Everything You Need to Know

Goshuin Atlas is a comprehensive mobile app designed to help travelers discover, navigate, and collect goshuin (sacred stamps) from Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines across Japan. The app combines cultural education with practical travel tools to enhance your spiritual journey.

Yes, Goshuin Atlas offers a comprehensive set of core features completely free. This includes temple discovery, basic collection tracking, and cultural information. Premium features for advanced organization and unlimited entries may be available in future updates.

Goshuin Atlas is available for download on the Apple App Store for iOS devices. Simply search for 'Goshuin Atlas' or visit our website to get the direct download link. The app requires iOS 15.0 or later.

No account creation is required. Goshuin Atlas works entirely offline with local data storage, ensuring your privacy while providing instant access to all features without any registration process.

Absolutely! Core temple information, your saved temples, and essential features work completely offline. While some mapping features for new areas require internet connectivity, previously viewed areas and all saved data remain accessible without connection.

Goshuin Atlas currently supports English, French, Portuguese, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese languages. Additional language support will be added based on user demand and community feedback.

The app features an intelligent search system that lets you find temples by name, location, region, or temple type. You can filter results by distance, difficulty level, and available goshuin types to plan your perfect pilgrimage route.

Yes! The app lets you bookmark your favorite temples and shrines, track which ones you've visited, and build a personalized list of sacred sites to explore on your journey through Japan.

A goshuin is a sacred seal stamp provided by Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Japan as proof of your visit. These artistic stamps are hand-brushed by monks or shrine staff and traditionally collected in special books called goshuincho, representing your spiritual pilgrimage journey.

Buddhist temples (marked by gates called 'sanmon') focus on Buddhist teachings and often feature pagodas and Buddha statues. Shinto shrines (marked by 'torii' gates) honor Japanese kami (spirits) and typically include sacred objects. Both offer unique goshuin with distinct artistic styles.

Goshuin typically cost between 300-500 yen (roughly $2-4 USD) at most temples and shrines. Some special or elaborate goshuin may cost more. The fee supports temple maintenance and is considered a respectful offering.

Approach with respect and bow before requesting. Have your goshuincho (stamp book) ready and opened to the correct page. Wait patiently as creation takes time. Offer the appropriate fee and bow when receiving your completed goshuin.

The Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage (西国三十三所, Saigoku Sanjūsan-sho) is Japan's oldest pilgrimage route, consisting of 33 Buddhist temples dedicated to Kannon (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) throughout the Kansai region. Established in 718 CE, it spans areas including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama, Hyogo, and Shiga prefectures. Each temple offers a unique goshuin commemorating your visit. Completing the entire pilgrimage traditionally takes several weeks on foot, but modern pilgrims often complete it over several trips. The number 33 represents the 33 manifestations of Kannon. Three additional temples (bangai) are also traditionally visited. Use Goshuin Atlas to track your progress through this historic spiritual journey.

The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (四国八十八ヶ所, Shikoku Hachijūhakkasho) is considered Japan's most important Buddhist pilgrimage. This 1,200-kilometer route circles the island of Shikoku, visiting 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), founder of Shingon Buddhism. The pilgrimage takes 30-60 days to complete on foot, though many modern pilgrims complete sections over multiple trips or travel by car/bus. Each temple offers a unique goshuin, and completing all 88 is considered a profound spiritual achievement. The pilgrimage represents a journey of self-reflection and spiritual growth. Goshuin Atlas can help you track your progress through this transformative journey.

Your complete privacy is guaranteed. All your saved temples and personal information are stored locally on your device using Apple's secure SwiftData framework. We never access, upload, or share your data with any external servers or third parties.

Location services are used only when you choose to enable them for finding nearby temples. Location data is processed locally on your device and is never transmitted to external servers. You maintain full control over location permissions.

Goshuin Atlas operates with a privacy-first approach, collecting no personal data. All app usage, goshuin records, and preferences remain entirely on your device. No analytics, tracking, or data transmission occurs.

While designed for use in Japan, the app serves as an excellent pre-trip planning tool. You can explore temple information, learn about goshuin culture, plan your itinerary, and familiarize yourself with locations before your journey to Japan.

Most temples and shrines offer goshuin during regular visiting hours, typically 9 AM to 4 PM. Avoid major holidays and festivals when sites may be crowded. Early morning visits often provide a more peaceful experience and shorter wait times.

Plan for 3-5 temples per day to allow time for travel, respectful participation, and goshuin collection. Rushing diminishes the spiritual experience. Consider temple proximity and transportation time when planning your route.

