This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Now ubiquitous in many of Japan’s 9,000 stations, the first eki stamp appeared in 1931 at Fukui station near the Sea of Japan coast, ...

Japan has many charms: impeccably timed trains, vending machines that can surprise any type of traveller, and… stamps. Not just any stamps — eki stamps, the proudly inked souvenirs hiding in stations ...

Japanese eki stamps (station stamps) are a charming feature of Japanese railway culture. Beloved by visitors and oshi-tetsu (train-stamp nerds) alike, collecting them as you make your way around Japan ...