Discovering Japan Through Eki Stamps
When most people picture Tokyo, they imagine neon skyscrapers, bustling crossings, or steaming bowls of ramen. But there is another side to the city. Quieter, playful, and hidden in plain sight, that many travelers overlook. It lies in the tradition of eki stamps, special rubber stamps you can collect at train stations across Japan.
What might sound like a small activity is actually a beloved cultural pastime, turning an ordinary train ride into a treasure hunt and leaving you with a very personal travel diary.
The practice began nearly a century ago, when railway companies wanted to encourage travelers to explore new areas. At each station, they introduced commemorative stamps featuring local landmarks, historic buildings, or regional mascots. The idea quickly caught on, and eki stamps became a nationwide hobby enjoyed by children and adults alike. Today, they are still part of daily travel culture, and pressing one onto the page feels like pressing time itself into ink.
Let’s get stamping!
Getting started is surprisingly simple.
Dedicated stamp books are sold in larger stations and bookstores, often decorated with cheerful designs that make them souvenirs in their own right. But a plain notebook works just as well. Once you have something to stamp on, all you need to do is step off the train.
Where to Find Stamp Corners
Most stations keep their stamps just outside the ticket gates, placed neatly on small tables with an ink pad. In larger stations, the stamps may be found at only one specific exit. A quick check online beforehand will save you time.
And in smaller ones you may have to ask the station staff directly to bring out the stamp. Don’t be shy, this is part of the fun!
More Than Stations: Character Stamp Hunts
And the hobby does not end with stations. Tokyo Station itself has become a paradise for stamp hunters thanks to its Character Street, where beloved shops such as the Jump Shop, the Mugiwara Store, and the Mofusand store offer their own designs. These stamps often change with the season or promotion, making each visit feel new. For fans of manga or character goods, it adds an extra thrill to shopping—you leave not only with souvenirs but also with a stamped mark of the adventure.
Beyond individual shops, there is also the excitement of stamp rallies, large-scale events where stamps are scattered across multiple stations or attractions. These rallies often feature popular characters or even seasonal mascots. Completing the full set might earn you a small prize, or simply the satisfaction of finishing the hunt. For children, it becomes a playful quest; for adults, it is a wonderful excuse to explore neighborhoods they might never have visited otherwise.
The Virtual Stamp Corner
Of course, modern technology has also entered the picture. Apps like EkiTag or web-based platforms such as JR Train Trip offer digital versions of eki stamps, letting travelers collect them on their phones. These services are currently only available in Japanese, which can make them a little tricky for visitors from overseas, but they remain a fun option for those who want to keep track of their journeys in digital form.
What’s Next?
Once you start noticing eki stamps, it’s easy to get hooked. But stamp collecting is just the beginning. Japan has a knack for turning everyday things into adventures. Some travelers go hunting for unique manhole covers, others collect goshuin, the elegant calligraphy stamps given at temples and shrines. Who knows, maybe the next big trend will be collecting shinkansen airs!