Visitors are often welcome during regular ceremonies, but goshuin services may be temporarily unavailable. Check the app's event information or arrive outside ceremony times. Always maintain respectful silence and follow posted guidelines.

Goshuin Atlas requires iOS 15.0 or later and is optimized for iPhone devices. The app takes advantage of modern iOS features while maintaining compatibility with older supported devices.

Currently, Goshuin Atlas is iOS-exclusive to ensure optimal performance and feature integration with Apple's ecosystem. Android development may be considered based on user demand and development resources.

We welcome feedback! Contact our support team through the app's contact section or visit our website. Include device information and detailed descriptions to help us improve your experience.

Regular updates bring new temples, enhanced features, and improvements based on user feedback. Enable automatic updates to ensure you have the latest temple information and features.

Goshuin Atlas Pro is our premium subscription that unlocks advanced features like iCloud sync across devices, data export, unlimited temple entries, and priority support. New features will be added regularly to both the free and Pro versions.

Pro includes unlimited temple entries, iCloud sync across all your devices, advanced data export options (CSV, JSON, Apple Notes, Google Maps), priority support, and upcoming features like advanced filters and offline caching for specific regions.

Yes, you can cancel your Pro subscription at any time through your Apple ID settings. You'll continue to have Pro access until the end of your current billing period, and you can resubscribe anytime.

Pro pricing will be announced soon. The free version will always remain free with core features, and Pro will offer additional premium features for serious collectors. Stay tuned for pricing details!

Goshuin serve as sacred proof of worship and pilgrimage to Japanese temples and shrines. Originally, they were given to pilgrims who copied Buddhist sutras by hand as evidence of their devotion. Today, goshuin are collected in special books called goshuincho and represent a meaningful spiritual journey. Each goshuin is hand-calligraphed by temple staff and includes the temple's unique seal, making it both a personal memento and a record of your temple visits. The Goshuin Atlas app helps you track and organize your goshuin collection digitally while preserving the spiritual significance of each visit.

Most goshuin cost between ¥300 and ¥500 (approximately $2-3 USD). Some temples with particularly elaborate or special goshuin may charge up to ¥1,000. The fee is considered a donation to support the temple's maintenance rather than a commercial transaction. Always prepare exact change and place it respectfully on the offering tray. Some temples offer pre-printed goshuin on loose paper, while others write them directly in your goshuincho. Limited edition or seasonal goshuin may cost slightly more due to their special calligraphy or unique designs.

No, not all shrines and temples offer goshuin. While the vast majority of major temples and shrines do provide them, many smaller local temples may not have goshuin available year-round. Some only offer them during special festivals, New Year celebrations, or reserve them for families with historical connections to that temple. Before visiting, you can check the Goshuin Atlas app to see which temples in your area offer goshuin. If you're unsure, it's polite to ask at the temple office (shamusho) whether goshuin are available rather than assuming.

Follow these steps for polite goshuin etiquette: First, complete your worship at the main hall before requesting a goshuin—they're proof of worship, not just souvenirs. Locate the temple office (shamusho) or goshuin counter (nōkyōsho), often near the entrance or main hall. Approach the counter, bow slightly, and say 'Goshuin onegaishimasu' (御朱印お願いします - Please provide a goshuin). Present your goshuincho with both hands, opened to the next blank page. Have payment ready (typically ¥300-500). Wait patiently—hand calligraphy takes time. When receiving your book back, use both hands, bow, and say 'Arigatou gozaimasu' (ありがとうございます - Thank you very much). Never rush the process or photograph the staff while they work.

Yes, collecting goshuin is not only okay but is a respected Japanese tradition with centuries of history. Both Japanese locals and international visitors collect goshuin as meaningful records of their temple visits and spiritual journeys. However, it's crucial to approach collecting with the right mindset: goshuin are sacred records of worship, not mere stamps or souvenirs. Always visit the main hall and offer a prayer before requesting a goshuin. Treat your goshuincho with respect—it's a spiritual record, not a casual notebook. Many collectors keep separate books for temple (Buddhist) and shrine (Shinto) goshuin, though this isn't strictly required. The Goshuin Atlas app enhances your collecting experience while maintaining respect for this sacred tradition.

