Everything You Need to Know About Goshuin Atlas

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 goshuin collection, and essential features work completely offline. While some mapping features for new areas require internet connectivity, previously viewed areas and all collected data remain accessible without connection.

Goshuin Atlas currently supports English, French, Portuguese, and Japanese 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 includes a comprehensive collection tracker where you can photograph and catalog each goshuin you receive. Add personal notes, dates, and memories to create a digital record of your spiritual journey.

Your complete privacy is guaranteed. All goshuin collection data 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.

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.

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.