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Goshuin

Goshuin (Goshuin) refers to a certificate of worship granted by Japanese shrines and temples to visitors and believers. When praying, you only need to present a small amount of money to go to the Goshuin Shrine, where the Shinto craftsmen put their own stamps on their own. Goshuin is famous for its unique appearance, and is a unique souvenir for visitors to commemorate the shrines and temples they have visited. Therefore, today I would like to introduce you to:

• Origin of the name Goshuin
• Sorting goshuin at shrines and temples
• Goshuin book
• How to get a goshuin
• Manners and taboos

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Origin of the name Goshuin

The name Goshuin derives from the special materials and techniques used in its production process. This name is made up of two parts:“” (go)It is a preface of honorable words, which underlines the sanctity and special nature of goshuin.“Red seal” (shuin) It refers to a bright red seal. The traditional goshuin has the date of worship and the words “worship” or “worship” written in black letters. The Shinto Craftsman's Association represents the red seal of the shrine or temple on the upper lid. On special days or holidays, limited-edition goshuin in different colors will also be awarded!

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Sorting goshuin at shrines and temples

The goshuin of shrines and temples each has its own unique style. Generally speaking, a shrine's goshuin often has the word “worship” engraved on the right side, while the left side records the date of worship. The font is square, and the overall content is relatively simple. In comparison, a temple's goshuin usually marks the date of worship on the right side, and includes a Sanskrit seal. The font is rather sketchy, showing more rich content.

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Goshuin book

Please bring your goshuin book before asking a priest to grant a goshuin. It's worth noting that clergymen usually don't provide red prints on plain paper or notebooks. The goshuin book has a unique standard and style. It is a long strip of paper folded upside down, so it can be used on both sides. You can buy goshuin books at some shrines and temples (usually at goshuin shops) or stationery stores, and I bought it myself at a souvenir shop in Nara to commemorate the first goshuin I received!

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How to get a goshuin

Shrines and temples have unique ways to visit, please see for details[Japan] Shrines and Temples: How to Identify and Unique Ways to Visit. Once you have completed your visit, you can go to the “Goshuin Hall” (also known as the “Giyosho”) and pay a fixed fee (usually around 300 yen to 500 yen). This fee is a form of support for a temple or shrine, as well as a way to express good faith. When a Shinto craftsman provides a goshuin at the stamp window, please hand over the goshuin book to him with both hands. You may be able to choose one of the many designs to commemorate a specific visiting experience. If the craftsman is not on site, they may sometimes provide a pre-written or printed goshuin, and you can take it home and stick it on your goshuin book after paying a fee.

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Manners and taboos

Please abide by the following etiquette and taboos when receiving a goshuin:

• My parentsVisit shrines and temples, worship gods and Buddha, then buy the appropriate goshuin (for example, if you have only visited Kannon Bosatsu, don't buy the golden goshuin)
• Be prepared to change; most goshuin offices only accept cash
• Maintain a respectful attitude and keep quiet
• Observe other manners in shrines and temples (photography is not permitted in some places)
• You should not buy or resold; you should not receive it on your behalf; nor should you receive it on your behalf or give it to another person as a souvenir
• It is best to prepare two different types of red seal books to collect goshuin from Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Some Shinto craftsmen don't write the two types of goshuin books.

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