We had a wonderful time in tokyo getting all the stamps for the Yamanote line - we stopped at each station and "challenged" ourselves to take a picture with whatever is on the stamp with a yanma pokemon (We called it the yanma-note) - it was an excellent way of finding all sorts of places in tokyo that we would never have been otherwise, i can fully recommend!
Protip. Head to daiso and pick up an ink pad to make sure you'll always have a crisp stamp wherever you go. (unless it's one of the big machines) also. Terminal 3 and terminal 1-2 at haneda have their own individual stamps.
Oh no... What have I discovered?! Now I'm gonna obsess about this now lol I didnt know about this the first time I visited Japan 😭 I'm visiting again this April so im def gonna be keeping my eyes peeled for these stamps!!!
On my last trip to Japan, I collected stamps (I also used the stamp book from Sharla, and really like it), for myself and for a friend who wanted to travel to Japan, but couldnt due to health reasons. That was really good fun. I also collected some stamps from post offices, and I can highly recommend that to you. One fun experience was in the post office at Kawaguchiko near Fujisan. I had to buy some postage stamps (for my postards), and then I asked for a stamp into my books. The staff member took them to her desk, and the boss of the post office gave her instructions on how to put the perfect stamp into them. He didnt want to disgrace his post office, and so it took about 15 minutes for 2 stamps :-). That was a fun experience. I made notes on all the pages, and sometimes also added tickets or stickers or things like that into them. Makes for a great souvenir.
That's amazing! 😂 So the Post Office will have a souvenir stamp if you ask at the counter? That sounds like a really nice souvenir - good idea adding tickets, etc, to make it like a little scrapbook!
At the post offices I tried, they had a stamp. But I think you actually have to buy something there to get it. As I am old fashioned and still write normal postcards, that was never a problem for me :-)
Stamp collecting in Japan is such a fun activity! I recommend seeking out Traveller’s Factory stores in Tokyo (Nakameguro, Narita, Tokyo Station) and Kyoto, where they have a variety of cool stamps, some even location specific. They also sell high quality notebooks, related accessories & ephemera.
One of my fave things was my goshuin books…I did notice on my last trip how many more westerners are also collecting goshuin stamps…it definitely makes for a beautiful and unique souvenir…my friends knew how much I wanted to collect the stamps from stations and what not that they literally were keeping an eye out for stamp stations for me…I like them because they are again a unique souvenir as well as a fun and free one. The post office is a magical place…I’ve only been in a couple but they have such cute stationery in them…and also super helpful if you want to forward your bag to a hotel 😊
Goshuin temple and shrine stamps apparently date back over 1000 years. “Shuin” means “red seal” (seal and stamp are interchangeable, because the physical stamp is the seal). Go-shuin is the honorific, because it’s a religious thing. I’d heard of stamp rallies (the characters in an anime I watched went on a stamp rally), but I didn’t realize the stamps were around in so many places all the time. It makes sense that, after a millennia of goshuin, the stampu has become a new collectible of secular pilgrims too. Thanks for your excellent video.
Great video! We love collecting stamps in Japan. Our kids filled up their books last time, so we'll need to buy new ones this trip. We bought books at Himeji Castle, which was a nice souvenir. 🌸Heidi
I already bought a regular non-lined notebook to collect the stamps at stations and/or tourist locations and I’m excited to visit Japan (hopefully this year) and start collecting goshuin I think that would be the most memorable souvenir you can take home.
Thanks Amy for yet another thing to do/collect when we are on our trip. Received your book this week and anyone going to Japan this is a must read, so much helpful advice and recommendations.
I love these stamps in Japan. In Europe, I have collected the small sugar packets you got with your coffee in cafés in Italy and France, and they were all individually designed. Unfortunately, today they are mostly branded with big coffee chains. Same with tickets to tourist attractions - they were so beautiful. I love those old tickets from Rome (Forum Romanum, Terme di Caracalla, etc.) which were little pieces of art themselves.
These little souvenirs can be fun to collect! I've found that some temples and shrines in Japan have beautiful tickets. Gives me the urge to make a scrapbook again...!
Oh my gosh thank you for this video! When I was in Japan last year I was rubbish at finding them 😭 I walked around Akihabara and Shibuya station for so long and couldn’t find them! Now I know where to go for next time!! 😁✨
Great overview! Was trying to explain to some friends (planning a trip to Japan) how fun the Japanese stamps were and now I can just share your video. :)
Absolutely love this video! We've been to Japan over ten times, but I only found out about Goshuin in November 2023 because my friends were collecting them. cannot believe I didn't know before, as we've been to so many places over the years! It was SO exciting collecting my first one. Btw, another commenter mentioned you shouldn't use the same book for temples and shrines, but it's completely fine. My friends have dozens upon dozens of temple and shrine stamps in multiple books and no one has ever refused to mix in the book.
Thank you Amy! This was such a treat to watch this video and learn about the two types of stamps. I traveled to Tokyo a few times for work and never noticed these. So now I’ll be prepared for my holiday to Kansai in April! Thank you! And your book is fab. ❤
@@cakeswithfaces I traveled with both an Eki Stamp book and a Goshuin Cho. Both are precious to me and hold so many great memories. My favorite Eki stamp is from Kojima station with a pair of jeans and the Seto Bridge!
Hope you find lots of stamps and/or goshuin! :-) It makes sense when you know that temple/shrine stamps have religious significance, and station stamps are just for fun!
Thank you for such a great and informative video. This is my first time learning about station stamps and goshuin. I didn't think I could get more excited about my trip next year but I was wrong!
