You more than likely have seen stamps or heard of them. No, these are not the ones for postcards. These are rubber stamps that have various decorations or artwork on them to show that you’ve been somewhere specific. You’ll find them at temples, travel destinations, train stations, and all kinds of places across Japan. It’s a simple concept, but once you start, it turns into something surprisingly addictive.
In Japan, this idea has evolved into what’s called a stamp rally. They are basically a collection challenge where you travel to multiple locations to gather stamps and earn a reward at the end. Think of it like a real-world achievement system.
Currently, Japan is running a Pokémon Stamp Rally, and these are easily some of the most popular ones. Last year, one of the big rewards was a jumbo Pokémon card if you managed to hit a certain number of stations. It felt like a legit collector’s item. It was definitely worth the effort if you were willing to run around the city a bit.
This year, the prizes are a bit different. Instead of a single big reward, participants can earn exclusive Pokémon-themed goods like character stickers, special stamp booklets, and limited-edition merchandise depending on how many stations participants complete. Some rallies also include small bonuses along the way, so you’re not just grinding everything for one final prize.
But the real appeal isn’t even the reward, it’s the journey. You end up exploring parts of the city you normally wouldn’t go to, hopping on and off trains, and slowly building up your collection one stamp at a time. Before you know it, what started as a “quick activity” turns into a full-day adventure.
I’ll be honest, every time I travel, I tell myself:
“I’m going to collect stamps seriously…” and then I forget my book.
Every. Single. Time.
I’ve actually bought multiple stamp books over the years, and somehow they always end up sitting at home when I need them most. So if you take anything away from this blog: bring your stamp book with you. You will regret it when you find a cool stamp and have nowhere to put it.
And trust me, stamps are everywhere, even in places you wouldn’t expect. I remember going out to Mount Omuro, thinking it was just a hiking day, and boom, there’s a stamp there too. The thing is, they’re not always easy to find. Sometimes they’re tucked away near a cable car station, inside a visitor center, or even hidden near a ticket counter.
That’s part of the fun… but also part of the struggle.
If you’re serious about collecting, it actually helps to do a little research beforehand. Some stamps are super obvious, sitting right by the entrance. Others feel like hidden side quests.
If you’re trying to plan ahead or just want to see what’s out there, there are actually a few websites that track stamp locations and rallies:
A lot of stamp hunting info is also community-driven. People share exact locations, tips, and even how hard certain stamps are to find. So if you really want to dive in, there’s a whole rabbit hole waiting.
Once you start noticing stamps, you can’t unsee them.
You’ll walk into a train station and immediately start scanning the area like:
“Alright… where’s the stamp at?”
And then it becomes a challenge:
I even get disappointed when I am unable to find one for a new place I am at.
Stamp rallies are one of those things that sound simple on paper—but once you’re in Japan, they completely change how you explore. Whether it’s a full-on Pokémon rally or just random stamps you find along the way, it turns every stop into something a little more meaningful.
It’s not just about collecting ink on paper, it’s about turning your trip into a mini adventure.
Just… don’t forget your book like I do.
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