Eki Stamps & Konbini: The Unique Art of Travel Journaling in Japan

If there is one country that understands the obsession with documentation, it is Japan. In Japan, travel journaling isn't a niche hobby; it’s a national pastime. The infrastructure of the country is practically designed to help you record your trip.

If you are planning a trip to Tokyo, Kyoto, or beyond, leave space in your suitcase for a notebook. Here is your guide to the unique journaling culture of Japan.

1. The Obsession: "Eki" (Station) Stamps

Every major train station (and many small ones) in Japan has a unique commemorative rubber stamp. They are free. They are beautiful. They are addictive.

What are they? Large, detailed rubber stamps featuring the local landmarks of that station's area.

Shinjuku Station: Features the skyline and skyscrapers.
Nara Station: Features the famous deer.
Odawara Station: Features the castle.

How to find them: Look for a small table near the ticket gates (usually inside the turnstiles or just outside). Look for the sign "Station Stamp" or simply a stamp icon. Pro Tip: Bring a dedicated blank notebook just for stamps. The ink is often wet and can bleed through thin paper.

2. The "Konbini" Print Culture

Convenience stores (Konbini) like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are distinctively Japanese. But they are also print shops. The multi-copy machines in every Konbini allow you to print photos from your phone via Wi-Fi instantly.

Why do this? Japanese travelers often print photos at the end of the day at the store, buy a glue stick (also sold there), and journal in their hotel room that night. It is the ultimate "hybrid" workflow. You can also buy "net print" stickers—turning your phone photos into sticker sheets for pennies.

3. The Gear: Stationery Heaven

Japan is the home of stationery (Bunbougu). You cannot visit Japan without visiting a Loft or Tokyu Hands store. Entire floors are dedicated to pens, washi tape, and notebooks.

What to buy:

Hobonichi Techo: The legendary daily planner. It uses Tomoe River paper (ultra-thin but zero bleed-through).
Washi Tape: Japan invented it. Buy "regional limited" tapes that feature patterns of sushi, Mount Fuji, or cherry blossoms.
Glue Tape Runners: Stock up. They are cheaper here.

4. Goshuin: The Spiritual Stamps

While Eki stamps are fun/secular, Goshuin are sacred. A Goshuin is a handwritten calligraphy seal given at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. A monk hand-paints the name of the temple and the date in your book, then stamps it with red vermilion ink.

The Rules:

You must buy a specific book called a Goshuincho (available at the temple). You cannot use your regular notebook.
It costs money (usually 300-500 yen).
It is an act of worship/respect, not just a "souvenir."

5. TripMemo in Japan

Even in the land of paper, digital helps. Japan is dense. Addresses are confusing. Using TripMemo to geotag your photos is critical because looking at a photo of a ramen shop 6 months later and trying to find it on a map without GPS data is impossible. Workflow:

Stamp the physical book at the station.
Take a photo of the stamp page.
Upload the photo to TripMemo so it sits on your digital map at that station.

Summary

Japan invites you to pay attention to the details. The stamp forces you to stop at the station. The Goshuin forces you to interact with the monk. The stationery stores invite you to be creative. Don't rush through Japan. Stamp your way through it.