A Small Goshuin Pilgrimage Along the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line

I'm Nene from Thailand. Since I was a child, I've loved Japanese anime and have been deeply interested in Japan. After I started university and moved to Osaka, I fell in love with everything about Japan, whether it's the food or the culture. I feel very happy living in Japan!

Today, I took the Osaka Metro to explore temples and shrines around Osaka and experienced collecting Goshuin.

Remember to collect Goshuin when you visit shrines and temples!

Do you know what Goshuin are?

Goshuin are stamps given as proof of a visit to a shrine or temple. They look like this, featuring the shrine or temple's stamp and handwritten characters for the shrine or temple's name, the date of the visit, etc.

To a foreigner like me, the Chinese characters written in ink feel very exotic and like works of art! Normally, you can have the shrine or temple staff stamp your Goshuin-cho directly and write with ink, but recently some places also offer Goshuin on special washi paper.

Isn't this like the stamp rallies often seen at tourist spots? Actually, it's completely different! Originally, Goshuin were given as proof of offering a sutra copy to the temple or shrine. Now, you can receive one just by visiting, but it is still a very sacred and precious item. To avoid disrespecting the gods, you must visit devoutly and receive it properly. Some temples and shrines do not offer Goshuin, so it's advisable to check in advance.

Umeda: The Stage of Sonezaki Shinju and Ohatsutenjin (Roten Shrine)

Then, let's quickly start our Goshuin pilgrimage! First is "Roten Shrine," about a 5-minute walk from "Umeda Station." It's better known by the name "Ohatsutenjin." This is the stage of the tragic love story "Sonezaki Shinju" from the ningyo joruri puppet theater, and it is said to be very effective for matchmaking.

First, begin with a visit. Remember to purify yourself earnestly and pray quietly.

Gently offer your incense money into the offering box, then perform two bows, two claps, and one bow. Many shrines have instructions with illustrations, so you can refer to them. Pray with all your heart and piety.

Then go to the reception office and ask the shrine staff, "Can I get a Goshuin?" Goshuin are not free! You usually need to pay an initial offering fee (hatsuho-ryo) or sutra donation fee (nokyo-ryo) of around 300 to 500 yen. No change is provided, so please prepare exact change in advance.

I didn't have a Goshuin-cho yet, so I bought one first. I bought a very beautiful blue original Goshuin-cho with a pattern of the Sonezaki Shinju couple!! The cost for the book (hatsuho-ryo) is separate from the Goshuin fee, costing 1,700 yen.

The shrine staff writes it by hand! I really wanted to watch how they write, but that would be impolite. So I waited in eager anticipation, quietly until the Goshuin was finished.

When receiving it, remember to say thank you!

Look! I got it! My first Goshuin. The brush-written characters are both beautiful and exotic.

The illustration of the Sonezaki Shinju couple attached nearby is also romantic. Maybe this will bring good luck in love?

Yodoyabashi: The God of Medicine and the God of Pharmacy – Sukunahikona Shrine

Next, I take the Midosuji Line for one stop to "Sukunahikona Shrine," about a 6-minute walk from "Yodoyabashi Station." It's also a 2-minute walk from "Kitahama Station" on the Sakaisuji Line. Sukunahikona Shrine is also known as "Shennong" and is worshipped as the god of medicine and pharmacy, protecting health. The shrine is located among the high-rise buildings of the business district, so don't miss it.

Actually, many pharmaceutical companies are concentrated in the nearby Dosho-machi area. In the past, this area was known for the medicine trade, and it's said that people began to enshrine the father of Japanese medicine, "Sukunahikona no Mikoto," and the father of Chinese medicine, "Shennong Yandi," to pray for the safety of medicine and the prosperity of the pharmaceutical industry.

Going further inside, the main hall houses a paper-mache tiger, a symbol for warding off evil and praying for health. Recently, many people are said to come to pray for the health of their pets.

The Goshuin here change with the seasons. Today, I received a beautiful May-limited rose Goshuin. It is said that the stamp is hand-carved by the chief priest, and the soft color combination is very cute.

Honmachi: Known as Kasuga no Kami? Kasuga Shrine

I continue on the Midosuji Line for another stop to "Kasuga Shrine," located near "Honmachi Station." This shrine enshrines the guardian deity of the Semba merchants, widely known by the nickname "Kasuga no Kami." This deity protects the safety of the home. The three torii gates connected as one, called "Mitsutorii," are very rare in all of Japan.

This shrine is also famous as the origin of the surname "Watanabe" in Japan. That's interesting.

The symbol here is a white heron. I received a Goshuin featuring a chrysanthemum and two white herons.

It is said that the dignified white heron is a messenger of the gods, guarding the chrysanthemum (the imperial family). How cool.

The special Goshuin-cho also features a white heron, and it's very beautiful.

The shrine grounds have many hydrangeas. It should be a beautiful sight during the rainy season.

The shrine sits quietly among the buildings of Honmachi, peaceful and serene.

Namba: Hozenji Temple, Famous for Mizukake Fudo-son

Next, I get off at "Namba Station" and walk three minutes to "Hozenji Temple," a temple adjacent to the most famous tourist spot in Osaka, Dotonbori.

The atmosphere here is very quiet, completely different from the bustle of Dotonbori. The most famous is this Mizukake Fudo-son (West-facing Fudo Myoo). People pour water on the statue with wishes, and the vividly colored moss that grows thick is beautiful and mysterious.

Within the temple grounds, there are "West-facing Fudo Myoo," "Konpira-do," and "Ohatsu Daijin," so there are many types of Goshuin, which seem to help fulfill various wishes.

I chose the iconic Mizukake Fudo-son Goshuin.

It is very solemn and dignified. The Goshuin is filled with energy, and I feel well protected.

Daikokucho: Namba Yasaka Shrine, Popular for Its Lion Hall

Finally, I head to "Daikokucho Station." About a 7-minute walk brings me to "Namba Yasaka Shrine." It's also about a 15-minute walk from Hozenji Temple. This shrine is famous for its giant lion head and is popular as a photo spot among tourists.

You've probably seen it on Instagram or other social media, right?

This deity wards off evil, removes illness, brings love luck, and protects marital harmony and safe childbirth. Recently, because the lion's big mouth can devour evil energy, it is also known for granting success and fame. No matter what, this lion head is truly impressive.

At Namba Yasaka Shrine, they also write directly in your Goshuin-cho. It feels like a special personal Goshuin, truly precious.

The special Goshuin-cho here is also very striking!

This is a green power spot. Perhaps you can gain energy from it.

Today, I took the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and received Goshuin at five temples and shrines. Please look after me…

Flipping through this Goshuin-cho again brings back the feelings and wishes I had during each visit, making it a wonderful travel souvenir.

I want to continue collecting Goshuin from now on!

Everyone, please try a Goshuin pilgrimage too♪

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