiting.

Is collecting Goshuin a tourist gimmick?

No, collecting Goshuin is practiced by locals as well as tourists and is a meaningful and sacred activity.