How to Find Eki Stamps in Japan
Looking for a free and fun thing to collect while traveling in Japan? Try starting an eki stamp collection!
Eki stamps (translated to “station stamps”) are free rubber stamps used as a kind of tourist souvenir around Japan. Originally, they were only found at train stations (hence “station stamp”) but now you can get them nearly everywhere.
Finding and collecting eki stamps is one of my favorite things to do in Japan, and I encourage everyone to get some for their own collection.
That said, finding eki stamps (and the like) can be a little difficult if you don’t speak or read Japanese. Here’s how to find eki stamp locations across Japan.
Tokyo Eki Stamp Collector’s Guide
A downloadable PDF covering the major sites in Tokyo, plus tips for collecting eki stamps!
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and buy something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep this blog running— thank you! Read full disclosure here.
Typical Eki Stamp Locations
Here’s where I’ve gotten souvenir stamps before while on my visits to Japan:
Basically, if it’s a place that tourists typically visit, especially domestic tourists, there’s a good chance there’s a stamp somewhere.
👉 Did you know South Korea also has free stamps for tourists?
NOTE: You might have to ask someone for the stamp, as they don’t always have them sitting out. Train stations are about 50/50 for me on that front. The nice thing about having to ask for the stamp is that usually they’ll have a ton of different ones, even sometimes a retired image!
Be sure to also check windows at different train lines WITHIN the same station. For instance, stations with JR local trains and Shinkansen trains will have different stamps for each line!
Some stations also have special anniversary stamps! In 2023, the Tokyo JR lines had special stamps for their 150th anniversary, for instance.
Also keep an eye out for special “stamp rally” events, where a special stamp (usually hosted by a 3rd party) is available for a limited time. These are usually special characters like Hello Kitty, Pokemon, popular anime characters or city mascots. Cute!
How to Ask Staff for an Eki Stamp
Don’t speak Japanese? No problem! I’ve gotten by just with these two phrases:
Eki stampu ari-mas-ka? which means “Is there a station stamp?”
Eki stampu doko-des-ka? which means “Where is the station stamp?”
Or most often I just hold up my notebook and say “eki stampu?” in a hopeful tone of voice. Even if they don’t have a proper station stamp, I’ve gotten some interesting offers from kind train station staff.
Come join the Eki Stamp Collectors Facebook group!
Tokyo Eki Stamp Locations: Train stations
This is to help out those who are looking for stamps in Tokyo’s HUGE train stations– I once wandered through Shinjuku station for an hour trying to find the eki stamp, so I know the pain.
Normally, in the huge stations the stamps are either IN or NEAR the ticketing office, or AT or NEAR the Info/Help desk.
JR Harajuku eki stamp
Outside the Omotesando Street exit ticket gate.
Maybe grab it while you’re on a half-day kawaii walking tour!
JR Shibuya eki stamp
Inside the West Exit ticketing office on the first floor. There’s should be two stamps available, the regular JR one and a special station mascot stamp.
JR Shinjuku eki stamp
Outside the east exit ticket gate, inside the ticketing office.
JR Tokyo Station eki stamp
Outside Marunouchi south exit ticket gate. The tourist info center does NOT have a separate stamp and they’ll just point you to the station stamp location.
JR Ueno eki stamp
Outside the Iriya street ticket gate. There are two stamps available, a regular JR line one and a special station mascot stamp.
More Specific Stamp Locations
I have more in-depth guides to specific neighborhoods and locations in Tokyo:
Eki Stamp Notebooks & Supplies
Option 1: Make your own notebook, either with a printable template or just any nice notebook that can handle stamp ink.
Some enterprising people on Amazon have made their own eki stamp notebooks and put them up for sale. Here’s some of the prettiest ones I’ve found:
Option 2: Wait until you get to Japan and buy a notebook there!
There are official eki stamp notebooks, with train graphics on the cover. Kinokuniya, a BIG Japanese bookstore, should have them in the travel section. They cost about ¥825 or about $5.60 USD each, and there’s a few different covers depending on what kind of stamps you’re collecting. For instance, they have covers for each train company, plus one for highway service stations.
Traveler’s Company has a stamp-specific notebook you can buy. If you’re a fan of traveler’s notebooks I highly recommend stopping by and getting something from a Traveler’s Factory when you’re in Japan.
You could also pick up a passport-sized notebook from Midori or Muji; these are smaller than Moleskine notebooks and can fit in a pocket.
I also recommend picking up a thin rubber mat or a plastic pencil board. Put it behind the page you’re stamping on and it’ll help you get a clearer image, especially on worn-out stamps.
FAQs About Eki Stamps
Are eki stamps only found at train stations?
Originally, yes—eki stamps were unique to train stations. However, you can now find similar stamps in places like tourist attractions, ferry terminals, rest stops, and even some convenience stores.
Where can I usually find the eki stamp in a station?
They’re often located near ticket offices, information desks, or inside ticket gates. It’s a good idea to check multiple train lines within the same station—JR and Shinkansen lines usually have different stamps.
Can I find eki stamps in every train station?
Not every station has one, but many do. Rural or small stations might not always have a stamp, so it’s worth asking or checking online resources.
What should I say to ask for an eki stamp?
If the stamp isn’t sitting out, ask a staff member. You can say:
- “Eki stampu ari-mas-ka?” (Is there a station stamp?)
- “Eki stampu doko-des-ka?” (Where is the station stamp?)
Or just show your notebook and say “eki stampu?” with a smile—they’ll often know exactly what you mean.
Do I need to buy something to get the stamp?
Nope! The stamps are totally free. Just find them, stamp your notebook, and enjoy. An exception: some stamp rallies are only for customers, like the Snoopy shop’s stamp is free after a purchase.
Do I need to bring my own notebook?
It’s a smart idea to carry your own. You can use any blank notebook or buy an official eki stamp notebook once in Japan. These are sold at major bookstores like Kinokuniya and some train station shops.
Do I need an ink pad for eki stamps?
No, you don’t. Every stamp station has a corresponding ink pad, and some even have self-inking stamps. If the ink pad is dried out, you can ask staff to refresh it or get a new one.
How big are eki stamps?
Most regular round station stamps seem to be about 3 inches wide, but I’ve gotten some closer to 5 inches. If you’re using a passport sized notebook, the larger stamps won’t fit, so it might be a good idea to carry some scrap paper around so you can stamp that as a backup.
Are there seasonal or special-edition eki stamps?
Yes! Some stations release special stamps for anniversaries, events, or collaborations. Keep an eye out for limited-edition designs, especially during stamp rallies. There will be posters advertising them so it’ll be very obvious.
The stamp image is all blurry. What should I do?
Often the eki stamp itself is worn down from use. To help get a clearer image, try putting a stiff piece of cardboard or a thin rubber mat behind the page you’re stamping on. Something like this pencil board would work well.
What’s the difference between eki stamps and goshuin?
Eki stamps are for train stations and tourist spots, while goshuin are stamps or calligraphy from temples and shrines. Eki stamps are casual and free, whereas goshuin often require a small fee and are tied to spiritual rituals.
What’s the best way to start collecting?
Just bring a notebook and make it part of your travels. Whenever you visit a new station, check for the stamp—you’ll quickly build a collection tied to your adventures!
Are there online tools to find stamp locations?
The best Japanese resource is Stamp Funakiya, which has some partial English language options. Mike Lee Rose has a map of Tokyo stamps. And Timothy Craig has put together this Google Map of nearly 300 stamps across Japan.
Have any other questions about eki stamps? Leave a comment below!
Japan Travel Essentials
The absolute must-haves for your trip!
