Collecting temple stamps has become popular in recent years, but what exactly is its appeal?

This article explains the appeal of goshuin and why they are so popular.

For more information on the meaning and effects of goshuin, please see the article below.

What is a goshuin? Explaining its meaning, effects, how to get one, and important points to note

What is Goshuin Collecting? ~Definition and History~

First, before exploring the appeal of collecting goshuin, let's take a look at the definition and historical background of goshuin.

Basic definition of goshuin

A goshuin is a commemorative stamp that is stamped into a goshuin book when you visit a temple or shrine. It describes the origin of each temple or shrine, the date of worship, the benefits it brings, and other information, and expresses the characteristics of that temple or shrine. Goshuin are characterized by handwritten characters and unique impressions, and each temple or shrine has a different design. The unique design is one of the important elements that convey the atmosphere and characteristics of the temple or shrine you have visited, which is also one of the attractions of collecting goshuin.

The historical background of collecting goshuin stamps

It is said that goshuin stamps originally began as proof given when a copy of a sutra was submitted to a temple. During the Edo period, the custom of worshippers collecting goshuin stamps as a record of their pilgrimage spread, and gradually came to take on cultural significance. In particular, from the 18th century onwards, the custom of having a stamp written in a sutra book when visiting a temple or shrine became established, and this led to the goshuin stamps we see today. Since the Meiji period, they have gradually become common as a souvenir of sightseeing or travel, and in modern times have become established as a hobby and part of culture.

The appeal of collecting goshuin stamps: What makes them so popular?

From here, we will explain the appeal of collecting goshuin from seven perspectives.

 

Charm 1: The unique feeling of being a one-of-a-kind item

All goshuin stamps received at shrines and temples are handwritten, and each one has a different look, as the feel varies depending on the writer. The beauty of the carefully written characters and seals is something special that can only be obtained on the spot. Each goshuin stamp is carefully and lovingly written, and is truly a chance encounter. There is a special feeling that can only be found in analog, and many people are attracted to its charm.

 

Charm 2: Designs that change with the seasons and festivals

Even within the same shrine or temple, some temples change the design of their goshuin depending on the season or event you visit. Designs unique to each season, such as cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, New Year's Day, or special festival goshuin, are attractive as they vividly decorate the scenery from all over Japan. Collecting goshuin that are only available during certain seasons can be one of the joys of the season.

Jorakuji Temple in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, offers a different goshuin stamp every month. You can enjoy beautiful goshuin stamps that change with the seasons. What's more, on the day of the Dragon, you can have your stamp written in gold lettering, and you can choose the words to be written, such as "Increase in financial luck" or "Good luck and protection from evil."

See the Goshuin stamp of Jorakuji Temple

 

Advantage 3: Record your own travels to create memories

The goshuin stamps collected in a goshuin book become a record of the places you have visited. Every time you look at the goshuin stamps you have collected, memories of that time come back to you. There is something special about collecting memories. A goshuin book becomes like your own personalized album. Every time you look at it, you can recall memories of your outings and trips, and its appeal is that it allows you to preserve memories in a more real way than photos on your smartphone.

 

4. Deepen your understanding of local culture

One of the attractions of collecting goshuin stamps is that it naturally deepens your understanding of Japanese history and culture. Shrines and temples around the country have their own unique cultures and customs. By visiting shrines and temples, you can experience the traditions, beliefs, and characteristics of the area, making discoveries that you wouldn't get in your everyday life.

Attraction 5: The beauty of traditional Japanese calligraphy and art

Goshuin stamps are written in beautiful calligraphy using calligraphy techniques. Each shrine or temple has its own unique style of calligraphy and design, and enjoying the differences between them is one of the attractions of collecting goshuin stamps. Goshuin stamp designs are also diverse, with motifs of Japanese gods and mythology, as well as designs of temples and shrines. One of the attractions of collecting goshuin stamps is that you can experience Japanese calligraphy and art that you would not normally be able to come into contact with.

 

Attraction 6: The fun of learning about history

Goshuin strongly reflect the history and culture of each shrine or temple. Goshuin from various regions often feature the deity enshrined in that shrine or the Buddha of the temple. By learning the meaning behind each goshuin, you can learn about the gods and Buddhas of the temples and shrines you visit, and it can also be an opportunity to learn about good fortune. One of the attractions of collecting goshuin is that rather than simply praying, you can learn more about the history and culture of the temples and shrines you visit in the process of collecting them, which can lead to deeper learning.

Charm 7: A quiet time to soothe the soul

One of the attractions of collecting goshuin stamps is that it allows you to take time to reflect. Making new discoveries at the places you visit and calming your mind in a quiet space is a precious time to reflect on yourself. By getting away from your busy daily life and facing your inner self in a sacred space, you will be able to gain awareness and healing. The ability to find such peace of mind is one of the great attractions of goshuin stamp collecting.

summary

In this article, we have introduced the definition and history of collecting goshuin stamps, as well as their appeal.

What we've introduced here is only a small part of the appeal of collecting goshuin stamps. You'll discover even more of their appeal as you actually collect them. Nowadays, there are more goshuin stamps that can be sent by mail, making goshuin stamps even more accessible. Let's make your life more colorful through the many fascinating aspects of collecting goshuin stamps.

Click here for the special goshuin stamp of Jorakuji Temple