goshuin 御朱印 (kyoto, japan)

Posted by timothy sullivan (Tokyo, Japan) on 25 November 2008 in Lifestyle & Culture.

for any tourist to japan (or even fellow longer-time residents here), a goshuin (pronounced "go-shoe-in") is a pretty great japan souvenir, i should say. essentially, a goshuin is a smaller-sized book with blank, thicker-type paper that can be used as a kind of "passport" for each temple that you visit.

the actual book itself (right side) is usually around JPY1000 (around $10) and can be purchased at most temples (or even at some larger stationary stores). each "stamp" (left side) is usually JPY300 ($3).

once you had your book to one of the temple monks, he will sit down and give a fairly impressive demonstration of japanese calligraphy as he writes a blessing or similar on one of the blank pages. the goshuin itself is not only a rather nice way of remembering what temples you've been to, but is supposed to be quite a lucky item to have (as they are said to ward away bad spirits).

some useful phrases (to use at temples):
(these are probably the easiest ones to remember)
"Do you [have/sell] goshuin?" -- Goshuin ga arimasu ka?
"[I'd like my goshuin signed.]" -- Goshuin ga arimasu ga... (and show/present it to the temple staff)

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