Find the goshuin counter, pay your respects, and tell staff what you would like. A simple opening line is 「御朱印をいただけますか？」 (Goshuin o itadakemasu ka? — May I receive a goshuin?). If signs ask you to leave your book first, leave it at the counter, worship, and return to collect it.
1. Find the goshuin counter and check its hours
Look for signs or a page marked 御朱印. A shrine may use its amulet counter or office; a temple may use a nokyosho (sutra and goshuin counter). The desk varies by site. You can ask 「御朱印の受付はどちらですか？」 (Goshuin no uketsuke wa dochira desu ka? — Where is the goshuin counter?).
Worship hours and goshuin reception hours are separate. Sensoji, for example, lists goshuin service at Yogodo Hall separately from the main hall’s opening hours. Check posted instructions on event days and near closing.
2. Pay your respects and follow any advance drop-off instructions
Usually you worship before requesting the goshuin. Some sites, such as Kunozan Toshogu, direct visitors to leave the book at the counter first and collect it after worship. Keep any numbered token until you return.
3. Say which goshuin you want and open your book to the right page
If there are several designs, point to the name or sample and say 「こちらの御朱印をいただけますか？」 (Kochira no goshuin o itadakemasu ka? — May I receive this one?). To request writing in your book, say 「このページにお願いできますか？」 (Kono peji ni onegai dekimasu ka? — Could you use this page, please?). Open the book and check which way up it goes. Follow any instructions about marking pages or leaving books.
- Direct inscription in a book
- State your choice → hand over the open book → wait as instructed → collect your book.
- Separate sheet (kakioki)
- Ask whether a sheet is available → say which one you want → receive the sheet as instructed.
4. Pay the stated fee and wait where instructed
Follow the counter’s instructions for the amount and when to pay. You may be asked to pay the offering or fee at drop-off or at collection. If you are given a number or asked for your name, check whether to wait nearby or return later.
5. Collect your book or sheet and check your belongings
Return the token if you were given one. Check that you received your own book or the requested sheet and thank the staff. If the ink is still wet, ask before closing the book or moving any protective paper. Keep separate sheets flat on the way home.
Forgot your book? Ask whether a separate sheet is available
Ask 「書き置きはありますか？」 (Kakioki wa arimasu ka? — Are separate sheets available?). Ujigami Shrine, for example, describes using separate sheets when the writer is away. Availability varies. You can also ask whether books are available on site. If neither is available, finish your visit without pressing staff to write on other paper.
Sources and scope of verification
- Miyagi Prefecture Shrine Association: goshuin etiquette
- Sensoji: goshuin information
- Kunozan Toshogu: goshuin information
- Ujigami Shrine: goshuin information
- Yutoku Inari Shrine: receiving a goshuin
Official shrine, temple and shrine association guidance was checked. The dialogue and illustration are examples. Check current reception hours, available designs, fees and payment methods with the site you plan to visit.