First, check whether it is offered
Postal goshuin are a recent arrangement, widespread only since 2020, and far from universal. Do not write to a place that has not announced one to ask.
Look in this order.
- The official website, under postal service or items available
- Official social accounts, where seasonal windows are often announced
- An official online shop, where some places distribute items directly
No announcement means no service. The enquiry itself is work for a small office.
How applying works
The form differs from place to place, but the shape is consistent.
- 1. Read the announcementWindow, fee, address, what to enclose. It will also say whether sheets only, or whether you may send a book
- 2. ApplyThrough whatever channel is specified: a form, the post, or an online shop
- 3. PayBy registered cash mail, bank transfer or online payment, as instructed. Cash may not lawfully be sent in ordinary mail in Japan
- 4. Prepare a return envelopeStamped and addressed to you. A sheet of card inside keeps the contents flat
- 5. WaitSeveral weeks is normal, and seasonal windows concentrate demand
What to enclose
| Item | Needed? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Application or note | As instructed | Name, contact, and what you are requesting |
| Return envelope | Nearly always | Stamped and addressed in advance |
| Card stiffener | Include one | Keeps the sheet flat on the way back |
| The fee | By the stated method | Cash cannot go in ordinary mail |
| Your book | Only where allowed | Whether books are accepted varies |
Over-stamp the return envelope rather than under-stamp it: a shortfall lands on the recipient. Anything bulky may exceed standard-size postage.
Packing a book for the round trip
Sheets only is the norm, but some places take books. If yours does, pack for both directions.
- Into a plastic bag, against rain and condensation in transit
- Card on both faces, front and back
- Padding around it. Transit is where corners get crushed
- Use a tracked service such as Letter Pack or a courier. Not ordinary mail
- Enclose the same protection for the return. The way back needs what the way out needed
A book lost in the post cannot be replaced. If you are hesitating, ask for a sheet instead. Handling the sheet you receive is covered in filing without glue and mounting a kakioki sheet.
What not to ask for
- A request to a place that has not announced the service. Assume it is not offered
- Bulk requests. Stay inside whatever the announcement allows
- A specified date. The date written is the date of issue; a visit date cannot be requested
- Chasing. Weeks is normal, and the office is small
Whether a nokyocho can be sent for inscription depends on the arrangements of the circuit concerned. The differences between the books are set out in nokyocho and goshuimoncho.
Read next
Practice around goshuin and the books that hold them differs between shrines, temples and Buddhist schools. What follows is general orientation, not a rule. Notices posted on site and the guidance of the office there always take precedence. Nichiren-shu temples inscribe a goshuimon, and some will not write it into a book that already holds entries from elsewhere.
PR — This page contains promotional content
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive a goshuin by post?
At some shrines and temples, not all. It is a recent arrangement, widespread only since 2020, and applies where an announcement appears on the official website or social accounts. No announcement means no service, and the enquiry itself is work for a small office.
What do I enclose when applying by post?
An application or note, a stamped and addressed return envelope, and a sheet of card so the contents stay flat coming back. The fee goes by whatever method is stated; cash may not lawfully be sent in ordinary mail in Japan.
Can I send my goshuin book itself?
Sheets only is the norm, though some places accept books. Bag it against damp, put card on both faces, pad it, and use a tracked service. A book lost in the post cannot be replaced, so if you are hesitating, ask for a sheet.
What date is written on a postal goshuin?
The date of issue. A visit date cannot be requested. Postal service began as a provision for people who cannot travel easily, and few places frame it as a substitute for visiting.
How long does it take?
Several weeks is normal, and longer during seasonal windows when applications concentrate. These are small offices, so please do not chase.