What a great video! I'm so excited to find the eki stamps when I travel to Japan. I was telling my husband all about it as I love collecting U.S. postage stamps. And how do you only have 55k followers? You definitely got a sub here! And I love your shirt btw 😊
Thanks so much - I hope you find lots of stamps in Japan! They make such a lovely souvenir, and it's always exciting when you spot one. The t-shirt's my design :-) cakeswithfaces.co.uk/product/all-the-best-stuff-is-from-japan-t-shirt/
Thanks Amy, I always enjoy hearing and learning about the Stamps from Japan too, I’ll be sure to try and get some for Souvenirs, wonderful tip from you once again, 🦾🦾🦾
Our hotel was near a post office when we stayed in Tokyo in October. I did not know about special stamps from there, but the assistant was helpful. The post office itself was pretty quiet.
Thank you😊 I collected some stamps from aquariums and shops like Rainbowholic, but never noticed any at train stations. We were often running to and from platforms though so there wasn’t a lot of time for looking around. I was so happy to visit shrines before they opened because it was quiet and less crowded, but it also meant missing out on the goshuin. I’m hoping to visit again next year and will definitely make a point of locating more stamps to commemorate my adventures!
Amy, I also want to thank you for giving so many cool and amazing ideas when I go to Japan. We will be spending 3 weeks there and want to do as much as possible. Your book is on order, and I can't wait to get it! It seems like everything that I purchase for the trip makes the trip more real. Lol! Thanks again for everything you do.
My favorite stamps came from Odate, then I also saw a few from a disney rally that was going on in the southern part of Japan which I just got a few of. My favorite shrine was the one at the Chuerito Pagoda. These are some of my favorite things to bring home as they don't take up much space and are free.
I loved collecting stamps while we were in Japan. I did not get as many as I would have like and joked with my husband that we have to go back because I did not fill up my book. When we were in Kinagawa we found at lest two random podium boxes with stamps of the river demon mascot stamps on walking trails/parks. We also found a number of stamps at character stores like the Jump Shop and One Piece store My stamp book was definitely one of my favorite souvenirs I brought back from our 1st journey to Japan. Thank you for all the information.
I must collect those train stamps! There are also anime stamps for anime tourism! You have to go to the specific location for the stamp so it’s an excellent way to explore the whole of Japan! Also speaking of goshuin, I found the most expensive one to be at Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture. It has an inner shrine and an outer shrine, and the goshuins are ¥1000 each.
@@cakeswithfaces I don’t remember as I went last year but they do handwrite it. The omamoris were also ¥1000 each but I guess it’s the holiest shrine in Japan so the prices make sense.
It was a fun memory. 😆 I was with my friends which were the first timer. It was our first time to Hakone and the staff in Odawara station where we buy our 2 days pass told us about stamp rally in Hakone. It was odakyu x fujiko museum stamp rally in summer 2013. We were go around the places in Hakone looking for stamps lol it was so so fun that all of us still kept the small prizes (2 file binders featuring doraemon and other related anime/manga created by fujiko sensei) till now.
Yes they are! It’s one of the most unforgettable summer where we found Osaka sumiyoshi Taisha matsuri, Hakone stamp rally, Tokyo sumida river fireworks and bonodori in shinjuku hanazono shrine (we were so lucky with the timing. I was lucky to able to spotted some poster about sumida river fireworks.)
@@lFurinl I love it when you discover these festivals by chance and just happen to be there at exactly the right time! It was the same for me when I spotted the poster for the cherry blossom festival at the Mint in Osaka when I was checking into my hotel.
Thank you for this video. I only did a few stamps when I lived there years ago. I'm planning to go back this year, and definitely intend to collect more. Would love to get the beautiful temple ones, I never got one before. Thanks for the info 😊
I order a stamp book from Neko Neko Post for my next trip (hopefully it’ll be soon!) I’m so glad you did a video on stamp collecting. I think it’s so fun :)
Thanks for the video, Amy! i've added "buy a stamp book" on to my to-do list. think i'll try and get the original eki-stamp book from kinokuniya. I'm also going to hell in beppu so looking forward to collecting those stamps!
@@cakeswithfaces tokyo, kii-kumono, osaka , kyoto, kanazawa and takayama...but i had a question...with all these locations im curious about cutting out takayama and heading back to tokyo as wed love to see a sumo exhibition and plus from there we head back home...thoughts?
@@carolyngross7664 That sounds fantastic! You need to do what interests you, rather than what people say you should do in Japan! So it depends what you're interested in. When it comes to historic/traditional Japan, Kanazawa and Takayama will be much less crowded and full of tourists than Kyoto.
I already missed on one 5week trip. Have to go to the places again :D But I just ordered a cute cat eki stamp booklet and I plan to buy goshuincho in the Sakura Jingu (yes a sakura-limited)
Oh dear 🙄 I wished I didn't know about these collection. Been to Japan several times but never knew about it till now. I'm worried that I'll be spending way too much time obsessing over collecting stamps and goshuin than enjoying the sights of Japan 😂
Hi Amy - thanks so much for talking about eki stamps - this is the first time I've heard of it, and I'm definitely going stamp hunting when I visit Japan in May. Can I ask if your stamp book by Neko Neko Post is available in Japan, and if so, where can I get it? Then I can save on its delivery cost to my country, which is quite substantial.
I don't know of anywhere you an buy it in Japan. Maybe you could get it delivered to your hotel if you'll be staying there for several days? A bit risky though! I know Rainbowholic has her stamp books for sale at her shop.
