Five types of summer limited goshuin will be offered at Ikuta Shrine (生田神社) in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, starting Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The collection features two new kirigami (paper-cut art) goshuin alongside three other limited designs.
Summer Limited Goshuin Collection
Kirigami Goshuin: Chinowa (切り絵御朱印【茅の輪】)
This design was created to coincide with the Nagoshi Oharae Shiki (夏越大祓式) — a traditional Shinto purification ritual held on July 15 to cleanse accumulated spiritual impurities from the first half of the year. The design renders a chinowa (茅の輪), a ring woven from fresh green kaya grass that is erected on shrine grounds during the ritual, in kirigami cut-paper art. Receiving this goshuin carries a wish for visitors to spend the summer in good health, with a pure heart and body.
- Size: Approximately A5 (210mm × 148mm)
- Availability: July 1–31, 2026 (while supplies last)
- Price: ¥1,000
Kirigami Goshuin: Wish Upon a Star (切り絵御朱印【星に願いを】)
This design is inspired by the Tanabata legend: a giant star rises over the Milky Way as Orihime and Hikoboshi meet for their once-a-year reunion, with a magpie (鵲, kasasagi) serving as the bridge between them. The shrine's auxiliary building features a bronze magpie on its roof, welcoming visitors. A unique half-cut laser technique — where the paper surface is etched rather than fully cut through — gives this design a texture unlike anything achievable with conventional laser cutting. Receiving this goshuin carries a wish that heartfelt prayers reach the stars, and that bonds with loved ones and the happiness of daily life are fulfilled.
- Size: Approximately A5 (210mm × 148mm)
- Availability: July 1–31, 2026 (while supplies last)
- Price: ¥1,000
Shiki Goshu-in: Waves of Light (四輝朱印【波の光】)
This goshuin expresses the shifting scenery of the passing season through the intricate sparkle of etching (エッチング加工) processing. The design evokes a shimmering ocean world aglow with the radiance of light dancing on the waves, carrying a wish that the season becomes one that brightens the heart.
- Size: Approximately A5 (210mm × 148mm)
- Availability: July 1 – August 31, 2026 (while supplies last)
- Price: ¥1,000
July Limited Goshuin: Fumizuki (７月限定御朱印【ふみづき】)
Fumizuki (文月) is the classical Japanese name for the seventh month. This design portrays a Tanabata scene: tanzaku (短冊) wish papers tied to bamboo branches swaying in a refreshing summer breeze against a Kobe cityscape, with the stars of the Milky Way shining above. Receiving this goshuin carries a wish that cherished prayers are bound and the month proves to be a fruitful and beautiful one.
- Size: A6 (105mm × 148mm)
- Availability: July 1–31, 2026 (while supplies last)
- Price: ¥500
Summer Limited Goshuin: Natsumōde (夏期限定御朱印【夏詣】)
This seasonal goshuin features the shrine's enshrined deity, Wakahirume-no-Mikoto (稚日女尊) — a youthful sun goddess and goddess of good matches — at the center. The shrine's emblem of yae-cherry blossoms and the year's zodiac sign of the Horse (午) are depicted with golden rays streaming down, while goldfish glide gracefully across a tranquil summer water surface. Receiving this goshuin carries a wish for the health and happiness of all visitors.
- Size: A6 (105mm × 148mm)
- Availability: June 1 – August 31, 2026 (while supplies last)
- Price: ¥500
