At a Japanese temple or shrine, the time a group spends is often set by the counter, not the hall. Visitors buy amulets, write wishes on wooden plaques, draw fortunes and queue for a handwritten stamp. Our Japan team explains each custom in its guide to goshuin, omamori and ema. Here we look at what those customs mean for the pace of a group day.
Four Customs, Four Stops
- Goshuin. A handwritten seal and inscription, brushed in ink into a stamp book. Each one is different at every site.
- Omamori. Small fabric amulets for health, safe travel, study, business or love, often bought as gifts.
- Ema. Wooden plaques on which visitors write a wish and hang it at the shrine.
- Omikuji. Paper fortunes drawn for a small offering. A bad fortune is tied to a rack and left behind.
Where the Time Goes
Each goshuin is written by hand. At popular sites, a group of thirty asking for one each can wait a long time. A common answer is to let only the guests who want a goshuin join the queue while the rest of the group continues the visit. Visitors should pay their respects first and ask for the goshuin afterwards, and it goes in a proper stamp book, not on a loose sheet.
What to Put in the Briefing
- Amulets are received for an offering. They are treated with respect and are traditionally returned to a shrine or temple after a year.
- Photography. Many sites do not allow photos of the goshuin counter, the altar or the inside of halls.
- Shrines and temples differ. Shrines are Shinto and temples are Buddhist, and the customs of worship differ slightly.
For dress codes and conduct at sacred sites in all four of our destinations, see our sacred sites briefing.
Why It Is Worth the Time
For many clients, a goshuin book filled over a trip is the best souvenir they bring home, and it gives each temple visit a purpose. Some clients collect along a route, such as a pilgrimage circuit. Planned well, the counter becomes one of the best moments of the day rather than a queue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a goshuin take?
Each one is written by hand, so at popular sites a large group can wait a long time. Let only the guests who want one queue.
Can photos be taken at the counter?
Many sites do not allow photos of the goshuin counter, the altar or the inside of halls. Signs usually say so.
What happens to an omamori after the trip?
It is traditionally returned to a shrine or temple after a year.
Where Explera Fits
We brief temple and shrine customs before departure and plan counter time into the day.
Write to b2b@expleradmc.com or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341). Explera Thailand holds TAT licence No. 14/05119.
