Sakamoto Hachiman Shrine in Dazaifu City decided to reopen after it has discontinued issuing goshuin (proof of pilgrimage) stamps to an overflowing volume of visitors. The shrine, with a direct relationship related to the naming of Japan’s new era “Reiwa,” saw more than 50,000 visitors during the 10-day Golden Week holidays. Previously the shrine was very quiet with only 20 visitors per day on average. But recently staff members including local ujiko (shrine parishioners) have suffered severe exhaustion and were forced to stop accepting visitors since May 7. After a meeting on May 13, the shrine decided to reassign staff beginning May 18 and resume their goshuin booth daily except for Monday and Thursday. At some shrines in Japan, including Sakamoto Hachiman, the reselling of goshuin with a date of Reiwa year has become a challenge. Source: Asahi Shimbun, 5/15/2019
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