Goshuincho, books for collecting religious stamps in Japan

Goshuin are the beautiful, decorative seals / stamps with calligraphy you can get at temples and shrines in Japan. You can buy them on a sheet of paper or get them stamped directly into a goshuincho 御朱印帳. A goshuincho is like a notebook, designed specifically for collecting goshuin. You can buy them at various temples and shrines around Japan, but you can also buy them online. Prices typically start from around 900 yen, but 1500 to 2000 yen is more common.

Can you use goshuincho for other purposes? Officially, yes, but there is a superstition around using them for other purposes. As goshuincho is traditionally meant for collecting shrine and temple seals, many people feel it’s disrespectful to use them for anything else. It is treated like a sacred item because it’s used at religious sites. Because of that, most Japanese people avoid using it for unrelated notes, sketches, or travel journaling.

A distinguishing feature of goshuincho is the way they open, like an accordion. This is called Jabara-shiki (蛇腹式) or Orihon (折本). The pages are not stitched like a normal book; instead, they are a single, long strip of thick paper folded back and forth. They are also double sided so you can collect on both sides. Moreover, when fully opened you can view multiple stamps at once and it creates an unique panoramic mosaic or collage of sorts. They are a beautiful keepsake and make a fun addition to a shrine or temple visit.

However, that is hinged on you remembering to bring your goshuincho with you, which is something I personally struggle with! Do you remember to bring your goshuincho with you? Pictured, my favorite goshuincho to date, with a limited-edition design for tanabata. I got it a few summers ago at a prominent shrine, known for its peacocks, in Saitama City.