Japan Stamp Collecting: Guide and Where to Find Them
Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by Kay
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If you’re looking for a fun and (usually) free activity to do in Japan, why not collect some stamps? No, these are not postage stamps used to mail a letter. Instead, these are ink stamps that you press onto a piece of paper or a book. These stamps can be found throughout Japan, although it’s more common in larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka, and best of all, they’re completely free!
Stamp collecting is an activity that appeals to all ages, especially kids, so it’s an activity I love doing with my daughter. Not to mention it’s a great way to remember places you visited during your trip!
In this article, I’ll introduce you to stamp collecting in Japan and share the best places to find them.
Table of Contents
Types of Stamps in Japan
There are various types of ink stamps in Japan. Here are the most common.
Eki Stamps
The most common stamps, and most popular, are eki stamps. Eki means “station” in Japan, so, unsurprisingly, these stamps can be found at train stations.
These stamps are usually one stamp with the name of the train station and a design unique to the station.
Stamp Rallies
Stamp rallies are events where you visit various locations and collect stamps from each place you go. For instance, the Osaka Expo has a stamp book where you can do a stamp rally and collect stamps from each pavilion.
Several places in Japan allow you to get beautiful layered stamps during stamp rallies. A layered stamp is exactly as the name implies – you complete a picture by stamping a piece of paper layer by layer. Each layer is in a different location. The only downside is that you’ll have an incomplete picture if you can’t make it to each layer location.
⚠️ Important! ⚠️ Note that stamps mentioned in this article are different from goshuin, which is a paid stamp alongside calligraphy you get from a shrine or temple in Japan. Do not confuse the two!
Sometimes you get a gift when you complete a stamp rally. For instance, when we did a stamp rally at Kinosaki Onsen, we got a pair of free chopsticks!
It’s important to note that sometimes you have to pay a small fee to do a stamp rally in Japan, but this usually doesn’t cost more than 300 or 500 yen.
Where to Find Stamps in Japan
To find eki stamps in Japan, look no further than a train station. I’ve found that these stamps are usually located near the gates, sometimes before the gates, and sometimes after.
Note that not all train stations have eki stamps.
When it comes to stamp rallies, I usually find them using this website (pop it into Google Translate if you can’t read Japanese) or just stumble on them! Keep in mind that stamp rallies are always changing so some information you come across might be outdated.
Another great online resource for finding stamps is Funakiya. This is also only in Japanese.
Some temples and shrines in Japan have stamps. For instance, Katsuoji in Osaka has a very beautiful layered stamp rally. Again, these differ from goshuin, so don’t mix them up!
Some popular stores in Japan will have stamps as well. For instance, the JUMP Store has an awesome stamp that every JUMP fan should have!
Other famous tourist attractions in Japan such as castles (Osaka Castle, for example), towers like Tsutenkaku in Osaka, zoos, as well as aquariums, will have stamps, too.
(Psst, if you use the Osaka Amazing Pass, you can visit lots of popular tourist spots in Osaka that have stamps!)
Stamp collecting is becoming increasingly popular in Japan, so you’re bound to find one even when you’re not looking!
Where to Get a Stamp Book in Japan
When it comes to stamp books, it’s important to have something unlined that’s small and portable with high-quality paper so the ink doesn’t bleed through. You can get a hardcover book, but keep in mind that it might be heavy to carry around.
If you live abroad, Amazon has a good selection of stamp books, such as this one. Keep in mind, though, that these are not official books. (And personally, I don’t think it really matters whether it’s official or not.)
You can find official Eki Stamp books in Japan at some convenience stores, stationery stores such as Kinokuniya, Tokyu Hands, or LOFT.
Below is the book that I use, which I got from Amazon Japan. I like that it has lines at the bottom where I can write where I got my stamp from and anything else I want to remember.
There’s also this adorable Sanrio stamp book, which I think I might get next:
Stamps in Japan and Ink
When it comes to ink, you’ll find that some stamps require a stamp pad (which is usually always provided). These are usually larger stamps, a little smaller than the palm of your hand, and round in shape or square with a wooden handle.
Sometimes there are stamps that have the ink already built inside. These self-inking stamps are plastic and are usually smaller in size.
Stamp Tips in Japan and Etiquette
There are a few things every stamp collector in Japan should know before stamping.
First, when using a stamp pad, lightly tap the stamp onto the ink a few times and ensure that it’s covered.
Second, make sure to press down hard and evenly when using a stamp with a stamp pad. This will ensure a beautiful stamp.
Third, if you use a stamp pad, make sure you close the lid after use; otherwise, the ink will dry.
Fourth, please do not use your own stamp pads, especially if the ink is a different color from the one provided. This will ruin the stamp for the next person who uses it.
Fifth, sometimes there is a line of people waiting for a stamp. Please line up behind them; do not cut in line. (If you have kids, make sure to emphasize this!)
Lastly, have fun! If you’re traveling, don’t pressure yourself to find all the stamps because there are just so many. My daughter and I just take it easy when we’re collecting stamps, and this includes stamp rallies. It’s no big deal if we can’t find a certain stamp because the last thing we want is to stress ourselves out, especially when we’re on vacation!
But if you’re very keen on collecting them all, ask a staff or someone nearby where to find a stamp using the vocabulary below.
Japanese Stamp Vocabulary and Phrases
Here is some essential vocabulary and phrases that every stamp collector in Japan should know.
Japanese Stamp Vocabulary
駅スタンプ (eki sutampu) — Eki Stamp
スタンプラリー (sutampu rari-) — Stamp Rally
スタンプ巡り (sutampu meguri) — Stamp Rally (no, this isn’t a typo, this is just another way to say “stamp rally”)
Japanese Stamp Phrases
If you’re unsure about whether or not a station has an eki stamp, ask a station attendant, “Sumimasen, eki no sutampu wa arimasuka?”
If you already know the station has a stamp, ask them, “Sumimasen, eki no sutampu wa doko no arimasuka?”
If you’re looking for a particular stamp, not an eki (station) stamp, replace eki with the stamp you’re looking for. And don’t forget, Google Translate can also be a very helpful tool.