One of the nicest ways I found of not being as overwhelmed by time in Tokyo - was shaping seeing areas around visits to the hidden/not so hidden Shintō and Buddhist shrines and temples across the city (and other places we visited). Spending some time in quiet reflection and thanks was a relief to the more hectic experiences (such as the major metro stations).
In doing so, we also collected some gorgeous Goshuin to commemorate the visits. Some were found because we were in the area, some targeted specifically for visits due to @aghowes' tracking on socials for new seasonal designs or from this incredible list I found by someone of their collection that was continually being updated with links to yelp reviews & pictures.
The names of the shrines and dates visited were formally written on the stamps but some brief notes are below - with each image labelled from right to left.
Image 1 - 3 TOKYO goshuin
- The book and first goshuin were from Meiji Jingu, which sits in the middle of a sacred forest and commemorates Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) and Empress Shoken (1849–1914), who were, if I recall correctly, key in opening up discussions with the West - which I found an amusing first introduction to the process
- Shibuya Hikawa shrine, one of the oldest in the area which I was staying in for the bulk of my time in Tokyo. I think this was here I realised Animal Crossing was a documentary (BEETLES. MANTIS.)
- Hatonomori Hachiman shrine in Sendagaya, which had a mini Mt. Fuji that reminded me of the cursed Marble Arch mound and I did not climb it, alas. I think my first intro to Benzaiten?
Image 2 - 4 TOKYO goshuin
- Suwa Shrine (possibly Shinjuku? TBC). This place was a bit busy, and the pre-printed design presumably changes monthly as this was different on A&T's last visit
- Karasumori shrine, which was a beautiful little hidden stone pocket in Shinbashi
- Sensō-ji Buddhist temple, Asakusa, which was an experience for sheer open spaces busy with people.
- Asakusa shrine, honours the men who founded Sensō-ji
Image 3 - 3 TOKYO goshuin
- Hikan Inari Shrine, the third in that Asakusa triangle. There were some delightful Inari stone sculptures, each clothed in some garb. This is where, I believe, I picked up a pair of Inari figures much like the stamp, through some what I'm going to think of divinely misdirected communication. Perhaps they wanted to travel (they're currently on my bookshelf)
- [tbc, let me confirm and update]
- The next two are from Hikawa Shrine in Shirokane, which blessed us with several cats, of which the first we saw was very old and grumpy, and we appreciated them from afar
Image 4 - Goshuin from TOKYO, ZAO ONSEN & NIKKO
- It may sound silly, but I started crying when visiting Hebikubo Shrine (previously Kamishinmei Tenso). The snake sculptures, some with such *life* and *mischief*, reminded me of my mum (via circuitous brain-connection means). The shrine is set out with deliberate little routes where you can encounter them. I think she'd like these goshuin too.
- As you can tell, by the lack of calligraphy - this goshuin commemorated a visit to an unattended shrine high above the streets of Zao Onsen, a little hot springs village(?) we spent a few nights with sulphurous waters and tatami bedding
- This last one here is from Nikkō Tōshō-gū, which was an *incredibly* beautiful, if very tourist-filled location. Definitely worth it though. The second batch will have more from this location.
Part 2 will be up once I cross-reference and confirm the locations - hopefully in next few days. (also, what's that underneath the photos? none but @aurahack's Palisade desk mat for @friends-table).