A story about finding a new hobby

Hello

It has been a month since I moved to Kyoto.

I am surprised every day by
how many shrines and temples there are in Kyoto.
From small ones to incredibly vast ones,
there are various temples and shrines,
and I am truly impressed.

I make it a point to
go for walks to build up my physical strength.

Without deciding on a destination,
I just wander around aimlessly.

And the temple I happened to wander into was

To-ji Temple

I could see the five-story pagoda from outside the grounds,
the grounds looked spacious,
and thinking, 'This is Kyoto!',
I became a little interested and decided to go in.

Inside, there were various exhibits,
there were several places to pray,

and I encountered something unexpected at To-ji.
That was
Goshuin
stamps.

A Goshuin is
a stamp or handwritten calligraphy received in a special book as proof of visiting a shrine or temple.
They were writing something amazing by hand.

I knew about the existence of Goshuin,
but it was my first time seeing it in person,
and just like that, I was swept away and
got a Goshuin book and a Goshuin stamp.

There were several types of Goshuin at To-ji,
and I just kind of chose this Fudo Myoo one,
but there was also a Yakushi Nyorai one,
and I regretted not choosing that one instead.
I guess I'll just have to go back and get it someday.

I mean,Goshuin are just too cool.

I can understand why people get hooked on collecting Goshuin.
And just the other day,
I went to get my second Goshuin.
The place wasShogo-in Temple.

I usually
go to Kyoto University Hospital for treatment,
so on my way back from a regular check-up,
I found out it was nearby, so I went to get one right away.

At To-ji, they wrote it right in front of me,
but at Shogo-in, I couldn't watch them write it,
so while I waited,
I paid my respects to the statues of Fudo Myoo and others on the second floor.

Wow,
I have a feeling this is going to be a new hobby.
A hobby unique to Kyoto,
Goshuin collecting.

I would be happy if you could let me know in the comments if you have any recommended Goshuin!

Well then,
see you later.

I'll post links to my other articles below,
so if you're interested, please take a read.