Many temples and shrines in Japan offer a service called 御朱印 (go-shu-in). The staff stamp a piece of paper with a special commemorative stamp unique to that temple/shrine.
They also usually write some beautiful calligraphy at the same time.
The above is from the famous Sensōji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. You can see 浅草寺 (Sen-sō-ji) in the stamp at the bottom left.
Below is from Nakayama temple (中山時) in Hyōgo prefecture. It’s a very old temple which is part of an ancient pilgrimage route. The date is written on the right side – 平成三十年三月二十日 – Heisei year 30 [2018], March 20th.
I love the stylised way of writing 中山時 at the bottom left.
If you plan to visit lots of shrines and temples you can buy a special blank book to put them in called a 集印帳 (shū-in-chō).
You can find them in many different designs. Mine has a picture of Enoshima on the cover:
If you would like a go-shu-in stamp, just look for the sign saying 御朱印 (go-shu-in), hand your book to the staff on go-shu-in duty, and they will stamp it and write the calligraphy.
Sometimes this is at the same place as where they sell the lucky charms, or if it’s a popular place (such as Sensōji temple in Tokyo) it might be in a separate building.
Not all temples and shrines offer a go-shu-in service, but many do, especially those that are on popular pilgrimage trails. It makes a nice souvenir of your journey.
Calligraphy by Vicky 