A Hidden Gem for Goshuin Collectors: Gold-Foil Cat Goshuin at Kamakatsu Ise Daijingu, Chiba
For Goshuin collectors seeking something truly rare, Kamakatsu Ise Daijingu offers a New Year Goshuin unlike any other in Japan.
Located in the quiet countryside of Chiba Prefecture, far from the busy tourist routes, this shrine is known among local worshippers for its warmth, authenticity, and deep connection to everyday life. For international collectors, it represents a destination Goshuin—one that rewards those willing to travel beyond the well-known cities.
The highlight is a special gold-foiled Goshuin featuring four real shrine cats—Tsuki, Riku, Rai, and Fu—who live at the shrine. In the design, they are depicted as Shinto priests and shrine maidens, celebrating the New Year together with the zodiac animal of the year, the Horse (Uma).
This Goshuin is crafted as a sensory experience rather than a flat print.
Raised embossing gives the figures depth, while fine gold foil outlines shimmer subtly as the light changes. Each detail is designed to be felt as well as seen, making it especially appealing to collectors who value craftsmanship, texture, and
Because this shrine receives relatively few international visitors, obtaining this Goshuin feels personal and unhurried. There are no crowds, no rushed lines—just a quiet moment to connect with the shrine, the artwork, and the story behind it.
For collectors who believe Goshuin are more than souvenirs—
who see them as records of journeys, encounters, and devotion—
this gold-foil cat Goshuin is a piece that stands apart from the ordinary.
It is not easy to find.
And that is exactly what makes it special.
