Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference. Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan.
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| A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps |
However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE. Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye.
A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps
Eki stamps, also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps feature the name of the station and are usually designed with famous landmarks and products that are found near the station. Sometimes, you'd also see Eki stamps that feature the station's mascot or the station building itself.
The history of the Eki stamps in Japan can be traced back to 1931 when the first Eki stamp was installed at a train station in Fukui. Since then, Eki stamps were installed in most train stations in the country. It is also installed in airports, seaports, and even highway service areas.
So how does one collect Eki stamps?
It's actually very simple. You can avail of a stamp book in most book stores in the country. This costs around 500 -1000 yen. However, there is no stopping anyone who would like to use their diary, notebook, planner, tickler, or sketch pad as a personalized stamp book.
Once you have your own stamp book ready, the next thing to do is to look for your first Eki stamp. The stamps are usually found near the ticket gates of the station. However, sometimes it is with the station attendant so better ask if you can't find it. The stamp usually comes with an ink pad and some stack of blank paper in case you forgot your stamp book. If the ink pad is dry, you can politely ask the station attendant to refill it with ink. However, no one will stop you from carrying your own ink pad.
Oh, and before I forget, train stations aren't the only place to get stamps. You'd also find them in most major tourist destinations, highway rest stops, and even some hotels and ryokans
To motivate you, here's my collection of not only Eki stamps but stamps from different tourist spots, shrines, and temples from my recent trips:
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| Hiranoya Bekkan Stamp |
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| Hiranoya Kougen stamp |
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| Honmachi Station stamp |
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| JR Kansai Airport station stamp |
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| Kansai International Airport stamp |
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| Namba Station stamp |
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| Nara City stamp |
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| JR Nara Station stamp |
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| JR Osakajokoen Station stamp |
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| JR Rinku Town Station stamp |
Motivated enough? Great! There are around 9000+ stations in Japan to visit plus thousands of different tourist destinations. So what are you waiting for? Grab that stamp book and start your stamp collecting quest!
Seems like a nice collection.
ReplyDeleteYup it is. =)
DeleteHello. Can I ask if every station has this stamp or the famous ones only? Nice collection btw!!
ReplyDeleteHello! Each station has its own stamp. =) Popular stations display the stamps in a specific area while the least popular ones are usually with the station master. You just need to ask. =)
DeleteLooks like a neat collection. I would try that when I visit Japan.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Please do!
DeleteI'm inspired to collect eki stamps too.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear that!
Delete道の駅スタンプを集めてみよう
ReplyDeleteYes, I also collect roadside station stamps. :)
DeleteSo cool! Do you think an A7 notebook would be big enough to fit the stamps or would the pages be too small?
ReplyDeleteHi! A7 is big enough. :) I once used a tickler and most stamp fit. :)
DeleteSo cool! How do we know if a station has a stamp or not?
ReplyDeleteUsually the big ones with station masters have eki stamps. Most of the time you would see the stamps displayed in the station. If it is not, you should ask the station master.
Deleteздорово
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThis made me want to collect Eki Stamps too.
ReplyDeletePlease do! You would surely enjoy hunting eki stamps.
DeleteMay I know where to get the Kansai international airport stamp? Is it at the tourist information centre?
ReplyDeleteYes! =)
DeleteI'm collecting Eki Stamps now. I'm inspired because of this. I'll collect every stamp here in Osaka Prefecture.
ReplyDeleteWow! Really? Thank you and good luck!
DeleteThis inspired me to collect stamps too.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Your comment made my day.
DeleteI started my stamp collection this year after reading your article.
ReplyDeleteReally? Thank you!
DeleteI just read your article and it is inspired me too, we will start to collect the stamp on our visit to Japan next April.
DeleteGreat! I'm happy to hear that! Enjoy collecting eki stamps.
DeleteWould a 4x4in sketchbook be large enough for the stamps. Also, what's the largest stamp that you've come across?
ReplyDeleteYes. That would be large enough. =) The largest I came across was the JR Station Stamps in Osaka and the KIX Stamp. It took half my A4 notebook page.
DeleteAmazing collection of Japan's stamps.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteTaiwan also has "eki stamps". You should visit and write about them too!
ReplyDeleteWill do!
DeleteI'm following your blog for some time now and I'm also a stamp collector. Do you have stamps from Hokkaido?
ReplyDeleteYes I do, thanks for reminding me. I will publish a separate article about that.
DeleteHow is your goshuin collection? You haven't updated it yet.
ReplyDeleteIt's growing but to be honest I'm a bit busy with the eki stamps of Hokkaido right now.
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