As my time in Japan wraps up, I’m left reflecting on my experience so far. Where I’ve been, what I’ve done. Although I’ve kept a journal of my time here, one thing that’s helped me chart my journey here is goshuin stamps. Received at both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, they’re sacred seals specific to each place of worship that signify your visit. They’re only written on special books, and many people collect them, including myself. I’ve collected 41 and have almost entirely filled up my book. I look at these stamps as a way to remember where I went and when. The chronological aspect of the goshuins is essential, and should reflect the order in which you visited each shrine or temple. The stamps themselves are composed of many parts, with the name in calligraphy and stamp form, words relating to worship and the date on which you visited. Looking back on my stamps, I’m able to remember each temple and what I did there, who I was with and where I was in my study abroad experience. It brings back memories that I might’ve forgotten to journal about.

Goshuins are only available in Japan, and can only be done by those working at the shrine or temple. It’s a true testament to the life I’ve built for myself over here, the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had. Collecting them from every place I visit has been one of my favorite things to do while in Japan, and being able to look back on them is something I’m incredibly grateful to be able to do. Everyone in my program knows me as the person who collects them, and I have no intention of stopping that anytime soon. With more stamps comes more new places, people and opportunities. I’m so excited to start a new goshuin book when I return someday and continue my love of exploring Japan.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Japan Center for Michigan Universities