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Experience the thrill of the Pokémon Stamp Rally 2026 in Tokyo—collect stamps, claim exclusive prizes, and relive your starter Pokémon dilemma all summer!
A Summer Hunt for Pokémon Fans: The Stamp Rally Returns
If there’s one thing that stirs both nostalgia and excitement in Tokyo each summer, it’s the return of the Pokémon Stamp Rally. This year, the rally marks a milestone—Pokémon’s 30th anniversary—promising a city-wide adventure for trainers old and new, with a flurry of exclusive prizes and playful challenges. For anyone who’s ever agonized over choosing a starter Pokémon, get ready: you’ll be making that decision not once, but nine times. The anticipation alone is enough to make my palms sweat.
Getting Started: Stamp Books and the First Steps
The process couldn’t be simpler: from July 16 to August 31, aspiring stamp collectors can pick up a free stamp book at major JR stations in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. There’s a modern twist, though—most adults will need a digital redemption coupon, which you get by adding the official Line account. Kids born after April 2, 2011, can skip the coupon, but should keep ID handy.
The Free and Special Edition Stamp Books
For those wanting to elevate the experience, NewDays convenience stores across Tokyo will sell a Special Edition Stamp Book for $14.99 (2,420 yen). This version comes with a stylish Pokémon pass case—a touch I admit I didn’t expect to want, but immediately coveted after seeing it in person. But fair warning: supplies are limited and locations even more so.
Special Edition Stamp Book Available At:
- NewDays Akabane
- NewDays Ikebukuro West Exit
- NewDays Ueno Iriya Ticket Gate (Outside)
- NewDays Ecute Nippori
- NewDays Omiya
- NewDays Gransta Marunouchi South Exit
- NewDays Cial Yokohama
- NewDays Shinagawa Central
- NewDays Shinjuku
- NewDays Tachikawa
- NewDays Perie Chiba Central Ticket Gate (Outside)
Stamp Collecting: The Six-Station Challenge
With your book in hand, you’ll set off across Tokyo, aiming to collect stamps from six of the 36 participating stations. There’s a catch, though—most stamps are located outside the ticket gates, so you’ll need to pay your fares as you go. It’s a small price for the joy of the hunt.
And the stamps themselves? Each features a different Pokémon—like the Captain Pikachu stamp at Saitama-Shintoshin Station. I found myself more excited about the stamp designs than I’d like to admit.
Once you’ve gathered all six, make your way to the 6-Station Course Goal Counter near Oimachi Station. Here, you’ll be rewarded with three prizes while supplies last:
- Pokémon Frienda Special Ex Treasure Pick Captain Pikachu (for use in the Pokémon Frienda arcade game)
- A special ticket-style sticker
- Another stamp book for the next challenge
And don’t forget to pick up a Captain Pikachu sun visor while you’re there—a must-have for the next leg of the journey, and surprisingly practical under Tokyo’s summer sun.
Level Up: The Nine-Station Course and the Starter Pokémon Dilemma
Just as you think you’ve mastered the art of stamp rallying, the new stamp book nudges you forward. The nine-station challenge isn’t just about quantity—it’s about decisions. At each of the nine designated stations, you’ll face a familiar choice: which starter Pokémon do you pick? Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle? And then again, and again, and again. Nine times in total.
“You’ll have to make that one difficult decision every Pokémon player has suffered through at the start of the game: which of the starters do you want to pick? However, this time, you’ll have to do it nine times in a row.”
— Source text
I’ll admit, the novelty wore a little thin after station five—by then, my inner child’s confidence in always picking Charmander began to waver. Maybe it’s time to reconsider old habits? Still, the urge to collect all possible stamps was real, and I envied those with the forethought (and spare stamp books) to do just that.
Complete all nine stations, and the 9-Station/36-Station/Shinkansen Course Goal Counter at Tokyo Station awaits, where you’ll snag a special neck strap.
Going All In: The 36-Station and Shinkansen Challenges
For the true completionists, the journey doesn’t stop at nine. Visit all 36 participating stations and claim a special key ring at Tokyo Station. The list of Pokémon is impressive—some familiar, some delightfully obscure—and I found myself learning a few new names, even after all these years.
But for the truly adventurous, there’s the Shinkansen Course. Get a stamp from any one of seven participating high-speed rail stations and you’ll earn a medal featuring Koraidon and Miraidon. This extra layer caught me off guard—somehow, after all the station visits, the idea of chasing down a Shinkansen stamp felt both daunting and irresistible.
Bonus Features: Evolving Stamps, Decorated Trains, and Photo Spots
But wait, there’s more! Some stamps will “mega evolve” at random intervals—details drop on the event’s social accounts, but part of the fun is the surprise. It’s a little gimmicky, sure, but it brings a sense of the unpredictable to the ritual of stamping.
The rally also rolls out Pokémon-wrapped trains on the Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, and Chuo Line Rapid lines throughout August. Spotting them felt like a mini-event—although I admit, I started to wish for a bit more variation in the decoration designs.
Special wall decoration photo spots will appear at undisclosed locations, including Waters Takeshiba business park, Tokyo Station, and Oimachi Tracks. Part of the fun is stumbling across them by chance.
At Waters Takeshiba, there’s even a layered stamp activity—create your own unique design by stamping four layers. If that’s not enough, head to Oimachi Tracks to see the epic Honda Koraidon on display.
Meet-and-Greets and the Final Challenge
For families, or anyone young at heart, the rally offers free meet-and-greet sessions with Captain Pikachu at Oimachi Tracks or Waters Takeshiba. Each session is for groups of four, limited to 15 groups per session, with four sessions daily. But you’ll need to reserve ahead—tickets aren’t available at the door and slots fill quickly.
Oimachi Tracks hosts events on July 18, 19, 20, 25, and 26. Waters Takeshiba follows on August 1, 8, 15, and 22. Reservations open between July 13 and 15 for Oimachi Tracks, and July 27 and 29 for Waters Takeshiba. No same-day tickets, and it’s first come, first served—so plan your summer accordingly.
Final Thoughts: Fun, FOMO, and the Joy of the Chase
All prizes are strictly “while stocks last,” so if you’re set on a particular memento, don’t dawdle. I found myself swept up in the challenge, but also occasionally frustrated by the crowds and the limited supplies of special edition items. Would I do it again? Absolutely. The spirit of the Pokémon Stamp Rally is less about the prizes and more about the city-wide adventure, the nostalgia, and the little moments of delight at each station.
FAQ
- How do I participate in the Pokémon Stamp Rally 2026?
Pick up a free stamp book at major JR stations in Tokyo from July 16, 2026. Adults need a digital coupon via the official Line account; kids under a certain age only need ID. - Where are the stamps located and do I need to pay to reach them?
Most stamps are outside ticket gates at 36 railway stations around Tokyo, so you’ll need to pay travel fares. - What exclusive prizes can I earn throughout the rally?
Prizes include a Captain Pikachu arcade peripheral, stickers, a sun visor, neck strap, key ring, and a Shinkansen medal—subject to availability. - How do I reserve a spot for the meet-and-greet with Captain Pikachu?
Reservations must be made online during specified windows for Oimachi Tracks and Waters Takeshiba events. No tickets are sold on event days. - Can I collect all the starter Pokémon stamps in the nine-station course?
You can, but you’ll need multiple stamp books since you can only pick one starter at each station per book.
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