Goshuin: A Fun and Meaningful Way to Explore Japan’s Temples

A goshuin (御朱印) is a hand-drawn stamp you can receive at temples and shrines in Japan.

It includes beautiful calligraphy and red ink marks, showing the temple’s name and the date of your visit.

Collected in a special book called a goshuincho, each stamp becomes a unique and meaningful reminder of your journey.

You can get the special book at temple stores or markets!

At temples look for this sign:

This was at Meiji Temple in Tokyo

It’s basically a proof of your visit to the temple—and collecting them can feel like a fun scavenger hunt across different sites!

The word 御朱印 (goshuin) can be broken down like this:

• 御 (go) – an honorific prefix (shows respect)

• 朱 (shuin) – means “vermilion” or “red ink”

• 印 (in) – means “stamp” or “seal”

A simple translation of goshuin is:

“Honorable red seal” or “Temple stamp”

"Have an amazing experience collecting 御朱印 (goshuin) throughout Japan!"