Thank you, Amy for this video! I love journalling and collecting items to put them in. So your idea with the stamps is great! As I am going to Japan in August I wanted to order the stamp book from nekonekopost right away, but they don‘t send it to Austria, which makes me really sad 😢 Anyway, I love your idea and will find a different creative solution! Please go on making videos, they are soooo helpful and I love your way doing so.
And love that Scrapbook you guys have wish I had one like that with Japan that just never happened to me and some thing I wish had did, but maybe that might change eventually,✌️✌️✌️
Great video, thanks for posting! I notice several shrines/temples are open 24 hours in Tokyo and Osaka. From your experience, are the Gashuin stations manned outside usual business hours?
Love this video and I can’t wait to experience this myself having booked my 1st trip to Japan this September, I’ve got a goshuincho book already. Is it okay to have places of interest, train station & stamps from shrines / temples all in the same book? Even cheekily add the sheet of paper version later if they refuse my book at shrines/temples
You definitely have to separate the temple/shrine passports from the others. Some say you need a separate stamp book for temples and for shrines but I am not sure if I want to carry *three* stamp books with me everywhere I go! Tip, passenger ferries also have stamp cards/books.
Definitely have a separate book for souvenir stamps and goshuin, because goshuin are religious. You're supposed to have a separate goshuin book for shrines and temples really, because Shinto and Buddhism are different religions. I think as a foreign tourist you can be forgiven for not knowing, but I've heard of some places refusing to stamp your book if they're mixed, or if there are souvenir stamps in there. Maybe stick to just one - temples or shrines!
Hello thank you for your video! I have a quick question on the ryokan you stayed in kinosaki. How far in advance did you book and how did you book? They are saying they are out of rooms in july but maybe you just cant book yet? Thanks x
I booked on the ryokan's own website 4 months in advance. It was also possible to book on the Visit Kinosaki website and booking.com. It's probably too early to book for July. I'd go through the booking calendar and see when it's possible to book rooms for, to work out when booking opens. Not sure if you saw this video but it goes into booking, etc, in the second half: ua-cam.com/video/GnOO-e-ti0U/v-deo.html
Next time I'm planning to bring a stamp pad with me. Some of the stations stations were out of ink which was especially sad at the train stations on the Kishi line in Wakayama with all their cat stamps
Omg i didn't know about goshiun when i went to Japan in November and i definitely got one put in my regular stamp book in Nara 😅. In Kyoto they did tell me they couldn't and just gave me a sheet with it pre written on it. I had assumed it was because i was using a slightly bigger note book than the regular sized stamp book😂
Hi! Sorry if it’s off topic but do you have an idea what the weather is like late May/early June? Is it really hot, humid and rainy? Thanks in advance!
That's a lovely time to go to Japan! It's nice and warm - I've been several times in the first week of June and it's like the height of summer in the UK. In my opinion, it doesn't get humid in Japan until after the rainy season, which starts mid June. They're old videos now, but to give you an idea of what it's like, all the videos in this playlist were filmed during the first half of June: ua-cam.com/play/PL-YXkErUfa4nl-_RRUDZ3ClpjgOzUGEf9.html
well as your abandoning me any in japan im going to drift off to watching misa chan then japan explorer i greatly appreciate the workthat you you tubers do showing old buggers like me around japan if not i would never see it,ide like to travel there but im scared to i lack confidence i myself unlike when i was younger,ive heard other old people think the same amy.take care and stay safe.
How do you ask for a stamp book or Goshuin sheet? Need the book before you can start stamping :) I had a bit of trouble getting a book last time in Sapporo, but did get there in the end :)
😂 For a stamp book, you can just pick it up in a shop so you don't need to worry about phrases. For the goshuin book, something like "Goshuincho o kudasai" should work. Or hope they have them on display so you can gesture!
Yes, many stations are huge! 😅 This site has the locations for many of them (but also spoilers of what they look like). It's in Japanese but you can translate the page in Chrome: stamp.funakiya.com/train.html
Very interesting video !! By the way NYT has selected Yamaguchi City as the third best place in the world to visit in 2024! Are you planning to visit Yamaguchi?
Just looked up the article - I'm glad they're promoting less well-known places around Japan (I think that's the answer to Kyoto, etc, becoming overcrowded). I won't be going there on my next trip, but I'd love to go one day! I'd love to go to that mountain bandits restaurant (Irori Sanzoku).
I've heard it's discouraged, because the ink colour may be different to the original colour, which would make the stamp come out 'muddy' for the next person.
Do you happen to know the the size of the Hankos in the evil seal shop? We've got a couple of small ones but I'd like a massive one! Still need to fill my goshuin so we can get it ready to frame
@@cakeswithfaces ah well have to wait and see then, there was a store in Akiharaba that did chunky ones here but we missed it last time : maps.app.goo.gl/VWfh7wR1LBF3CToy5
Thanks I hope so, also i have had a look on NEkoNekopost website and it seems they only offer "cash on delivery" for the payment option Is this how you paid for the book? I thought this was just a Japanese option, ive tried emailing them anyway so hopefully i can make the payment some other way @@cakeswithfaces
You can stamp anything you like - the stamps are out and free to use as please. ☺️ I don't know if the ink would wash out of a shirt though - I guess ideally you'd bring your own stamp pad with fabric ink, if that exists?
