朱印(しゅいん)

A red ink stamp given at Japanese temples and shrines as proof of a pilgrim's visit. Collecting these in a dedicated book (朱印(しゅいん)帳(ちょう)) has become extremely popular in recent years, both among religious visitors and tourists.

Common collocations

• 朱印(しゅいん)帳(ちょう): red seal stamp book
• 朱印(しゅいん)をもらう: to receive a red seal stamp
• 朱印(しゅいん)巡(めぐ)り: pilgrimage to collect stamps
• 御朱印(ごしゅいん): red seal stamp (honorific form, very common)

Cultural note

The honorific form 御朱印(ごしゅいん) is more commonly used in everyday speech. Each stamp typically includes the temple or shrine name, the date, and a hand-brushed calligraphy element, making each one unique. The practice dates back centuries when pilgrims received stamps as proof of copying sutras. Today most places charge 300-500 yen per stamp.

Historical usage

In the Edo period, 朱印(しゅいん)状(じょう) referred to official documents bearing the shogun's red seal, granting trade privileges or land rights.