Transform your cultural travel Japan experience with our temple finder Japan app. Explore numerous temples & shrines, learn about goshuin traditions, and discover Japan's sacred heritage.
New and Noteworthy
4.9 ★ Rating
Features
Powerful features
Discover Sacred Places
Find temples and shrines across all 47 prefectures with detailed information and directions.
Interactive Map
Pan, zoom, and explore temples across Japan with our powerful map view.
Explore Pilgrimages
Plan your journey along famous pilgrimage routes like Saigo 33 Kannon or Shikoku 88.
Benefits
And so much more
Goshuin Atlas is packed with features that reveal themselves naturally once you dive in.
Smart SearchFind temples by name, location, or deity. Filter by prefecture or pilgrimage route.
Saved TemplesSave unlimited temples to your favorites and track your visits.
Rich DetailsView temple history, enshrined deities, visiting hours, and special events.
Nearby DiscoveryFind temples and shrines near your current location with distance and directions.
Data ExportProComing SoonExport your saved temples in multiple formats for backup or sharing.
iCloud SyncProComing SoonYour saved temples stay up-to-date across all your devices automatically.
iCloud Sync
ProComing Soon
Your saved temples stay up-to-date across all your devices automatically.
Discover Sacred Places
Find temples and shrines across all 47 prefectures with detailed information, history, and visiting hours.
Save Your Favorites
Bookmark temples you want to visit and track the places you've explored.
Get directions
Get directions to temples and shrines directly in Goshuin Atlas or with your favorite maps app.
Join thousands who have transformed their temple and shrine exploration with Goshuin Atlas.
Really solid app. Super helpful if you're trying to find temples and shrines specifically. Google Maps isn't great for that. The interface is clean, and it worked even without signal. Definitely recommend it for anyone planning a cultural route in Japan.
— mknday
Unlike generic apps like Google Maps, Goshuin Atlas is all about temples and shrines - and that focus makes a huge difference. It's so much easier to find meaningful spots without all the noise. I've tried other similar apps before, but none felt as polished or thoughtfully designed as this one. Highly recommended for anyone exploring Japan's cultural side!
— Kaia_ra
Really solid app. Super helpful if you're trying to find temples and shrines specifically. Google Maps isn't great for that. The interface is clean, and it worked even without signal. Definitely recommend it for anyone planning a cultural route in Japan.
— mknday
Unlike generic apps like Google Maps, Goshuin Atlas is all about temples and shrines - and that focus makes a huge difference. It's so much easier to find meaningful spots without all the noise. I've tried other similar apps before, but none felt as polished or thoughtfully designed as this one. Highly recommended for anyone exploring Japan's cultural side!
Goshuin Atlas is a comprehensive mobile app designed to help travelers discover, navigate, and collect goshuin (sacred stamps) from Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines across Japan. The app combines cultural education with practical travel tools to enhance your spiritual journey.
Is Goshuin Atlas free to use?
Yes, Goshuin Atlas offers a comprehensive set of core features completely free. This includes temple discovery, basic collection tracking, and cultural information. Premium features for advanced organization and unlimited entries may be available in future updates.
Can I use the app offline?
Absolutely! Core temple information, your saved temples, and essential features work completely offline. While some mapping features for new areas require internet connectivity, previously viewed areas and all saved data remain accessible without connection.
How is my data stored? Is it private?
Your complete privacy is guaranteed. All your saved temples and personal information are stored locally on your device using Apple's secure SwiftData framework. We never access, upload, or share your data with any external servers or third parties.
What is a goshuin?
A goshuin is a sacred seal stamp provided by Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Japan as proof of your visit. These artistic stamps are hand-brushed by monks or shrine staff and traditionally collected in special books called goshuincho, representing your spiritual pilgrimage journey.
How much do goshuin cost?
Goshuin typically cost between 300-500 yen (roughly $2-4 USD) at most temples and shrines. Some special or elaborate goshuin may cost more. The fee supports temple maintenance and is considered a respectful offering.
What's the best time to visit temples for goshuin?
Most temples and shrines offer goshuin during regular visiting hours, typically 9 AM to 4 PM. Avoid major holidays and festivals when sites may be crowded. Early morning visits often provide a more peaceful experience and shorter wait times.
What is the point of goshuin?
Goshuin serve as sacred proof of worship and pilgrimage to Japanese temples and shrines. Originally, they were given to pilgrims who copied Buddhist sutras by hand as evidence of their devotion. Today, goshuin are collected in special books called goshuincho and represent a meaningful spiritual journey. Each goshuin is hand-calligraphed by temple staff and includes the temple's unique seal, making it both a personal memento and a record of your temple visits. The Goshuin Atlas app helps you track and organize your goshuin collection digitally while preserving the spiritual significance of each visit.
How much does a goshuin usually cost?
Most goshuin cost between ¥300 and ¥500 (approximately $2-3 USD). Some temples with particularly elaborate or special goshuin may charge up to ¥1,000. The fee is considered a donation to support the temple's maintenance rather than a commercial transaction. Always prepare exact change and place it respectfully on the offering tray. Some temples offer pre-printed goshuin on loose paper, while others write them directly in your goshuincho. Limited edition or seasonal goshuin may cost slightly more due to their special calligraphy or unique designs.
How to politely ask for a goshuin?
Follow these steps for polite goshuin etiquette: First, complete your worship at the main hall before requesting a goshuin—they're proof of worship, not just souvenirs. Locate the temple office (shamusho) or goshuin counter (nōkyōsho), often near the entrance or main hall. Approach the counter, bow slightly, and say 'Goshuin onegaishimasu' (御朱印お願いします - Please provide a goshuin). Present your goshuincho with both hands, opened to the next blank page. Have payment ready (typically ¥300-500). Wait patiently—hand calligraphy takes time. When receiving your book back, use both hands, bow, and say 'Arigatou gozaimasu' (ありがとうございます - Thank you very much). Never rush the process or photograph the staff while they work.
What are the two types of temples in Japan?
Japan has two main types of religious sites: Shinto shrines (jinja) and Buddhist temples (tera or ji). Shrines are dedicated to Shinto deities (kami) and are characterized by torii gates at the entrance, often with vermillion red color. Temples serve the Buddhist tradition and typically feature sanmon gates, Buddha statues, and pagodas. Visually, you can distinguish them by: shrines have torii gates, rope decorations (shimenawa), and focus on nature worship; temples have tile-roofed gates, incense burners, and Buddha imagery. Both offer goshuin, and many Japanese people visit both throughout their lives without conflict, as Buddhism and Shinto have coexisted harmoniously for centuries.
Why do Japanese people clap twice at shrines?
The two claps (kashiwade) at Shinto shrines serve to call the attention of the kami (deities) and purify the space around you. The standard ritual is 'two bows, two claps, one bow' (ni-rei, ni-hakushu, ichi-rei). After bowing twice deeply, you clap twice loudly to announce your presence to the deity and dispel negative energy. Then you offer a brief silent prayer with hands together before bowing once more in gratitude. This differs from Buddhist temples, where you do not clap but rather press your palms together in a gesture called gassho. Remember: clapping is only for shrines, not temples.
