Eki Stamps: the station stamps rally is on!
- Published on : 08/07/2025
- by : Ph.L
- Youtube
A stand of Eki stamps in Japan
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Found in most train stations across the country, Eki Stamps feature original designs that will delight collectors and train travel enthusiasts alike. Ready for the stamp rally? Go for it!
What are Eki Stamps?
Eki Stamps are part of the culture of Stamp Rallies (スタンプラリー), the stamp races popular on the archipelago. Initially present in temples, tampons were later democratized at cultural events. Whether in shopping malls or Tokyo gardens in autumn, they appear as a subtle way of boosting local tourism.
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Created in 1951 at Fukui station to attract visitors , Eki Stamps are adorned with motifs inspired by the station or town from which they originate. True works of art, they generally depict the local mascot(yurukyara), a nearby monument or a culinary specialty emblematic of the area.
The tampon craze gradually spread throughout the country. Today, most stations on the Japanese railway network have a small stamp stand, where travelers can add to their collection.
Stands are also available at some ports and airports!
An Eki Stamp (station stamp)
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Where can you find them?
Stamp stands can be found at most JR and private railway stations. They are usually located near ticket offices or automatic gates, and are completely free of charge.
In 2023, JR East launched EKITAG, an app that lets you collect digital stamps to discover more confidential train lines. Compatible with all types of phone, the app lists over 830 stamps spread across 141 train lines.
To obtain your precious reward, simply visit a participating station and look for the EKITAG logo (near the location of the physical stamp, if available), then scan the corresponding QR code. Please note: the application, which is still in its infancy, is currently only available in English and Japanese.
Catch them all!
Convinced by the stamp race? Grab a notebook and get started.
While there is as yet no specific notebook for Eki Stamps, as there is for temple stamps, most collectors opt for small notebooks without lines. These are available from most stationers, such as LOFT or Tokyu Hands, for less than 2,000 yen (around 12 euros).
EKITAG, the app for collecting station stamps
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The most beautiful stamps
We're going to shatter a few dreams: there are no stamps that are rarer than others.
However, some stamps are prized by collectors for the motifs they display.
Such is the case with the stamp from Gion-Shijo station (kyoto), depicting a geisha, or the one from Miyajimaguchi station (Miyajima), featuring the Itsukushima shrine.
Not far away,Hiroshima station boasts one of the most poetic buffers in the archipelago: doves soar above the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Cenotaph.
Note that some rail networks organize events throughout the year, for which limited-edition stamps are issued (valid for two weeks around the date of the event). JR East, for example, organizes an annual Pokémon-themed stamp hunt.
Nara station stamp
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As with any race, you need a bit of a challenge! If you like a challenge, head for Nagano's Nobeyama station . At 1,345 meters above sea level, it's the highest station on the JR network.
Are you a history buff? Stop off at Shimbashi station (Tokyo). Inaugurated in 1872, it was the terminus of Japan's first railroad line. Its stamp bears witness to this: it depicts a steam locomotive in front of the old station building.
Back from Japan already? Share your most beautiful Eki Stamps with us on our Instagram page. On your way out? Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to plan your trip.
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