Oh for people who are looking for stamps, I got some from the following places (Dec 2023-Jan 3 2024; from what I can remember off the top of my head haha) - Osaka Castle (there are two; one in the information area and a bigger one you can find on the exhibit floors) - rest stop places from Tokyo toward Osaka and Kyoto on the high way (there’s a really cute dog mascot with a car bag; just look around the info areas) *I’ll add more as I remember* Happy hunting!
I never went out of my way to look for the eki stamps but I did keep an eye out for them. After visiting probably 30 stations I never noticed a single one! I kept laughing thinking they didn't actually exist and are just an elaborate prank by youtubers.
i love some of the things that takes place in japan im happy they keep up with tradition ,i hope they dont ever ever copy the west or the ugh british government if they do japan is finished.
Well angel i shall watch you tomorrow afternoon,i was wondering why it is i have sort of pins and needles in my right hand obviously its caused by my holding the mouse on my lap top top on the sofa arm for all these years
@@cakeswithfaces i had some fish and chips delivered earlier on angel for supper just put my hot water bottle to bed i hope these top flats of ours can withstand the force of the wind out there.well night night angel im off to bed at 7pm
We had a wonderful time in tokyo getting all the stamps for the Yamanote line - we stopped at each station and "challenged" ourselves to take a picture with whatever is on the stamp with a yanma pokemon (We called it the yanma-note) - it was an excellent way of finding all sorts of places in tokyo that we would never have been otherwise, i can fully recommend!
That sounds like a fun challenge! Great idea!
Protip. Head to daiso and pick up an ink pad to make sure you'll always have a crisp stamp wherever you go. (unless it's one of the big machines) also. Terminal 3 and terminal 1-2 at haneda have their own individual stamps.
Good tip!
you would probably need to wipe it off afterwards so it doesn't mix a different color for the next person
Oh no... What have I discovered?! Now I'm gonna obsess about this now lol I didnt know about this the first time I visited Japan 😭 I'm visiting again this April so im def gonna be keeping my eyes peeled for these stamps!!!
It was the first time I'd collected them properly too - and so much fun, it really adds something to your trip!
Yeah I just now learned about this…just another thing to obsess over for my upcoming first time trip 😂😂😂
On my last trip to Japan, I collected stamps (I also used the stamp book from Sharla, and really like it), for myself and for a friend who wanted to travel to Japan, but couldnt due to health reasons. That was really good fun. I also collected some stamps from post offices, and I can highly recommend that to you. One fun experience was in the post office at Kawaguchiko near Fujisan. I had to buy some postage stamps (for my postards), and then I asked for a stamp into my books. The staff member took them to her desk, and the boss of the post office gave her instructions on how to put the perfect stamp into them. He didnt want to disgrace his post office, and so it took about 15 minutes for 2 stamps :-). That was a fun experience. I made notes on all the pages, and sometimes also added tickets or stickers or things like that into them. Makes for a great souvenir.
That's amazing! 😂 So the Post Office will have a souvenir stamp if you ask at the counter?
That sounds like a really nice souvenir - good idea adding tickets, etc, to make it like a little scrapbook!
At the post offices I tried, they had a stamp. But I think you actually have to buy something there to get it. As I am old fashioned and still write normal postcards, that was never a problem for me :-)
@@swissfoodie3542 I've heard they have cute stationery, so it shouldn't be a problem for me either...!
That is so kind of you to share this idea, I would not have thougt of this 😉!
It's such a fun thing to do - and free! :-)
Stamp collecting in Japan is such a fun activity! I recommend seeking out Traveller’s Factory stores in Tokyo (Nakameguro, Narita, Tokyo Station) and Kyoto, where they have a variety of cool stamps, some even location specific. They also sell high quality notebooks, related accessories & ephemera.
I love stationery!!
One of my fave things was my goshuin books…I did notice on my last trip how many more westerners are also collecting goshuin stamps…it definitely makes for a beautiful and unique souvenir…my friends knew how much I wanted to collect the stamps from stations and what not that they literally were keeping an eye out for stamp stations for me…I like them because they are again a unique souvenir as well as a fun and free one. The post office is a magical place…I’ve only been in a couple but they have such cute stationery in them…and also super helpful if you want to forward your bag to a hotel 😊
It's fun when your friends are all helping you hunt for something! :-) Good tip about the Post Office, thank you! I love cute stationery!!
Goshuin temple and shrine stamps apparently date back over 1000 years. “Shuin” means “red seal” (seal and stamp are interchangeable, because the physical stamp is the seal). Go-shuin is the honorific, because it’s a religious thing. I’d heard of stamp rallies (the characters in an anime I watched went on a stamp rally), but I didn’t realize the stamps were around in so many places all the time. It makes sense that, after a millennia of goshuin, the stampu has become a new collectible of secular pilgrims too. Thanks for your excellent video.
Thanks for the background info - they've been going so long! It does make sense that stamps are a kind of evolution of goshuin!
We can enjoy it at a low cost. 🤗
On top of that, the stamps bring back fond memories of the trip. 😌💖✨
I love looking through my stamp book and remembering all the places I went! ✨
@@cakeswithfaces
Thank you for reply.
I know exactly how you feel. 😚
Great video! We love collecting stamps in Japan. Our kids filled up their books last time, so we'll need to buy new ones this trip. We bought books at Himeji Castle, which was a nice souvenir. 🌸Heidi
Excellent - see if you can manage to fill up the books again! :-)
I already bought a regular non-lined notebook to collect the stamps at stations and/or tourist locations and I’m excited to visit Japan (hopefully this year) and start collecting goshuin I think that would be the most memorable souvenir you can take home.
Fantastic -they'll both make lovely souvenirs! Goshuin are beautiful!
