MEANING of "SHRINE STAMPS" 〈御朱印の意味〉

If you ever have a chance to visit Japan, one of the things that could lighten up your travel might be collecting the Shrine Stamps. In Japanese it is called "Go-shu-in", in which you can received them only at shrines. I learned about these stamps couple of years ago, and before that I didn't even know that they existed, but once I did, I got addicted in collecting these holy stamps.

It is called a stamp but what they give you is usually stamp + autograph of the shrine's name to prove that you have paid a visit there.

And the beautiful hand writing is one of the reasons that attracts people.

Shrines are located everywhere in Japan but not all of them provide stamps. Usually where they do, they also sell notebooks exclusively for these stamps. There are certain procedures to receive these stamps respectfully so here it goes!

1. Visit a shrine.

2. Bow before/after you pass the grand frame entrance. (called "Tori-i)

3. Wash your hands. (There will be a lots of dipper at the water section near the entrance.)

4. Go to the praying spot first and NOT to the stamp area.

5. Carefully place a coin inside the front box. (Don't throw!)

6. Two bows. two claps, pray and One last bow.

7. THEN go to the shrine stamp receiving counter.

8. Give your notebook and show them where you want the stamp.

9. Fee is usually 500 yen. If they only accept your price, 300-500 yen is ok.

10. Receive your stamp!

Super easy right? But as a person who loves this, I hope everyone understands and shows respect by following the procedure:) Oh, and don't worry if you forget your notebook! In some shrines, they sell the stamp in soft papers so you can take it back and paste it to your notebook. Simply ask for the strip (called "Fuda" in Japanese) and pay the fee.

With this mission you can enjoy visiting the beautiful shrine and feel the history in it's atmosphere!

I will continue to update when I receive another beautiful stamp!

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御朱印の存在をしったのはぼく最近でした。それまではそんなものが存在するとはつゆ知らず。

けどやっぱり日本を旅するなら御朱印を目的に各地を回るのもすごく素敵だと思い、今ではできるだけ参拝の後いただいています。

ちゃんとお参りした後にもらうのが気持ちいいし、他の人もそうしてくれると本当に気分いい！

最近は御朱印張を忘れても「お札でください」と伝えればいただけることが判明！

写真は二子玉川駅近くの玉川神社でいただいたものです。達筆で嬉しい。

また日本いったときは御朱印張も持っていこう。

#visitjapan #travel