Make your Goshuin Stamp Book in Kamakura Retro Café

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3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Start your cultural journey by crafting your own Goshuin stamp book—a treasured item in Japanese spiritual tradition—at a charming, old-style café in Kamakura.
Goshuin, meaning ‘honorable red seal,’ originated centuries ago as proof of temple visits and evolved into beautiful calligraphic art combined with unique temple seals.
After completing your book, savor coffee carefully roasted by the café owner or a soft drink, paired with a traditional monaka sweet. As you relax, enjoy stories from the owner about Kamakura’s history and culture.
Then, take your handmade Goshuin stamp book and explore a nearby famous Hokokuji temple, known as the bamboo temple, and collect an authentic Goshuin stamp—reflections of centuries-old devotion and artistry. At the temple, you can also enjoy matcha at the traditional tea house there.
This immersive experience blends tradition, local storytelling, and the serene beauty of Kamakura’s spiritual heritage.

What's Included

Goshuin Book Crafting Experience Fee
１ Drink (coffee or soft drink) and monaka (Japanese traditional sweet) at the retro cafe, and authentic matcha (powdered green tea) at the temple
English Speaking Guide
Entrance/Admission Fee and Goshuin Fee at Hokokuji temple
Public transportation

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Kamakura Station

The guide will be waiting just outside the East Exit ticket gate at Kamakura Station, holding a signboard that reads ‘Domo Japan Guide`. The tour ends at Hokokuji temple.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

Immerse yourself in Japanese tradition at a charming café in Kamakura. Learn about the centuries-old custom of Goshuin (御朱印), a unique tradition cherished by temple visitors. Goshuin are beautiful calligraphic stamps given at temples and shrines as a record of visits. The practice began in the Heian period (794–1185) and evolved into the artful stamps we see today. Each stamp features the temple’s name, a unique design, and sometimes a blessing or poem. Collecting Goshuin has become a popular pastime, creating a personalized spiritual record.
Next, craft your own Goshuin stamp book as a unique souvenir. Afterward, walk to a historic temple in Kamakura, renowned for its spiritual heritage, and receive an authentic Goshuin stamp—a treasured keepsake of your visit. At the temple, you can also enjoy matcha at the traditional tea house there.
This tour ends at Hokokuji temple.
This experience deepens your understanding of Japanese tradition and creates lasting memories of Kamakura’s sacred sites.

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Domo Japan Guide

Tags

Historical Tours
Craft Classes
Small Group

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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