Explains how to use, carry, and store goshuincho

What is a Goshuincho?

First, let's review what a goshuincho is.

A goshuin book is a special notebook for receiving goshuin. You cannot receive goshuin in a notebook or diary, so you need a goshuin book.

By the way, the origin of goshuin dates back to the Edo period, and is said to have originated as a certificate of sutra offering. Today's goshuin generally include the name of the shrine or temple along with the date of the visit. It is recorded as proof of visiting the shrine or temple.

How to use the Goshuincho

Write "Goshuincho" on the blank page.

If the goshuincho is an original temple or shrine item, it will often already have "Goshuincho" handwritten or printed on it, but if there is nothing written on it, please write "Goshuincho" in calligraphy on the long, thin piece of white Japanese paper pasted on the cover.

Sometimes the shrine or temple where you purchased your goshuincho will write it for you when you receive your first goshuin, so if you're not confident in your handwriting, it's a good idea to ask them to do it for you.

Write your name or address

Now that visiting shrines and temples to collect goshuin stamps is popular, there are often long lines at some shrines and temples, and some people even get into trouble because they get the wrong goshuin book. To avoid losing your precious goshuin book, write your name in small letters on the blank space on the cover of the goshuin book.

Also, if you write your address along with your name, you can rest assured in case the item gets mixed up or lost. However, since both your name and address are personal information, if you are uncomfortable writing them down, it may be a good idea to attach some kind of mark to identify them.

Get a Goshuin

You can get a goshuin at a goshuin stamp office or a sutra office. Go to a goshuin stamp office or a sutra office and tell them that you would like to get a goshuin stamp.

Next, take out your goshuin book, open it to the page you want the goshuin to be written on, and hand it over to you. If the goshuin book has a cover, make sure to remove it before handing it over to you. Basic etiquette when receiving a goshuin is to not go to unnecessary trouble and be rude. Wait quietly while the goshuin is being written.

Once you receive the stamp, express your gratitude and offer the offering and sutra fees.

How to carry your goshuincho

When carrying your goshuin book to collect stamps, be sure to put it in a cloth "goshuin book bag."

Furthermore, if you use a goshuincho cover, you can prevent it from getting scratched or dirty.

How to store your goshuincho

The goshuincho is proof of your important connection with gods and Buddhas, so be sure to store it carefully.

The generally recommended way to store a goshuincho is to put it in a box on a Shinto altar or in a drawer in a Buddhist altar. However, nowadays many homes do not have a Shinto altar or a Buddhist altar. In such cases, you should treat it like a valuable item and store the goshuincho in the same place you store those items.

Another good idea is to use special storage boxes to store them.

Major temples and shrines along the Nankai Line where you can get a goshuin stamp

Finally, we will introduce the main temples and shrines along the Nankai Line where you can get goshuin stamps.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

This is the head shrine of Sumiyoshi Shrine, which has about 2,300 shrines nationwide. It is known as "Sumiyossan" in Osaka, and has been loved since ancient times. It is also famous nationwide for attracting more than 2.3 million pilgrims at the beginning of the year. In addition to the two types of goshuin stamps, "Sumiyoshi Taisha" and "Shinkoshoumi," which can be obtained any day, Sumiyoshi Taisha also has rare goshuin stamps that can only be obtained once a month or once a year.

DATA

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

This shrine enshrines Ebisu, the god of prosperity in business. The Toka Ebisu festival, held for three days from January 9th to 11th every year, is a very lively event, attracting approximately one million worshippers every year. There are two types of goshuin stamps at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine: one that can be obtained at any time, and one that is only available during the Toka Ebisu festival, with a bamboo motif.

DATA

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

This shrine is located near the summit of Mount Kongo, which runs across the border between Osaka and Nara prefectures. Currently, 38 Katsuragi shrines, the guardian deities of Mount Kongo, are enshrined here. Mount Kongo has long been considered a sacred mountain of Shinto and Buddhism, a fusion and harmony of the two faiths. At Katsuragi Shrine, you can get a goshuin stamp that reads "Ichitonushi no Okami."

DATA

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

If you treat your goshuincho with care, you may receive even more blessings!

This time, we explained how to use, carry, and store a goshuincho. When receiving a goshuin, which represents an important connection with gods and Buddhas, you should observe proper etiquette. If you handle it with care, you will receive more blessings. We encourage you to go on a goshuin tour along the Nankai line.

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