How to Use, Carry, and Store a Goshuincho

What is a Goshuincho?

First, let's review what a Goshuincho (Goshuin Book) is.

In a nutshell, a Goshuin Book is a specialized book made specifically for collecting Goshuin. In practice, Goshuin cannot be stamped on notebooks, or other journals; you need a dedicated Goshuin Book.

The origin of Goshuin dates back to the Edo period which is said to have started as a certificate of temple visits. Today's Goshuin generally include the name of the temple or shrine visited, along with the date of the visit, as a record of one's worship.

How to use the Goshuincho

Writing "Goshuin Book" on a Blank Space

In the case of original Goshuin Books from temples and shrines, the kanji for "Goshuin Book" may already be written or printed on the cover. If nothing is written, use a writing pen or a brush to write 御朱印長 (Goshuin Book) on the narrow white paper attached to the cover.

Some shrines or temples may also write it for you when you receive your first Goshuin, so if you're not confident with writing kanji, you can try and ask them to write it for you.

Writing Identifiers

With the popularity of Goshuin collecting, some shrines and temples may have longer queues, which sometimes results in mix-ups with Goshuin books. To prevent losing your valuable Goshuin book, it's recommended to write your name on the blank space on the cover.

Additionally, you can also try adding your address to provide further peace-of-mind in case of mix-ups or loss. However, since both your name and address are personal information, if you're hesitant to write them down, you could mark the Goshuin book with something distinctive instead.

Receiving a Goshuin

You can receive a Goshuin at the Goshuin desk or at a temple's "nokyosho" 納経所 (stamp office). Go to the Goshuin desk and let them know that you would like to receive a Goshuin.

Next, take out your Goshuin Book, open the page where you want the Goshuin to be written, and hand it over. If your Goshuin book has a cover, it's good manners to remove it before handing over the book. Avoid unnecessary inconvenience and be respectful while receiving a Goshuin. Wait patiently while they write in your book.

Once you've received your Goshuin, express your gratitude and pay the initial offering fee or nokyo fee.

Carrying your Goshuincho

When carrying a Goshuin Book for Goshuin collecting, it is recommended to place it in a bag, or a designated "Goshuincho Bag".

Additionally, if you cover your Goshuin Book, you can prevent it from getting scratched or dirty.

Storing your Goshuincho

A goshuin book is a precious item representing a connection with the gods and buddhas. It’s important to store it with care.

It is generally recommended to keep it in a box and place it on a household altar or in a drawer of a Buddhist altar. However, many homes today may not have a household or Buddhist altar. In that case, treat it like a valuable item and store it in a place where you keep other important belongings.

Alternately, using a dedicated storage box is also a good method.

Major Temples and Shrines Along the Nankai Line Where You Can Receive Goshuin

Finally, here are some of the main temples and shrines along the Nankai Line where you can receive goshuin.

Sumiyoshi Taisha

The main shrine of approximately 2,300 Sumiyoshi Shrines across Japan, affectionately known locally in Osaka as “Sumiyo-san.” It’s widely known nationwide, with over 2.3 million visitors at the beginning of the year. Sumiyoshi Taisha offers two types of goshuin, “Sumiyoshi Taisha” and “Shinko Shokai,” which are available year-round, as well as rare goshuin that are only available once a month or once a year.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (Amulet Gift Shop)

TEL: 06-6672-0753

Address: 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Access: 3 minutes on foot from Sumiyoshi-Taisha Station on the Nankai Main Line

About 5 minutes walk from Sumiyoshi-Higashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line

A short walk from the Sumiyoshi Torii-mae tram stop on the Hankai Tramway Hankai Line

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine

A shrine dedicated to Ebisu, the god of business prosperity. The Toka Ebisu Festival, held from January 9-11 each year, is very lively and attracts around one million worshippers annually. Imamiya Ebisu Shrine offers a regular goshuin and a limited goshuin featuring the motif of “sasa” (bamboo grass) available only during the Toka Ebisu period.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Business hours: 9:00-17:00

TEL: 06-6643-0150

Address: 1-6-10 Ebisu Nishi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Access: 2 minutes on foot from Imamiya Ebisu Station on the Nankai Koya Line

Mount Kongo Katsuragi Shrine

Located near the summit of Mt. Kongo, which straddles the Osaka and Nara prefectural border. This shrine enshrines 38 deities who protect Mt. Kongo. Mt. Kongo has long been a sacred mountain that harmoniously blends Shinto and Buddhism, known as “Shinbutsu Shugo.” At Katsuragi Shrine, you can receive a goshuin that reads "Ichigami no Omikoto" (Ichigami Deity).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

TEL: 0721-74-0005

Address: 1009-2 Chihaya, Chihayaakasaka Village, Minamikawachi District, Osaka Prefecture

Access: Take the bus from Kawachinagano Station on the Nankai Koya Line to Kongo Tozanguchi bus stop, then walk for about 70 minutes

Handle Your Goshuin Book Carefully to Enhance Your Blessings!

This time, we explained how to use, carry, and store a Goshuin book. When receiving a Goshuin, signifying an important connection with the gods and buddhas, it’s essential to observe proper manners. By handling it with care, you may enjoy even more blessings. Be sure to enjoy Goshuin collecting along the Nankai Line!

Original article:
https://otent-nankai.jp/category/topic/230118_goshuincho-howtouse_854