The Goshuincho: A Necessity for Japan Travel Enthusiasts
When it comes to things that I wish I had known before visiting (and eventually moving to) Japan, the goshuincho, a book used for collecting ink stamps and calligraphy from Japanese shrines, tops the list. So, allow me to save you some regret. If you are planning on visiting Japan, do yourself a favor and pick up a goshuincho at the first shrine or temple that you visit. A goshuincho can be the perfect memento for your travels and an elegant record of the many beautiful shrines and temples that you’ll see in Japan.
What Is a Goshuincho?
To understand what a goshuincho is, let’s dive into a brief Japanese lesson. The word, shuincho (朱印帳) is composed of two main parts. “Shuin” (朱印) means “red stamp/seal” and “cho” (帳) translates to “book/register.”
You may be wondering, what about the “go” (御)? This is simply added to make the term honorific. Bring everything together, and you have goshuincho, a book that serves as a beautiful record of your pilgrimages. However, there are responsibilities that come with the pleasure and privilege of filling up one of these beloved books.
