[Gunma Prefecture, Nakanojo Town] Tour from JR Nakanojo Station! Collecting Goshuin Stamps

In recent years, an increasing number of people are collecting goshuin stamps while touring temples and shrines across the country. We will introduce temples and shrines where you can receive goshuin stamps around Nakanojo Station.

Written by

Gunma Prefecture Nakanojo Town Tourism Association

Nakanojo Town in Gunma Prefecture is a hot spring resort town with hot springs such as Shima, Sawatari, and Kuni. It is a rural area filled with nature, with places such as Lake Nozori, Yoshigadaira, and Chatsubomigoke Park. Ancient events and culture such as the Torioi Festival and Gion Festival remain. The town also holds the Nakanojo Biennale, an international contemporary art festival, every two years. We will introduce the charms of Nakanojo Town.

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Table of Contents
What is a goshuin?
1. Rinshoji Temple
2. Seikenji Temple
3. Agatsuma Shrine
4. Chikato Shrine
5. Etiquette when receiving a goshuin

What is a goshuin?

A goshuin is a stamp given to a shrine or temple as proof of visiting.

It is common for the name of the temple or shrine and the date of the visit to be written on it.

The designs vary depending on the temple or shrine, so it's fun to collect them as a souvenir of your visit!

Here we will introduce temples and shrines that can be reached from JR Nakanojo Station.

1. Rinshoji Temple

A Soto Zen temple founded in the Heian period.

This temple is associated with the Sanada clan, a warlord of the Sengoku period, and the roof of the main hall is designed with a six-mon coin, known as the Sanada clan's family crest.

The goshuin is stamped with a seal.

We recommend visiting in early April, when the weeping cherry blossoms on the temple grounds are at their best.

Access: 5 minutes walk from Nakanojo Station

Weeping cherry blossoms at Rinshoji Temple

377-0423 Gunma, Agatsuma District, Nakanojo Town, Isemachi 1002

This temple has its origins in the Sengoku period warlord Sanada clan. The weeping cherry tree between the Kannon Hall and the bell tower in the temple grounds blooms beautifully every year in early April, making it a famous spot.

2. Seikenji Temple

A Jodo sect temple founded in the Muromachi period.

There is a Kannon statue about 6 meters tall in the precincts. (Joushu Kannon Pilgrimage No. 26)

The zelkova trees surrounding the temple grounds are over 300 years old and are designated as a natural monument of the town.

Access: 12 minutes on foot from Nakanojo Station

Seikenji Temple website

3. Agatsuma Shrine

The main deity, Onamushi-no-Kami, is the god of matchmaking, safety of the home, and recovery from illness.

There are various types of goshuin stamps, usually for monthly visits and seasonal ones. The stylish designs delight visitors.

Access: 20 minutes on foot from Nakanojo Station / 4 minutes on the local bus bound for Nakayama-Honshuku from Nakanojo Station, then 3 minutes on foot from the Toriihara bus stop

Agatsuma Shrine's website is here

4. Chikato Shrine

The 700-year-old giant zelkova tree is the second largest tree in the prefecture.

You can receive a goshuin at the roadside station Reizan Takeyama, located across from the shrine (written stamps only).

Every year on May 5th, the annual festival of Chikato Shrine is held, and after the ritual, the local performing art of Daidai Kagura is performed.

Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Nakanojo Station / Approximately 1 hour on foot from Nakanojo Station (You can also rent an e-bike at the Tsumuji Furusato Exchange Center along the way.)

Roadside Station Reizan Takeyama

377-0432 222-1 Gotanda, Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture

There are shops selling local specialties, soba restaurants, athletic facilities, and more, so everyone from adults to children can have fun. Every year from mid-April to mid-May, about 100 carp streamers flutter in the sky. The scenery changes with the seasons, from forest bathing to autumn leaves, and attracts visitors.

5. Etiquette when receiving a goshuin

A goshuin is proof of worship, not a stamp rally.

Accept it with the same respect as if you were receiving a talisman.

1. Complete your worship first.

Instead of aiming to get a goshuin stamp, first calm your mind and pray.

2. Prepare your goshuincho in advance.

It cannot be received in a notepad or notebook.

3. Check the reception hours.

Please check the reception hours on the website before visiting.

Reception hours vary depending on the temple or shrine.

4. Wait quietly.

Please wait quietly while they write your stamp book.

Some temples and shrines will accept the gift written on a form in advance.

5. Be grateful.

Once you receive the goshuin, express your gratitude.

- Why not go out and make some fun memories while observing proper etiquette? -

Written by

Gunma Prefecture Nakanojo Town Tourism Association

Gunma

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