Jenna Anand, December 9, 2025
While in Japan this November, I learned about Goshuin, which is a stamp or seal which you can get at most shrines or temples in Japan. Goshuin refers to the red seal of the shrine or temple, and is accompanied by beautiful calligraphy typically covering the shrine or temple name, date of visit and sometimes a short prayer. As a big fan of Japanese calligraphy, I was thrilled to learn about Goshuin and start collecting these beautiful reminders of where we visited. The first one I received was the most special – my good friend Hirori took me to a temple she lived in as a child, where Priest Nakajima-san painted the first entry into the Goshuincho book his wife, Junko-san, gifted.
You can see some photos of my Goshuin here, and also learn more about Goshuin from this site. Each had it’s own unique style, both with the calligraphy, stamps but also the paper or seasonal images included. Enjoy these works of art!