Yes, many temples and shrines offer goshuin on individual sheets of paper (called kakioki or shikishi) if you don't have a goshuincho. This is helpful for first-time visitors who want to try collecting before investing in a goshuincho book. Pre-written goshuin are common at busy temples during peak tourist seasons or festivals. You can collect these paper goshuin and later paste them into a goshuincho if you decide to continue collecting. However, having a proper goshuincho is recommended for serious collectors as it creates a unified spiritual record and is more respectful to the tradition. Goshuincho can be purchased at most major temples and shrines, bookstores, or online, typically costing ¥1,000-3,000.

The word goshuin (御朱印) literally means 'honorable vermillion seal.' Each goshuin consists of several elements: hand-written calligraphy showing the temple or shrine's name, the deity enshrined there, and the date of visit; red vermillion stamps (ink seals) unique to that temple; and sometimes additional artistic elements or seasonal designs. Traditionally, goshuin were given to Buddhist pilgrims who copied sutras by hand as proof of their devotional practice. Today, they serve as sacred souvenirs that commemorate your spiritual journey and connection with each temple or shrine. Each goshuin is a unique piece of calligraphy art with deep spiritual significance, not merely a tourist stamp. The practice encourages mindful temple visits and appreciation of Japanese religious culture and calligraphy traditions.

Yes, proper etiquette when receiving a goshuin involves bowing. When approaching the goshuin counter (usually marked as shamusho or nōkyōsho), bow slightly and present your goshuincho with both hands while saying 'Onegaishimasu' (please). Wait patiently while the temple staff hand-calligraphs your goshuin—this is a sacred practice requiring focus and shouldn't be rushed. When receiving your goshuincho back, use both hands, bow again, and say 'Arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you very much). This demonstrates respect for the spiritual tradition and the temple staff's skilled work. Never open your goshuincho to the page yourself; the temple staff will handle your book and select the appropriate page.

Japan has two main types of religious sites: Shinto shrines (jinja) and Buddhist temples (tera or ji). Shrines are dedicated to Shinto deities (kami) and are characterized by torii gates at the entrance, often with vermillion red color. Temples serve the Buddhist tradition and typically feature sanmon gates, Buddha statues, and pagodas. Visually, you can distinguish them by: shrines have torii gates, rope decorations (shimenawa), and focus on nature worship; temples have tile-roofed gates, incense burners, and Buddha imagery. Both offer goshuin, and many Japanese people visit both throughout their lives without conflict, as Buddhism and Shinto have coexisted harmoniously for centuries.

The two claps (kashiwade) at Shinto shrines serve to call the attention of the kami (deities) and purify the space around you. The standard ritual is 'two bows, two claps, one bow' (ni-rei, ni-hakushu, ichi-rei). After bowing twice deeply, you clap twice loudly to announce your presence to the deity and dispel negative energy. Then you offer a brief silent prayer with hands together before bowing once more in gratitude. This differs from Buddhist temples, where you do not clap but rather press your palms together in a gesture called gassho. Remember: clapping is only for shrines, not temples.

Yes, you can touch torii gates, but it's important to do so respectfully. When passing through a torii gate, it's customary to bow slightly before entering as a sign of respect for the sacred space beyond. Many visitors touch the gate pillars briefly as they pass through, and this is generally acceptable. However, avoid leaning on gates, climbing them, or treating them carelessly. Some particularly sacred or historically significant torii may have signs requesting visitors not to touch. Always walk to the side of the path through torii gates rather than down the center, as the center is traditionally reserved for the kami (deities).

Yes, people of any faith can purchase and carry omamori. These protective amulets are sold at Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines primarily as cultural souvenirs rather than strict religious items. Many Japanese people themselves view omamori more as good luck charms than religious objects. Temples and shrines welcome visitors of all faiths and backgrounds to purchase omamori. However, if you have personal religious concerns about carrying items from other faith traditions, you're under no obligation to purchase them. Omamori are entirely optional souvenirs. If you do purchase one, the traditional custom is to return it to a temple or shrine after one year for ritual burning (omakiage), though this is not mandatory.

The vermillion red color (called shu or ake) seen on many torii gates and shrine buildings has both practical and spiritual significance. Red pigment traditionally contained mercury, which acted as a natural preservative for wood in Japan's humid climate. Spiritually, red is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune in both Shinto and Buddhist traditions. The most vibrant red structures are typically found at Shinto shrines rather than Buddhist temples—temples tend to use more subdued colors like brown, black, and gold. Iconic red structures include Fushimi Inari's thousands of torii gates and the vermillion halls of Kyoto's shrines. The color has become synonymous with Japanese sacred architecture worldwide.