Thanks Amy for yet another thing to do/collect when we are on our trip. Received your book this week and anyone going to Japan this is a must read, so much helpful advice and recommendations.
Thanks so much, really glad you like it! Hope you find lots of stamps in Japan!
I love these stamps in Japan. In Europe, I have collected the small sugar packets you got with your coffee in cafés in Italy and France, and they were all individually designed. Unfortunately, today they are mostly branded with big coffee chains. Same with tickets to tourist attractions - they were so beautiful. I love those old tickets from Rome (Forum Romanum, Terme di Caracalla, etc.) which were little pieces of art themselves.
These little souvenirs can be fun to collect! I've found that some temples and shrines in Japan have beautiful tickets. Gives me the urge to make a scrapbook again...!
This is such a fun and inexpensive souvenir! I will be doing this on my trip! Thanks!
It's a lot of fun - happy stamp hunting!!
Oh my gosh thank you for this video! When I was in Japan last year I was rubbish at finding them 😭 I walked around Akihabara and Shibuya station for so long and couldn’t find them! Now I know where to go for next time!! 😁✨
Stations can be so large, it can be tricky! Hope you find more next time!
For all those anime fans, all JUMP stores also have a stamp and I think the Mugiwara stores do as well.
Great tip! It seems like character / anime stores are the way to go if you're looking for stamps in shops.
I got that same nekoneko stamp book this year in anticipation of our trip this October! I can't wait!! 🥰
Yay, enjoy collecting stamps! Hope you find lots!
You should ideally have a goshuincho for temples and one for shrines - they don’t always like to mix them
That's a great tip, thank you! As they're different religions, that makes sense.
Really?? I have like 10 lol they‘re all mixed nobody ever said abything did i miss anything?
@@Vivi-mp9nn very much depends on the shrine / temple.
Great overview! Was trying to explain to some friends (planning a trip to Japan) how fun the Japanese stamps were and now I can just share your video. :)
It's such a fun thing to do! 🎶
Absolutely love this video! We've been to Japan over ten times, but I only found out about Goshuin in November 2023 because my friends were collecting them. cannot believe I didn't know before, as we've been to so many places over the years! It was SO exciting collecting my first one. Btw, another commenter mentioned you shouldn't use the same book for temples and shrines, but it's completely fine. My friends have dozens upon dozens of temple and shrine stamps in multiple books and no one has ever refused to mix in the book.
That's good to know. It's great how you discover more and more about Japan each time you go! I enjoy it more each time
I unfortunately didn't collect any stamps or goshuin last time I went to Japan, so I'm definitely getting every one I find when I go this summer!
None will escape next time! :-)
Thank you Amy! This was such a treat to watch this video and learn about the two types of stamps. I traveled to Tokyo a few times for work and never noticed these. So now I’ll be prepared for my holiday to Kansai in April! Thank you! And your book is fab. ❤
It's easy to miss them if you're not looking out for them! Hope you find lots! And thanks so much about the book 💖
@@cakeswithfaces I traveled with both an Eki Stamp book and a Goshuin Cho. Both are precious to me and hold so many great memories. My favorite Eki stamp is from Kojima station with a pair of jeans and the Seto Bridge!
@@magidiego3748 Ah they must be lovely souvenirs! That sounds amazing!
Very informative, thanks. I did not know that you are not supposed to mix station stamps and Temple/Shrine stamps in one book.
Hope you find lots of stamps and/or goshuin! :-) It makes sense when you know that temple/shrine stamps have religious significance, and station stamps are just for fun!
Thank you for such a great and informative video. This is my first time learning about station stamps and goshuin. I didn't think I could get more excited about my trip next year but I was wrong!
Haha it's always a little exciting moment when you spot one! Hope you find lots!
What a great video! I'm so excited to find the eki stamps when I travel to Japan. I was telling my husband all about it as I love collecting U.S. postage stamps. And how do you only have 55k followers? You definitely got a sub here! And I love your shirt btw 😊
Thanks so much - I hope you find lots of stamps in Japan! They make such a lovely souvenir, and it's always exciting when you spot one. The t-shirt's my design :-) cakeswithfaces.co.uk/product/all-the-best-stuff-is-from-japan-t-shirt/
Thanks Amy, I always enjoy hearing and learning about the Stamps from Japan too, I’ll be sure to try and get some for Souvenirs, wonderful tip from you once again, 🦾🦾🦾
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
@@cakeswithfaces always again appreciate the help very much since I don’t really have that anymore where I live 🤝🤝🤝
Our hotel was near a post office when we stayed in Tokyo in October. I did not know about special stamps from there, but the assistant was helpful. The post office itself was pretty quiet.
I'll have to check it out! I heard they sometimes have cute stationery...!
Thank you😊 I collected some stamps from aquariums and shops like Rainbowholic, but never noticed any at train stations. We were often running to and from platforms though so there wasn’t a lot of time for looking around. I was so happy to visit shrines before they opened because it was quiet and less crowded, but it also meant missing out on the goshuin. I’m hoping to visit again next year and will definitely make a point of locating more stamps to commemorate my adventures!
Every time you go back you discover more things to do and collect! The station stamps can be hidden away sometimes, so keep an eye out!
Amy, I also want to thank you for giving so many cool and amazing ideas when I go to Japan. We will be spending 3 weeks there and want to do as much as possible. Your book is on order, and I can't wait to get it! It seems like everything that I purchase for the trip makes the trip more real. Lol! Thanks again for everything you do.
