Like collecting things? Then collecting eki stamps might be something you would be interested in while traveling through Japan. Oh did I mention; this activity does not involve money at all — it’s absolutely free!
Warning: Please do not miss your train just to collect these! 
What Are Eki Stamps (Japanese Train Station Stamps)?
Eki stamp (駅スタンプ) translates literally to station stamp. These are typically found near the exit(s) or the entrance(s) of the station.
I have seen only 1 stamp counter in most stations but there are actually 2 stamp counters in some stations such as at the Kyoto Station. I will be sharing a few variations of the eki stamps and their locations in the stations that I have visited. However, not all Japanese train lines will have them, but rest assure that most Japan Railway (JR) stations will have them, so do keep a lookout if you are on any of the JR lines. Please approach the friendly staff, you can ask them in English with the exact term: “Is there eh ki su tan pu?”.
Where To Find Stamp Books?
You can stamp the eki stamps on of your journals or notebooks, or get a notebook from nearest bookstore. Most bookstores will sell eki stamp books, with prices ranging between ¥500 – ¥1000. I got mine from Traveler’s Factory as I’m using their journal books and it could be added into my journal. It’s also a limited edition book from their collaboration with the Tokyo Metro. Will be sharing more about my travelling journal and other stamps in other posts.
If you do not wish to spend money on a notebook, you can ask for a piece of paper from the train station staff. Some stations do have special printed papers that you can collect too!
(Left) Special paper for ski stamp from train station (Right) Eki stamp in personal notebook
JR East (Tokyo Branch) New Stamps
For those who are only visiting Tokyo, good news is that recently in July 2020, JR East introduced new stamps for all 78 stations covered within their Tokyo branch office area. These stamps are smaller than your usual stamps though. English names of the stations have also been included so more tourists will also be able to enjoy this activity together.
Tips For Stamping!
1. Bring some rough paper along:
– to test the stamps;
– to lay your book on (as it can be rather messy with inks on the stamp counter);
– to use as a backing to prevent ink bleeding onto the next page
2. Record the station name and/or date (take a picture, if you have allowed your smartphone’s camera to use your location) – this will help you to identify the station names if you are not able to read Japanese.
Eki Stamp Locations
Japan Rail West
Kyoto Station 京都駅
2 stamp machines in this station
Kyoto Station: Before Underground East Exit
Kyoto Station: Before Hachijo East Exit
Kyuhoji Station 久宝寺駅
Namba Station 難波駅
Nara Station 奈良駅
Nara Station: Next to ticketing machines
Osaka Station 大阪駅
Shin-Osaka Station 新大阪駅
Universal City Station ユニバーサルシティ駅
Japan Rail East
Saitama Shintoshin Station さいたま新都心駅
Japan Rail East (Tokyo Branch)
Akihabara Station 秋葉原駅
Akihabara Station: Opposite ticketing machines and gantry
Harajuku Station 原宿駅
Harajuku Station: Outside Omotesando Exit
Shibuya Station 渋谷駅
Shibuya Station: Inside the JR ticket office
Tokyo Station 東京駅
Tokyo Station: Before Marunouchi South Entrance
Hamamatsuchō Station 浜松町駅
Hamamatsu Station: Outside the South Gate, replaced temporarily by a stamp rally stamp
In the event where the original stamp location was replaced temporarily by a stamp rally like the above image, you can approach the nearest ticket office for the original stamp.
Ueno Station 上野駅
I am missing the location image for this stamp, but its right outside the JR ticket office! The stamp “platform” looks exactly the same as the others in JR East (Tokyo Branch) and in green, so it will be easy to identify.
Hope these will help with your eki stamp collection!
Looking for more stamps to collect?
Stamp Rally
Eki stamps but for limited time only! Stamp rallies, are often held all year round to commemorate various events. They will have special pamphlet or booklet for you to stamp on. Some will have prizes that you can collect after collecting all the stamps required, while stocks last.
Kinen Stamp
Besides eki stamps, you can also collect other souvenir stamps at various shops over Japan! We’ve also documented all the other stamps we’ve chanced upon in Japan, over in another stamp post. Check it out for more stamp collecting fun!
Read: Collecting Kinen Stamp Across Japan
Goshuin
Goshuin, a handwritten stamp by monks, are also popular amongst locals and tourists. They can be found in most temples across Japan and each require a small fee.
Read: Goshuin — All You Need To Know About Collecting Them
