Goshuin-cho

The Japanese love collecting things. When they go to temples or shrines, they often collect a goshuin or stamp, which is hand-written on the spot into their goshuin-cho, a special notebook for such stamps. Get a goshuin-cho at one of the major temples or a souvenir shop in town. When you visit a temple, go to the office and ask for a goshuin. They’ll write the name of the temple and its main deity in calligraphy and add bright red stamps right in front of your eyes. The action itself is graceful to watch, and you’ll have your own collection of magnificent goshuin to take home with you. It’s also a chance to chat with temple staff.

July 05, 2016