With so many unique souvenirs and gifts to get from Japan, where do you start? Well, the good news is there’s a fun and free souvenir of Japan. Collecting stamps in Japan is a great way to not only have mementos of a beautiful country, but it can also jog your memory about places in Japan you visited.

While this post will often be a perfect activity for kids in Japan, myself, a 30-year-old backpacker, enjoyed hunting these stamps down around Japan.

If you’re looking for things to collect in Japan on a budget, you’re in the right place. The stamps themselves are totally free throughout many places in Japan.

So, let’s get into how to go about stamp collecting in Japan. Why it’s a fun game to play, where to find them, how to store them and why’s it’s the best free souvenir from Japan you’ll get!

What are these stamps in Japan and what do they look Like?

Stamps are everywhere in Japan. They come In all different shapes and sizes and are usually found right next to an ink pad. Just press the bottom of the stamp and then onto the paper – which is sometimes even supplied (but there’s a better way to keep track of your Japanese stamp collection – read more about it below).

How can I find these ink stamps in Japan?

Finding stamps in Japan is super easy. Not only are they everywhere, but they are also often marked with big and obvious signs.

Many tourist attractions in Japan will have complimentary stamps for visitors to remember their visit. Iga Ueno Ninja Village is one place I visited in Japan that had a number of these ink style stamps.

There are also plenty of JR and train stations that have these stamps as well. Sometimes they are hidden in the underground network of tunnels and a challenge to find, but more often they will be easily spotted as you enter a station.

Tourist information centers around Japan are also another common place to add to your Japanese stamp collection. They will often have a number available so you can pick your favorite or stamp them all.

Once again, the challenge of stamp hunting in Japan became a slight addiction for me and my.small travel group of three. While none of my group were kids, it was a unique travel souvenir of Japan.

Looking for stamps turns into a fun experience in Japan for kids as well. Similar to a scavenger hunt, looking for the next stamp to collect is an activity in Japan for the whole family.

 

How can I safely store the stamps I’ve collected in Japan?

When I first got to Japan I had no idea stamps would be so common. For the first week or so I would stamp the back of a receipt or random piece of paper I had with me. That was before I realized how many stamps I would collect in Japan over my 3-month visit (I ended up with over 100 stamps through Japan!)

Luckily, there’s a much better way to store the unique ink patterns you’ve collected around Japan. This option is the only time you’ll have to spend money collecting stamps within Japan. You can just collect the random pieces of paper but they add up, so suggest buying a little book to carry around with you.

Daiso is a great shop in Japan. It’s the major dollar store in Japan and it’s got everything. Most items here cost 100¥ ($1 USD). The little books pictured below come in a pack of 2 for 100¥. They are small and lightweight so they are easy to transport around.

With all your stamps from Japan in one place, it’s easy to keep them safe and secure.

 

Why should I collect stamps as a unique gift in Japan?

Collecting stamps could also be a personal gift from Japan. Most likely, collecting stamps will be a souvenir of Japan for yourself. It’s a great reminder of places you’ve been, and can even help you remember your itinerary throughout Japan, provided they are stamped in order throughout the book.

In saying that, there is some potential for these little 100¥ booklets to become a thoughtful and extremely cheap gift from Japan.

Got a friend or family member that loves trains? The amount of JR train station stamps available is staggering. I’d say that’s a pretty thoughtful gift for a train enthusiast.

Ready to start your collection of Japanese ink stamps?

Collecting stamps throughout Japan is a great way to keep track of where you traveled in Japan and a cheap souvenir – maybe even a gift.

When you’re traveling in Japan, keep an eye out for stamps that are a regular sight throughout the country. If you’re looking for free activities for children in Japan, get them a little book and get them hunting for stamps – it’s a fun thing to do in Japan for all ages!

Have you collected stamps in Japan? Or is there another free activity in Japan I should know about? Let me know in the comments below with any comments or questions!

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Want more on traveling through Japan?

• Stay at Taiyoji Temple – The best overnight Buddhist Temple Stay just outside Tokyo!
• Want a unique onsen experience with red win and sake? Yunessun Onsen!
• Here are the best things to do in Tokyo!

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown