One of the highlights of Japan travel is visiting shrines and temples, including famous Meiji jingu shrine, Kinkakuji temple and Kiyomizu Temple. There are many others. It is said there are more than 80,000 shrines and 70,000 temples in Japan. Shrines represent Japanese original religion Shinto, while temples Buddhism.
Japan is a polytheistic society
Shinto and Buddhism are coexisting; However, most Japanese are not their sincere believers, they visit shrines and temples only at ceremonies or as a kind of pastime. Shrines and temples welcome visitors and many of them provide a stamp to certify their visit if the visitor wishes. Usually, some hundred yen is psid for it.
This is called “Goshuin” (Red ink stamp). Each stamp is uniquely and beautifully designed. Special notebooks for it are on sale at 2,000-3000 yen. Now, collecting these stamps is booming. Many people visit for the purpose. It is no problem to get stamps from both shrines and temples.
3 recommended “Goshuin” (Red ink stamp)
Kumanotaisha Shrine (Yamagata-ken)
Kumanotaisha Shrine in Nanyo City is renowned for its cultural and historical significance, being one of the revered “Three Kumano Shrines” in Japan. Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Yamagata Prefecture, the shrine is particularly famous for its spiritual efficacy in matchmaking and good fortune. The monthly “Moon-Linking” prayer festival during the full moon is a unique and spiritual event for many visitors. The shrine’s grounds are also home to an impressive gingko tree, over 850 years old, symbolizing enduring vitality. Key attractions include a grand torii gate marking the entrance and a beautifully carved worship hall, adding to the shrine’s allure.
Oficial Website
Senso-ji (Tokyo)
Senso-ji, located in Tokyo, is an iconic tourist spot with a history stretching over 1,400 years. Notable for its architectural beauty, such as the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its giant lantern, the Hozomon Gate, and the five-story pagoda, it captivates visitors. The temple is renowned as a place where all kinds of wishes are believed to be fulfilled, drawing crowds year-round. At night, the temple’s enchanting illumination offers a mystical atmosphere distinct from the daytime. Moreover, the Nakamise-dori, a street leading to the temple, is lined with shops selling traditional Japanese sweets and souvenirs, allowing visitors to experience the local ambiance of Asakusa while shopping.
Official Website
Izumo Taisha (Shimane-ken)
Izumo Taisha, known formally as Izumo Oyashiro, stands as a pinnacle of spiritual significance in Japan, particularly revered for enmusubi — the matchmaking powers attributed to its deity, Okuninushi-no-Okami. This shrine, enveloped by a history stretching back to mythical times, captivates visitors with its grand architecture, including the honden (main hall) constructed in the distinctive Izumo style, a National Treasure of Japan. The shrine’s sprawling precincts host numerous rituals and festivals, notably the monthly Tsukinami Festival and the annual Kamiari Festival, which is a unique cultural experience reflecting the depth of Shinto traditions. Izumo Taisha is not just a sanctuary for spiritual seekers but also a monument of ancient engineering and artistry, highlighted by features like its massive shimenawa (sacred rope), which is among the largest in Japan.
Official Website