Thanks so much! It's on its way to you now! 🎶 A 3 week trip sounds amazing - you'll be able to do so much!
My favorite stamps came from Odate, then I also saw a few from a disney rally that was going on in the southern part of Japan which I just got a few of. My favorite shrine was the one at the Chuerito Pagoda. These are some of my favorite things to bring home as they don't take up much space and are free.
They really capture the moment - a great reminder of where you've been! Sounds like you got a great collection! :-)
I’m really looking forward to hunting out these stamps, I didn’t realise some shops also have them. A great free souvenir !
They're mostly in shops with character merch. Happy stamp hunting, I hope you find lots!
@@cakeswithfaces even better as I know we will be in lots of those!
I loved collecting stamps while we were in Japan. I did not get as many as I would have like and joked with my husband that we have to go back because I did not fill up my book.
When we were in Kinagawa we found at lest two random podium boxes with stamps of the river demon mascot stamps on walking trails/parks. We also found a number of stamps at character stores like the Jump Shop and One Piece store
My stamp book was definitely one of my favorite souvenirs I brought back from our 1st journey to Japan. Thank you for all the information.
Ah sounds like you found some good ones! Glad you enjoyed collecting them too! :-)
I must collect those train stamps! There are also anime stamps for anime tourism! You have to go to the specific location for the stamp so it’s an excellent way to explore the whole of Japan! Also speaking of goshuin, I found the most expensive one to be at Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture. It has an inner shrine and an outer shrine, and the goshuins are ¥1000 each.
The anime stamps must look cute! Is the Ise Shrine goshuin super fancy?
@@cakeswithfaces I don’t remember as I went last year but they do handwrite it. The omamoris were also ¥1000 each but I guess it’s the holiest shrine in Japan so the prices make sense.
I love collecting the stamps, I have almost 50 train station stamps now 😅 And of course also Kayla's stamps at Rainbowholic! So cute ❤
Wow, great collection! Going to add to my book on my trip this year!
@cakeswithfaces Me too, I leave on Saturday! Eeek 🎉 Thank you so much for all your valuable tips, I've learnt so much from this channel!
@@leejournals Have an amazing time!
I got 4 of them yesterday!
Ooh exciting, that's pretty good for a day! Happy stamp collecting!!
Thanks@@cakeswithfaces
It was a fun memory. 😆 I was with my friends which were the first timer. It was our first time to Hakone and the staff in Odawara station where we buy our 2 days pass told us about stamp rally in Hakone. It was odakyu x fujiko museum stamp rally in summer 2013. We were go around the places in Hakone looking for stamps lol it was so so fun that all of us still kept the small prizes (2 file binders featuring doraemon and other related anime/manga created by fujiko sensei) till now.
That sounds fun! It's nice of the staff to tell you that was going on - good timing!
Yes they are! It’s one of the most unforgettable summer where we found Osaka sumiyoshi Taisha matsuri, Hakone stamp rally, Tokyo sumida river fireworks and bonodori in shinjuku hanazono shrine (we were so lucky with the timing. I was lucky to able to spotted some poster about sumida river fireworks.)
@@lFurinl I love it when you discover these festivals by chance and just happen to be there at exactly the right time! It was the same for me when I spotted the poster for the cherry blossom festival at the Mint in Osaka when I was checking into my hotel.
Thank you for this video. I only did a few stamps when I lived there years ago. I'm planning to go back this year, and definitely intend to collect more. Would love to get the beautiful temple ones, I never got one before. Thanks for the info 😊
Hope you find lots! The seasonal goshuin are beautiful - in a way it's nicer to get them on the special paper than in a book.
I order a stamp book from Neko Neko Post for my next trip (hopefully it’ll be soon!) I’m so glad you did a video on stamp collecting. I think it’s so fun :)
Hope you find lots of stamps! Happy hunting!
Thanks for the video, Amy! i've added "buy a stamp book" on to my to-do list. think i'll try and get the original eki-stamp book from kinokuniya. I'm also going to hell in beppu so looking forward to collecting those stamps!
Hope you find lots of stamps! I loved the Beppu Hells - they're so unusual & otherworldly!
i need to collect all the stamps now!
Find as many as you can!
FUN! illl be going to japan for 3 weeks this coming may...ill be aware of this now!
Ooh exciting! You'll be able to do so much ok such a long trip! Where are you going in Japan?
@@cakeswithfaces tokyo, kii-kumono, osaka , kyoto, kanazawa and takayama...but i had a question...with all these locations im curious about cutting out takayama and heading back to tokyo as wed love to see a sumo exhibition and plus from there we head back home...thoughts?
@@carolyngross7664 That sounds fantastic! You need to do what interests you, rather than what people say you should do in Japan! So it depends what you're interested in. When it comes to historic/traditional Japan, Kanazawa and Takayama will be much less crowded and full of tourists than Kyoto.
I already missed on one 5week trip. Have to go to the places again :D But I just ordered a cute cat eki stamp booklet and I plan to buy goshuincho in the Sakura Jingu (yes a sakura-limited)
That sounds like a lovely goshuincho! Hope you find lots of stamps this time!
I got a stamp at a small Shinkansen museum near Kokubunji last year.
It's a fun souvenir!
Awesome job Amy thumb up .
Thank you!
No problem
Love your video! What size stamp book do you recommend getting when collecting EKI stamps?
An A6 (postcard size) book is perfect!
Oh dear 🙄 I wished I didn't know about these collection. Been to Japan several times but never knew about it till now. I'm worried that I'll be spending way too much time obsessing over collecting stamps and goshuin than enjoying the sights of Japan 😂
Haha, it's the first time I've really collected them too! It's always exciting when you spot one!
