I got hooked on collecting Goshuins during my trips to Japan—50+ and counting. Each one holds something I’m still learning to read: calligraphy that carry centuries of meaning and stamps that hold a lot of intention. Come along as I figure them out.

I’ve been to Japan twice now, with a third trip coming up soon—and somewhere along the way, I got hooked on collecting goshuins. If you’re not familiar with them, they’re these beautiful hand-stamped seals you can get at temples and shrines across Japan. What makes them special is that they’re not just stamps—someone at the…