Arashiyama, Kyoto: Goshuin Collecting Tour (Shrine Stamps)

Travelers to Kyoto can enjoy the city’s rich spiritual heritage by embarking on the Arashiyama, Kyoto: Goshuin Collecting Tour. This unique cultural experience allows visitors to explore significant Shinto and Buddhist sites while collecting beautifully hand-written Goshuin stamps. With expert guidance and limited group sizes, you will gain valuable insights into Japan’s revered traditions and traditions. What awaits those who join this tour may surprise even the most seasoned travelers.

This experience made our article of Visiting Kyoto Prefecture? We Rank The Top 8 Tours.

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Key Points

The Goshuin Collecting Tour in Arashiyama, Kyoto, offers a 3-hour guided experience exploring Shinto and Buddhist traditions, including visits to Matsuo Taisha Shrine and Hōrin-ji Temple.
Participants can purchase a Goshuinchō (stamp book) and collect unique, hand-written calligraphic stamps during the tour, serving as proof of their visits to the sites.
The tour provides cultural insights, such as learning respectful practices for visiting shrines and temples, and witnessing the Jūsan Mairi tradition at Hōrin-ji Temple.
The tour is limited to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience, and is conducted in English with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour concludes at the scenic Tōgetsukyō Bridge, and the proximity to other Arashiyama attractions, like the bamboo forest, enhances the overall experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour takes place in Arashiyama, Kyoto, and is priced from $41.45 per person.

It lasts 3 hours and is limited to 6 participants. Conducted in English, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Guests can reserve their spot and pay later. The tour starts at Matsuo-Taisha Station and ends at Tōgetsukyō Bridge.

Highlights include collecting Goshuin stamps, learning about Shintoism and Buddhism, and exploring Matsuo Taisha Shrine and Hōrin-ji Temple, while enjoying the Arashiyama landscape.

Looking for more options in Kyoto Prefecture? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Experience

Starting at Matsuo-Taisha Station, the guided tour takes participants to Matsuo Taisha Shrine for 50 minutes.

Visitors learn about the shrine’s natural spring believed to bring blessings.

Next, they spend 40 minutes at Hōrin-ji Temple, where they experience the Jūsan Mairi tradition where 13-year-olds pray for academic success.

Transfers between the two sites take 5 minutes, with a 20-minute journey from Matsuo Taisha to Hōrin-ji.

The tour ends at Tōgetsukyō Bridge, allowing participants to enjoy the Arashiyama landscape.

Throughout the experience, the guide provides insights into Shintoism and Buddhism philosophies.

Cultural Insights

Goshuin Collecting Tour in Arashiyama, Kyoto offers rich cultural insights for participants.

The tour explores the history of Matsuo Taisha Shrine, known for its natural spring believed to bring blessings. Visitors also witness the Jūsan Mairi tradition at Hōrin-ji Temple, where 13-year-olds pray for academic success.

Throughout the tour, participants learn respectful practices for visiting shrines and temples. The guided assistance in collecting Goshuin stamps, hand-written calligraphic stamps serving as proof of visits, enhances the cultural experience.

Goshuin Collecting

As a key aspect of the Goshuin Collecting Tour, participants have the opportunity to collect unique Goshuin stamps during their visits to the shrines and temples.

Goshuin are hand-written calligraphic stamps that serve as proof of one’s visit. Visitors can purchase a Goshuinchō, or stamp book, for 1500 to 2500 yen and collect individual Goshuin stamps for 300 to 500 yen each.

The guided assistance provided enhances the experience, ensuring visitors can properly collect the stamps and understand their significance.

More Great Tours Nearby

Matsuo Taisha Shrine

The Matsuo Taisha Shrine, one of the tour’s first stops, is known for its natural spring believed to bring blessings.

Visitors can collect a unique Goshuin stamp here, a hand-written calligraphic proof of their visit. The guide will explain the rich history of this important Shinto shrine and the significance of its natural spring.

Guests will have around 50 minutes to explore the shrine grounds, learn about Shintoism, and witness the creation of the Goshuin stamp.

This opportunity to take in Japanese cultural traditions is a highlight of the Arashiyama tour experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Kyoto Prefecture

Hōrin-ji Temple

From Matsuo Taisha Shrine, the tour heads to Hōrin-ji Temple, where visitors can witness the Jūsan Mairi tradition.

This centuries-old Buddhist practice sees 13-year-olds pray for academic success. Guests have 40 minutes to explore the temple grounds and its various architectural features, including the pagoda and Amida Buddha statue.

Visitors can also collect a Goshuin stamp, a hand-written calligraphic proof of their visit. The tour’s cultural insights help participants understand respectful practices for engaging with shrines and temples, enriching the overall experience.

Tōgetsukyō Bridge and Arashiyama Landscape

Upon finishing their visit to Hōrin-ji Temple, the tour group heads to the iconic Tōgetsukyō Bridge.

Known as the "Moon Crossing Bridge", this picturesque structure spans the Katsura River, offering stunning views of the Arashiyama landscape.

The tour guide highlights the bridge’s history and cultural significance:

Tōgetsukyō Bridge dates back to the Heian period, when it was built to connect Arashiyama to the imperial palace.
The bridge’s name refers to its reflection in the river, which resembles a floating moon.
The surrounding Arashiyama area is renowned for its bamboo groves, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.
Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere and take in the breathtaking vistas from the bridge.

Tour Recommendations and Reviews

Participants are recommended to bring water and wear comfortable shoes for the tour, which covers considerable walking. Feedback from past guests has been overwhelmingly positive, with a 5/5 rating based on a single review. The review highlights the guide’s extensive knowledge and experience, as well as the unique opportunity to witness the creation of Goshuin, or shrine stamps. The tour’s proximity to other popular attractions in Arashiyama, such as the bamboo forest, further enhances the overall experience.

Tour Recommendations	Reviews
– Bring water	– 5/5 rating
– Wear comfortable shoes	– Positive feedback on guide’s knowledge
– Considerable walking	– Unique Goshuin experience
– Close to bamboo forest	– Proximity to other attractions

Things To Know

What Are the Health and Safety Protocols in Place?

The tour has COVID-19 safety measures in place, including limited group size, mask requirements, and temperature checks. Hand sanitizer is provided, and social distancing is encouraged. Guests are advised to follow local health guidelines during the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Goshuin Book or Stamps?

Yes, you can bring your own Goshuinchō (stamp book) to collect the shrine stamps during the tour. The guide will provide assistance in obtaining the Goshuin stamps to enhance your experience.

Is There Any Age Restriction for the Tour?

There’s no age restriction for the tour. Participants of all ages are welcome to join, though the tour itinerary and Jūsan Mairi tradition at Hōrin-ji may be more relevant for older children and adults.

Can I Extend or Customize the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended, but customers can customize their experience by adding extra time at each location or requesting a private tour for larger groups. Flexibility is limited due to the tour’s set schedule and small group size.

Are There Any Dietary Requirements or Options Available?

There are no specific dietary requirements or options for this tour. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages as desired during the 3-hour experience. The tour does not include any food or meal service.

Sum Up

The Arashiyama, Kyoto: Goshuin Collecting Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore significant spiritual sites, learn about Japanese traditions, and collect beautiful hand-written stamps. With expert guidance and limited group sizes, this tour provides an insightful journey through Kyoto’s rich history and culture. It’s a must-do experience for anyone interested in seeing Japan’s spiritual heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: