The Ultimate Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps in Japan

If you’re heading to Japan and love collecting unique, memory-rich souvenirs, then Eki stamps might just be your favorite hidden gem. Found at train stations across the country, these beautifully designed stamps represent the city, region, or even a specific landmark nearby — and best of all? They’re totally free.

In this guide to Eki stamps Japan, I’ll show you:

• What Eki stamps are and where to find them

• Pro tips for stamping success

• Unique places outside of train stations to collect stamps

• How to turn your stamp-collecting into a fun, budget-friendly adventure

And how you can combine it with Japan Rail Passes, travel tours, and connectivity essentials.

What Are Eki Stamps?

Eki stamps (駅スタンプ) are free rubber stamps placed at train stations around Japan. Each design is unique and often features local landmarks, mascots, cultural symbols, or nature scenes tied to the area.

This tradition began in the 1930s and continues to this day — a nostalgic, interactive way for travelers to connect with each destination.

Why You’ll Love Collecting Eki Stamps

• They’re free!

• They make for a meaningful, personal travel keepsake.

• You can track your journey across Japan in a creative way.

• It encourages you to slow down and notice each city’s charm.

• Great activity for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Get my Japan Travel Guide here 👈

Where to Find Eki Stamps in Japan

While not every station has a stamp, most JR stations, especially in popular cities and regions, do. Look out for small tables or booths near exits or ticket gates. If you’re not sure where to look, ask a station staff member with this handy phrase:

「駅スタンプはどこですか」(Eki stamp wa doko desu ka?)
“Where is the Eki stamp?”

Eki stamps aren’t always easy to spot — but if you know where to look, you’ll be able to find them in minutes. Here’s where you’re most likely to find them inside the station.

Common stamp locations:

• Inside the JR Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi)

• Next to Tourist Information Counters

• At the travel service centers (View Plaza)

• At the main entrance or concourse area near ticket gates

• Inside local train museums or adjacent souvenir shops in major stations

• Occasionally on the platform (more common in rural or scenic lines)

If in doubt, ask staff:

「駅スタンプはどこですか？」(Eki stamp wa doko desu ka?)

“Where is the Eki stamp?”

⸻

Exact Eki Stamp Locations at Major Stations

You’ll want internet access to check station maps, ask staff questions, or share your Eki stamp finds on social media. I highly recommend using an Airalo eSIM to stay connected without the hassle of physical SIM cards. It’s affordable, fast, and works across Japan.

Here are some confirmed, easy-to-find locations for Eki stamps at popular tourist stations:

Shinjuku Station

• Location: JR East Travel Service Center, right outside the New South Exit (near the JR Pass counter).

• Stamp theme: Godzilla, skyscrapers, Kabukicho sign.

Akihabara Station

• Location: Near the Central Gate, close to the JR Station Office. Sometimes found near the Electric Town exit.

• Stamp theme: Anime characters, electronics motifs.

⸻

Kyoto Station

• Location: Inside the Central Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi) near the Central Gate, or occasionally at the JR West Travel Desk.

• Stamp theme: Five-story pagoda, maiko, traditional Kyoto scenes.

Arashiyama (Randen Station)

• Location: Small table at the station entrance, near the ticket machine area.

• Stamp theme: Bamboo grove, monkey park.

⸻

Osaka Station (Umeda)

• Location: Inside the JR West Travel Service Center, next to the Sakurabashi Exit.

• Stamp theme: Osaka Castle, takoyaki, city skyline.

Shin-Osaka Station

• Location: Near the JR Central Gate, by the ticket office.

• Stamp theme: Bullet train, Osaka cuisine.

Universal City Station

• Location: Near the exit gate, in the tourist brochure area.

• Stamp theme: Universal Studios Japan icons.

⸻

Hiroshima Station

• Location: Inside the Tourist Information Center, near the South Exit on the 2nd floor concourse.

• Stamp theme: Peace Memorial Park, floating torii gate from Miyajima.

Miyajimaguchi Station

• Location: Inside the ticket gate area, usually found on a small counter or stand.

• Stamp theme: Ferry, deer, Itsukushima Shrine.

⸻

Pro Tip:

Smaller stations often place the stamp near coin lockers, vending machines, or tucked beside brochure displays near exits. Keep your eyes peeled — and if you’re on a scenic or regional line, always check the platform! You might spot a hidden gem.

Unique Places to Get Eki Stamps in Japan (Beyond Train Stations)

Stamp culture is not limited to train stations! Look out for stamps at:

• Castles – Himeji Castle, Osaka Castle, and Kumamoto Castle have special stamp counters

• Temples & Shrines – Fushimi Inari, Todai-ji in Nara, and Senso-ji in Tokyo

• Museums – Ghibli Museum, Railway Museum (Saitama), Edo-Tokyo Museum

• Roadside Stations (Michi-no-Eki) – Rural stops across Japan often feature quirky regional stamps

• Theme Parks – Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan

• Ferries – Miyajima ferry and Odaiba cruises

• Tourist info centers – Most provide location-specific stamps for travelers

Unique and Lesser-Known Places to Collect Stamps in Japan

Beyond major train stations, Japan is full of hidden stamping spots you won’t want to miss. These often include spiritual, cultural, and regional gems — and they’re a great way to remember the places you might not expect to collect a free souvenir.

Here are some of the most unique places to collect Eki-style or travel stamps:

⸻

1. Koyasan (Mount Koya)

• Location: Stamp available at Gokurakubashi Station (on the Nankai Koya Line), and sometimes at Koyasan Cable Car Station.

• Theme: Buddhist symbols, cable car, mountain motifs.

• Bonus: Some temples like Kongobu-ji or the Danjo Garan complex may have commemorative stamps in their gift shops or ticket counters — while not “Eki stamps,” they’re beautiful and stamp-book worthy.

⸻

2. Hakone Tozan Railway

• Location: Gora Station, Hakone-Yumoto Station, and Chokoku-no-Mori Station have their own train-themed stamps.

• Theme: Mount Fuji, vintage trains, Hakone Open-Air Museum.

• Extra tip: These stamps are sometimes available in stamp rally sheets you can complete for small prizes.

⸻

3. Owakudani (Hakone)

• Location: Inside the Owakudani Ropeway Station, near the souvenir shop or information desk.

• Theme: Sulphur vents, black eggs, Mount Fuji.

⸻

4. Nikko Area (Tochigi)

• Location: Stamp available at Tobu-Nikko Station (not JR), near the ticket gate or tourism counter.

• Theme: Shinkyo Bridge, Toshogu Shrine.

• Other spots: Some temples like Rinno-ji may offer temple stamps.

⸻

5. Shimanami Kaido (Onomichi–Imabari Cycling Route)

• Location: Ferry terminals, roadside rest areas (Michi-no-Eki), and Onomichi Station.

• Theme: Bridges, bikes, ocean views.

⸻

6. Ghibli Museum (Mitaka, Tokyo)

• Location: Inside the museum near the souvenir shop or café.

• Theme: Ghibli characters, Totoro.

• Tip: Requires pre-booking via Klook or official website.

⸻

7. Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

• Location: Stamp table near the main entrance and sometimes inside individual historic houses.

• Theme: Traditional buildings, historical Tokyo.

⸻

8. Local Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Stations)

• Example: Michi-no-Eki Hakuba, Michi-no-Eki Ouchi-juku, etc.

• Theme: Regional mascots, nature, food specialties.

• Tip: These often have fun, collectible regional mascot stamps that differ from the usual JR style.

⸻

9. Theme Parks

• Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea: Stamps at guest relations or near shops — seasonal designs available.

• Universal Studios Japan: Look for stamps near the exit or in designated souvenir areas.

⸻

Pro Tip:

Many temples, shrines, and museums across Japan also have ink stamps, which are different from goshuin (calligraphy stamps) and don’t require a special book. These are usually free and perfect for your Eki stamp notebook!

⸻

Eki Stamp Tips for Perfect Results

• Use a firm, even press. Don’t just tap — press the stamp evenly for 3–4 seconds.

• Check the ink pad. Some are dry — dab the pad first to make sure it has ink.

• Bring tissues or wipes. Ink can get messy or transfer to pages.

• Use thick, smooth paper. Thin paper may bleed. Consider a stamp book or sturdy notebook.

• Write the date next to each stamp. It helps you remember where and when!

• Decorate your book. Washi tape, stickers, or short notes can make it extra special.

• Download the JR-EAST Train Stamp Rally app (if you’re traveling in eastern Japan) — it tracks digital stamps too!

Final Thoughts

Eki stamps in Japan are one of those charming, low-key experiences that travelers often miss — but they’re one of the most rewarding. Whether you’re a collector at heart or just want something memorable and free, don’t skip the stamps!

Have you collected Eki stamps before? Share your favorites in the comments below or tag me on Instagram @miastravelmemoirs when you find one!

Get my Japan Travel Guide here 👈

***
As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post includes affiliate links and any purchases made through these links will earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep this site going!
***

Read More on Japan:

• The Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide: Top Things to Do, Eat & See
• How to Spend 3 Days in Kyoto: Temples, Tea & Hidden Gems
• The Best of Osaka: Food, Culture & Neon Nights
• Your Guide to Visiting Koya-san: Japan’s Sacred Mountain
• Hiroshima Travel Guide: History, Peace & Island Beauty
• Staying in a Traditional Ryokan: Everything You Need to Know
• The Ultimate 2 Week Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more