A Guide to Gojyoin: Japanese Castle Stamps

Visit Japanese castles and collect stamps commemorating your visits.

There’s no denying that regular walks can help with a number of physical and mental health conditions. Sometimes, however, walking alone can feel tedious. If you are like me and need a goal to keep up a good habit, then perhaps you’d like to try collecting 御城印 (gojyoin; “castle stamps”).

What Are Gojyoin?

While Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples have goshuin (Japanese shrine and temple stamps), Japanese castles have gojyoin. Much like goshuin, gojyoin are sold at various castles around Japan. They can range in price from ¥300 to ¥ 1,000, although special, limited-edition ones for special events may cost more.

The castle stamps are made similarly to goshuin. Images or designs are stamped on washi paper, accompanied by the castle’s name and the date on the paper. Unlike goshuin, however, these papers are often prepared in advance (sometimes printed on a computer) and distributed in paper envelopes upon payment. You will likely have to write the date of your visit on it yourself, although some locations will do this for you instead.

The Origin Of Gojyoin

© Photo by iStock: MasaoTaira

Gojyoin got its start in 1990, when Matsumoto Castle in Nagano prefecture began selling ‘visitation certificates’ to those who came to the castle. They were somewhat popular, but the concept didn’t really gain traction until 2016. Around that time, Gujo Hachiman Castle in Gifu Prefecture (and others) announced that they were donating the proceeds from the sales of these stamps to aid earthquake relief efforts in Kumamoto Prefecture.

As of 2020, there are over 500 castles and historic remains that sell their own castle stamps.

Please note that, while similar, goshuin have somewhat sacred connotations (as they are proof of a pilgrimage in a sense), while gojyoin are more of a souvenir.

Getting Started With Gojyoin

© Photo by Pixta: daysgoby_JPN

First, you’ll need a 御城印帳 (gojyoincho), which is essentially the same sort of book as those for shrine stamps. In fact, some people collect both in the same book as souvenirs from their visits to particularly historically rich areas. However, this is a point of contention among collectors of both. They range in price from ¥1,000 to ¥2,500, while more elaborate or highly customized ones can be found in the ¥3,500 to ¥6,000 range.

Technically speaking, that’s all that you need—although a good pair of walking shoes is highly recommended. Unlike most shrines and temples, Japanese castles tend to be situated on mountains or high above the rest of the city, which often requires hiking. Dressing appropriately is key, as the last thing you want to do is end up with blisters and bruises.

How Do You Collect Gojyoin?

Gojyoin are not only sold at the castles themselves, but may be found in gift shops, tourist information centers or even at highway rest stops. That being said, these locations sometimes close earlier than the castle itself. If there is a stamp you really want to collect, plan ahead and arrive early.

Gojyoin Meguri

Much like with goshuin, you can also go on day trips to collect various castle stamps. There are plenty of books out there to help you get started, too. They’re often located in the domestic travel section of your favorite bookstore.

Sometimes you can even find magazines for specific historical areas or figures that include 御城印巡り (gojyoin meguri) or day trips and hikes that will take you to historical sites and castles where you can collect various gojyoin as well.

If you want to get started locally, then in Tokyo, you can collect gojyoin from the following sites:

• Ishihama Castle (石浜城): visit Ishihama Shrine; (Google Map Link); ¥300-¥500
• Shakujii Castle (石神井城): visit Patisserie Cache-Cache (Google Map Link); ¥300
• Nerima Castle (練馬城): visit Links For Hair Salon (Google Map Link); ¥300
• Takinogawa Castle (滝野川城): visit Love Live Lead Store Souvenir Shop (Google Map Link); ¥440
• Inatsuke Castle (稲付城): visit Love Live Lead Store Souvenir Shop (Google Map Link); ¥440
• Asukayama Castle (飛鳥山城): visit Love Live Lead Store Souvenir Shop (Google Map Link); ¥440

Anyone with a keen knowledge of Tokyo will have noticed that these castles aren’t technically here any longer, or only exist in the form of ruins. In order to collect these gojyoin, you’ll need to visit a shop or shrine near the former castle site.

Outside of Tokyo, there are numerous walking courses to choose from, offering far more options. Chiba Prefecture, for example, has over 100 castle sites with gojyoin. Plus, if you are traveling to check out new castles, you can also try some great B-kyu foods along the way.

If you’re looking for a good reason to get out and walk this winter, consider collecting gojyoin castle stamps.

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