Hi Amy - thanks so much for talking about eki stamps - this is the first time I've heard of it, and I'm definitely going stamp hunting when I visit Japan in May. Can I ask if your stamp book by Neko Neko Post is available in Japan, and if so, where can I get it? Then I can save on its delivery cost to my country, which is quite substantial.
I don't know of anywhere you an buy it in Japan. Maybe you could get it delivered to your hotel if you'll be staying there for several days? A bit risky though! I know Rainbowholic has her stamp books for sale at her shop.
I just posted Goshuincho as my #Japanuaryd17 Travel tip yesterday 😂 funny timing. 🙏🏾📿
Haha, great choice!! Perfect timing!
IN india, when we walk around the river narmada as a pilgrimage there are many temples who put stamp for their pilgrimage validity.
Ah that's interesting there are stamps in India too - like the goshuin in Japan! Sadly there are no stamps at the church in England I don't think!
@@cakeswithfaces peoples do not use but only on some religious temples marks it to their devotees. Not same as japan.
Thank you, Amy for this video! I love journalling and collecting items to put them in. So your idea with the stamps is great! As I am going to Japan in August I wanted to order the stamp book from nekonekopost right away, but they don‘t send it to Austria, which makes me really sad 😢 Anyway, I love your idea and will find a different creative solution! Please go on making videos, they are soooo helpful and I love your way doing so.
Aww thank you so much! 🥰 Hopefully you can find another cute notebook for collecting stamps - hope you find lots!
And love that Scrapbook you guys have wish I had one like that with Japan that just never happened to me and some thing I wish had did, but maybe that might change eventually,✌️✌️✌️
Hope you had a fun trip!
@@cakeswithfaces hope so too thanks and appreciate always for your guys help really do 🤝🤝🤝
Great video, thanks for posting! I notice several shrines/temples are open 24 hours in Tokyo and Osaka. From your experience, are the Gashuin stations manned outside usual business hours?
Thanks! You'd only be able to get goshuin while the little office/shop is open. They usually close quite early, about 4pm or 5pm.
@@cakeswithfaces thanks for the quick reply!!
Love this video and I can’t wait to experience this myself having booked my 1st trip to Japan this September, I’ve got a goshuincho book already.
Is it okay to have places of interest, train station & stamps from shrines / temples all in the same book?
Even cheekily add the sheet of paper version later if they refuse my book at shrines/temples
You definitely have to separate the temple/shrine passports from the others. Some say you need a separate stamp book for temples and for shrines but I am not sure if I want to carry *three* stamp books with me everywhere I go!
Tip, passenger ferries also have stamp cards/books.
Definitely have a separate book for souvenir stamps and goshuin, because goshuin are religious.
You're supposed to have a separate goshuin book for shrines and temples really, because Shinto and Buddhism are different religions. I think as a foreign tourist you can be forgiven for not knowing, but I've heard of some places refusing to stamp your book if they're mixed, or if there are souvenir stamps in there. Maybe stick to just one - temples or shrines!
Hello thank you for your video! I have a quick question on the ryokan you stayed in kinosaki. How far in advance did you book and how did you book? They are saying they are out of rooms in july but maybe you just cant book yet? Thanks x
I booked on the ryokan's own website 4 months in advance. It was also possible to book on the Visit Kinosaki website and booking.com. It's probably too early to book for July. I'd go through the booking calendar and see when it's possible to book rooms for, to work out when booking opens.
Not sure if you saw this video but it goes into booking, etc, in the second half: ua-cam.com/video/GnOO-e-ti0U/v-deo.html
Next time I'm planning to bring a stamp pad with me. Some of the stations stations were out of ink which was especially sad at the train stations on the Kishi line in Wakayama with all their cat stamps
Also just a tip certain stores like the Ghibili merch stores, or Jump Store will also have little stamps
They must be super-cute cat stamps on the Kishi Line!
Thanks!
Thanks so much, that's much appreciated! So glad you enjoyed my videos! 🙏✨
Omg i didn't know about goshiun when i went to Japan in November and i definitely got one put in my regular stamp book in Nara 😅. In Kyoto they did tell me they couldn't and just gave me a sheet with it pre written on it. I had assumed it was because i was using a slightly bigger note book than the regular sized stamp book😂
I think as a tourist you can be forgiven making the occasional faux pas sometimes and not always knowing about all these things! :-)
Hi! Sorry if it’s off topic but do you have an idea what the weather is like late May/early June? Is it really hot, humid and rainy? Thanks in advance!
That's a lovely time to go to Japan! It's nice and warm - I've been several times in the first week of June and it's like the height of summer in the UK. In my opinion, it doesn't get humid in Japan until after the rainy season, which starts mid June.
They're old videos now, but to give you an idea of what it's like, all the videos in this playlist were filmed during the first half of June: ua-cam.com/play/PL-YXkErUfa4nl-_RRUDZ3ClpjgOzUGEf9.html
@@cakeswithfaces Thanks so much!
well as your abandoning me any in japan im going to drift off to watching misa chan then japan explorer i greatly appreciate the workthat you you tubers do showing old buggers like me around japan if not i would never see it,ide like to travel there but im scared to i lack confidence i myself unlike when i was younger,ive heard other old people think the same amy.take care and stay safe.
