Not a fridge magnet, keychain, or anything else, but Japan has something truly unique in store for you if you like collecting little souvenirs from your travels. For almost a century, Eki stamps have been a simple but charming tradition. There are Eki stamps everywhere in Japan, each with a distinctive pattern made especially to symbolise that area. And the best part is that it’s totally free!
What Exactly Are Eki Stamps?
First introduced in 1931 at a small station in Fukui City, “Eki stamps” are rubber ink stamps available at train stations. These days, you can find them at almost every train station, including JR lines and subways, and sometimes even at roadside stations and airports.
Every stamp is a little work of art that is specific to that particular place. For instance, the Tokyo Station stamp beautifully captures its famous red-brick building. Meanwhile, up north in Hokkaido, you might find stamps with snowflakes or mountain scenes.
Look for the stamp counter by the ticket gates, the station master’s office, or the waiting areas when you get to a train station. You’ll see a small desk with a stamp pad and the station’s very own stamp design. All you have to do is open your notebook (or even a scrap of paper), press it down firmly on the stamp, and lift it up, and there you have it!
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The Coolest Japanese Souvenir
While some travellers use any notebook they have, true eki stamp lovers often buy a special eki stamp book, known as a stamp rally book. These books are about the size of a passport and you can easily find them in bookshops.
But do you really need one? Not exactly. You can collect eki stamps on postcards, travel journals, or even loose sheets of paper. Many stations also provide free paper near the stamping area, so you can still grab your souvenir even if you didn’t bring a notebook along.
There’s a certain fascination to collecting these stamps while travelling. One town may have a stamp with Mount Fuji on it, while another may have a cute local mascot. As you move from one station to another, the thrill of searching for the next stamp grows.
The original purpose of eki stamps was to inspire people to travel and see more of Japan. Today, they’re still loved by everyone. In a country full of beautiful keepsakes, Eki Stamps stand out because they are simple, free, and very personal.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Artem.G and Japan Rail Pass/Website
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