Goshuincho
Goshuincho is a traditional Japanese notebook used to collect goshuin, which are special stamps or seals obtained at temples and shrines in Japan. The purpose of goshuincho is to serve as a record book, commemorating visits to these sacred places and receiving blessings.
Goshuincho is typically designed as a compact and portable notebook. The cover is often made of durable material like silk or cloth and decorated with intricate patterns or traditional motifs, reflecting the aesthetic beauty of Japanese culture. Some goshuincho may have a hardcover or be bound like a traditional Japanese book.
Inside the goshuincho, you will find blank pages specially designed to receive the goshuin stamps. These pages are made of high-quality washi paper, which is thick and smooth to prevent ink from smudging. Each page typically has a designated area for the stamp, along with spaces to record the date, temple or shrine name, and any additional notes.
When visiting a temple or shrine, you present your goshuincho to the priest or monk to receive a goshuin stamp. The stamp is usually created with a calligraphy brush and ink, bearing the name and insignia of the specific place you visit. Each goshuin stamp is unique, making it a treasured and one-of-a-kind memento.