Maybe make this a challenge? Every Stamp in Japan! p.s I love my neko scarf
That would be a mega challenge! Given that JR East has 78 stamps in Tokyo alone, and that's just one of the train companies...! 😅
I hope to capture some stamps on my next trip! Were you wearing an Eden Academy uniform? Thank you!
Just my normal clothes. :-) Was it an accidental cosplay?
@@cakeswithfaces Ahh maybe! The gold rings around the sleeves around 4:17 reminded me of Anya from Spy x Family. 😅
@@BreakfastCoffee Ah I sewed them on myself to make it like a captain's jacket! 😅
How do you ask for a stamp book or Goshuin sheet? Need the book before you can start stamping :)
I had a bit of trouble getting a book last time in Sapporo, but did get there in the end :)
😂 For a stamp book, you can just pick it up in a shop so you don't need to worry about phrases. For the goshuin book, something like "Goshuincho o kudasai" should work. Or hope they have them on display so you can gesture!
every station has too many gates. May I know if there is any source sharing what gate has the stamp in Tokyo?
Yes, many stations are huge! 😅 This site has the locations for many of them (but also spoilers of what they look like). It's in Japanese but you can translate the page in Chrome: stamp.funakiya.com/train.html
Thank you very much for sharing
Very interesting video !!
By the way NYT has selected Yamaguchi City as the third best place in the world to visit in 2024!
Are you planning to visit Yamaguchi?
Just looked up the article - I'm glad they're promoting less well-known places around Japan (I think that's the answer to Kyoto, etc, becoming overcrowded). I won't be going there on my next trip, but I'd love to go one day! I'd love to go to that mountain bandits restaurant (Irori Sanzoku).
Hi... Can i bring my own stamp pad or is it rude to use your own?
I've heard it's discouraged, because the ink colour may be different to the original colour, which would make the stamp come out 'muddy' for the next person.
Do you happen to know the the size of the Hankos in the evil seal shop? We've got a couple of small ones but I'd like a massive one!
Still need to fill my goshuin so we can get it ready to frame
I think they're quite small; hankos are usually small - but who knows if they do large ones too! :-)
@@cakeswithfaces ah well have to wait and see then, there was a store in Akiharaba that did chunky ones here but we missed it last time : maps.app.goo.gl/VWfh7wR1LBF3CToy5
Hi! Can I ask usually what sizes are the stamps? Or can you suggest a good size of note book for the stamps? Hehe
An A6 (postcard sized) notebook is good!
@@cakeswithfaces thank you so much! Your video is so informative, I’m so excited now for our trip in November. 🤍
@@NicoleRodriguez411 Hope you find lots of stamps!
any idea of where to get a fun custom hanko stamp in Osaka or Kyoto?
Thanks :)
I only know of that one in Yanaka Ginza in Tokyo, but there must be some in Kyoto and Osaka too. Hope you manage to find one!
Thanks I hope so, also i have had a look on NEkoNekopost website and it seems they only offer "cash on delivery" for the payment option Is this how you paid for the book? I thought this was just a Japanese option, ive tried emailing them anyway so hopefully i can make the payment some other way @@cakeswithfaces
I paid online by card. It might have changed as I know there were some issues with international shipping to some countries.
the first stamps i saw was when sharmeleon was collecting them.
I bet you know more about things in japan than many japanese people do.
Can you stamp a white shirt. I think my daughter would like this.
You can stamp anything you like - the stamps are out and free to use as please. ☺️ I don't know if the ink would wash out of a shirt though - I guess ideally you'd bring your own stamp pad with fabric ink, if that exists?
Oh for people who are looking for stamps, I got some from the following places (Dec 2023-Jan 3 2024; from what I can remember off the top of my head haha)
- Osaka Castle (there are two; one in the information area and a bigger one you can find on the exhibit floors)
- rest stop places from Tokyo toward Osaka and Kyoto on the high way (there’s a really cute dog mascot with a car bag; just look around the info areas)
*I’ll add more as I remember*
Happy hunting!
Good tips, thank you!
What is the address of the shrine in Harajuku pls?
You can find it on Google Maps if you search for "Togo Shrine". Such a gorgeous spot - you'll never believe it's so close to Takeshita Street!
I never went out of my way to look for the eki stamps but I did keep an eye out for them. After visiting probably 30 stations I never noticed a single one! I kept laughing thinking they didn't actually exist and are just an elaborate prank by youtubers.
I'd never really noticed them until I started collecting them! They can be a bit hidden away sometimes.
Yes, can relate. Rushing out the station towards the next restaurant/cafe..eh...landmark/temple. Really not rushing for the food
i love some of the things that takes place in japan im happy they keep up with tradition ,i hope they dont ever ever copy the west or the ugh british government if they do japan is finished.
i am back amy i just awoke i sat here nodded off for over 35 minutes i often do that.
Well angel i shall watch you tomorrow afternoon,i was wondering why it is i have sort of pins and needles in my right hand obviously its caused by my holding the mouse on my lap top top on the sofa arm for all these years
Take care of yourself!
i will you to i put my thermal long johns on this morning so im nice and warm @@cakeswithfaces
@@cakeswithfaces IM GOING TO HAVE A SLICE OF LEMON CAKE LATER AND CUP OF TEA ANGEL,WELL BACK TO PRAYERS
'live for today for we do not know what tomorrow will bring us@@cakeswithfaces
@@cakeswithfaces i had some fish and chips delivered earlier on angel for supper just put my hot water bottle to bed i hope these top flats of ours can withstand the force of the wind out there.well night night angel im off to bed at 7pm
I'm gonna buy my stamps on ebay..
Hope you find some!