Japan’s railway system is a marvel of efficiency, and its stations, particularly those in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, are a labyrinth to navigate—first-time travellers would understand this all too well. But instead of rushing to your next destination, take the time to discover how much these stations and their surroundings have to offer!
One of the most unique and engaging activities for travellers taking trains is collecting train station stamps, also known as eki stamps or eki sutanpu (駅スタンプ). Collecting eki stamps has been a popular activity for Japanese residents, especially amongst train fans. Surprisingly, though, in recent times, it has gained attention from foreign visitors as well, as a fun and free way to document their train travels around Japan!
In this article, tag along as we explore the world of eki stamps and stamp rallies, and find out what makes them so much fun to collect.
A Storied History: Japan’s Passion for Stamp Collecting

Although it may not seem obvious, the tradition of collecting stamps in Japan has deep roots in the cultural practice of visiting shrines and temples.

For centuries, pilgrims travelling through Japan have collected special stamps or seals known as goshuin (御朱印) from temples and shrines. These stamps are handmade and handwritten, often featuring intricate calligraphy and stunning designs, by the temple or shrine priests. Typically collected in a dedicated booklet called a goshuincho (御朱印帳), these stamps serve as both proof of their visit to these sacred sites and as spiritual mementos.
This uniquely Japanese tradition is still practiced today, not just by pilgrims, but by the general public, encouraging everyone to travel near and far to these various spiritual sites all over Japan.
From Goshuin to Eki Stamps

Fast forward to the 20th century, as Japan’s railway system developed and became more widespread, the idea of collecting stamps at train stations emerged, inspired by the tradition of collecting temple stamps.
Eki stamps were created to commemorate special events or to celebrate the opening of new railway lines. The first eki stamp was said to be made at Fukui Station in 1931 (early Showa Period), as a collectible souvenir for travellers. It was so well-received that the Ministry of Railways at the time decided to deploy similar stamps at train stations all over the country in the following year.

Just like temple stamps, these station stamps are unique to each location, depicting not just station names and dates, but also local landmarks and local motifs that represent the area.
Discovering Japan with Stamp Rallies

Similar to the practice of collecting goshuin, stamp rallies were eventually introduced to encourage people to travel to various sightseeing locations, particularly lesser-known spots, via rail travel. Like treasure hunts, stamp rallies add an element of adventure to travel.
One of the biggest stamp rallies to date was the “Discover Japan” stamp rally held from 1970. Since then, different railway companies, including JR East, hold stamp rallies of various themes and seasons throughout the year. Some of these stamp rallies are held in collaboration with anime or movies to promote their franchises.
Getting Started with Stamp Collecting

So how do these eki stamps work, and how does one go about collecting them? At train stations, you will find these rubber stamps accompanied with inking pads and pieces of paper. Not just at stations, some sightseeing trains might even have their own stamps as well.
If you’re excited to dive into the world of eki stamps, here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Get a Stamp Book
Step 1, get a stamp book! While you can collect stamps on loose paper, it’s much more gratifying to stamp them in a dedicated stamp book. These can be purchased at many train stations as well as tourist information centres. Alternatively, if you have a notebook or a travel journal lying around in your house, those work perfectly fine, too!
Step 2: Plan Your Route
Choose a few train stations to visit to start your collection! This is where the 1-day unlimited local train rides Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass) comes in handy. For starters, why not explore the Yamanote Line loop where popular train stations like Shinjuku and Ikebukuro are located?
Step 3: Ask Around or Look for the Stamp Booth

Typically located at the station’s entrance or gantries, look for the stamp booth or table, which will have a rubber stamp, inking pad, and sometimes even a booklet or information about the stamp and ongoing stamp rallies. You can also ask the station staff 「駅スタンプはありますか。」(“Eki sutanpu wa arimasuka?”) which translates to “Is there a station stamp?”.
Step 4: Stamp Your Book

Carefully stamp your book, making sure to align it properly for a clear and beautiful imprint. Each stamp is one-of-a-kind, featuring a unique design that will surely help you remember your trip to the area!
Step 5: Rinse & Repeat, or Explore the Area!

If you are on a mission to collect ‘em all, participate in stamp rallies where you can stand a chance to win freebies or enter lucky draws. Simply repeat steps 3 and 4! In Japan, hardcore eki stamp collectors, known as oshi-tetsu (押し鉄), make it a point to seek out these stamps at every station they visit, adding on to their ever-growing collection. Otherwise, while you’re at each station, why not take the time to explore the surroundings? You never know what hidden gems you might discover!
New Stamp Rally by JR East for Foreign Travellers!

JR East has recently launched a special stamp rally to welcome international travellers to Tokyo! Held until the end of February 2025, this new initiative not only offers a fun way to explore Tokyo but also comes with exclusive stamps and souvenirs designed for international visitors.

Headed by JR East Tokyo Metropolitan Area Headquarters, this stamp rally is perfect for first-timers and casual stamp collectors who want to experience a stamp rally, a unique culture in Japan, while exploring Tokyo by JR trains.
To participate, visitors just need to follow these three simple steps:
➀ Obtain your free stamp booklet at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, any JR EAST Travel Service Centers within stations with the Yamanote Line, or at JAPAN RAIL CAFE TOKYO (Tōkyō Station).
② Collect station stamps from three designated stations in the stamp booklet: Akihabara Station (秋葉原駅), Shibuya Station (渋谷駅), Shimbashi Station (新橋駅).
③ After collecting all three stamps, complete a simple survey available on the stamp booklet, and visit the designated prize collection locations including JAPAN RAIL CAFE Tokyo. Present both the completed stamp booklet (with all stamps) and the survey completion screen to receive your prize.

This simple stamp rally is designed to be a memorable experience for visitors, with the design and paper quality of the stamp booklet as well as the stamp designs carefully crafted to give a true sense of Japan. The small gift is a packet of bath salts inspired by Japanese hot springs—an enjoyable memento of Japan to take home.
Visit JAPAN RAIL CAFE Tokyo, Newly Renovated in Late 2024!

Since its opening in April 2020, Japan’s first JAPAN RAIL CAFE Tokyo has just gone through a facelift! Make sure to visit the newly renovated JAPAN RAIL CAFE Tokyo, located just outside the Yaesu Central Gate of Tokyo Station.

Apart from collecting your prize at the end of the stamp rally, you can relax with a cup of coffee or its wide offering of green tea drinks, and even get travel tips and exchange your rail passes at the Travel Service Counter while waiting for your shinkansen. (Learn more) It’s the perfect spot to unwind and plan your next stamp rally adventure, and even your next trip to Japan!