Why worry about what souvenirs to buy in Japan when they are everywhere? No seriously, the best souvenir or memento you can bring back from Japan (although it may sound a tad bit geeky) is a collection of stamps – and by stamps, we don’t mean postal paper stamps. Japan is into – Ink Stamps – also popularly known as Eki stamps.
What Are Eki Stamps?
Available in various shapes and sizes, Eki stamps are ink seals each different from the other. From subway train stations to temples, museums, and shopping malls, more or less all main spots in Japan have an EKi or unique ink stamp of their own, which is what makes them so special.
Although the designs are all unique and beautiful, one thing they all have in common is that they are all adorable and an absolute must for scrapbook or journal hoarders. When in Japan, collecting these Eki stamps can become a serious obsession – almost like catching Pokemons. Best part is, they’re usually free so you can fill your heart out and collect as many as you possibly can.
From Where It All Started
Records indicate that Eki stamps were first created in 1931 at the Fukui train station. In the years that followed, Eki stamp booths spread throughout all the country’s train stations and main attractions. However, rumors have it, that such ink stamps existed centuries ago in Japanese temples, though they had a different name back then – Goshuin.
It was common for tourists to collect these stamps as evidence of their visits to temples. Today, the trend is going hard and has spread to museums, train stations, and all other public attractions open to tourists.
Note: The temple stamps and little notebooks are a stationery fanatic’s dream.
Where To Collect Eki Stamps?
They are everywhere in Japan. Whether in train stations or some tourist attraction, you’ll definitely find an Eki stamp booth. It’s not even hard to spot one, they stand out with obvious signboards and designs.
As a souvenir of their visit, some tourist attractions provide complimentary stamps to visitors. In the event that you cannot locate one, try visiting a tourist information center, they’ll always have some on hand.
How To Begin Your Stamp Collection?
First, you’ll have to buy those small Eki stamp collection books. They come in various sizes and pretty and distinctive covers and bindings. You can either buy from a store or these are available at the stamp booths. The trick is to buy one then start collecting stamps from wherever you’re heading next. Whether parks, train stations, aquariums, or historic monuments, in Japan they all have rubber ink stamps ready for you – think of it like a little treasure hunt.
Japanese Eki Stamps – The Best Souvenir You Could Ever Have.
It’s personalized and so unique that anyone will like it. When you can bring back the most traditional essence of Japan, why spend money on just anything? Plus, the excitement of collecting as many as you can is an exhilarating experience to dive into with your travel mates.
