GOSHUINCHO

GOSHUIN-CHO

GOSHUIN is the name of a kind of special souvenir book you can buy at a Japanese shrine and temple. "GOSHOIN" refers to the stamps (seals) people can get at these places, while "CHO" means a notebook.

Therefore, GOSHUINCHO means a notebook in which you can collect the stamps given at each shrine or temple you visit. Every temple and shrine has its own "stamp". It is a Japanese tradition of collecting red ink seals from Japanese templs and shrines.

Here's mine. These stamps are from the Ontake Shrine, the Hie Shrine and the Sengen Shrine in Tokyo. I plan to collect more, because it is fascinating to see unique seals and calligraphy.

GOSHUINs from the Hie Shrine and the Sengen Shrine in Tokyo

There is a counter at every shrine to get "GOSHUIN". After prayig or making a wish, you can ask for a "Goshuin" at the counter and show your GOSHINCHO (stamp book). A priest at temple or shrine will write the name of the shrine or temple and the date in black ink and put a red stamp on it. It usually costs Yen300 ~ 500.- Even if you do not have a Goshuincho, you can ask for a sheet of paper for writing the name of the shsrine or temple and put a red stamp.

I got my GOSHUINCHO (JPY1,700) at Haibara stationery store in Nihonbashi. Why not get one! It will give you unforgettable memory of your visit to Japan.

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Haibara

Tokyo Nihonbashi Tower

2-7-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Tokyo metro Ginza Line, Tozai line, Toei Asakusa Line, Exit B6

Open: Mon through Fri 10:00 ~ 18:30

Sat & Sun: 10:00 ~ 17:30

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