Stamp Collecting At Botanical Gardens In Japan

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When we were in Japan we wanted to do a lot of stamp collecting. Two of the layered stamps we collected were from two botanical gardens, one garden was the Kyoto Botanical Garden and the other was the Koishikawa Botanical Gardens. The Kyoto Botanical Garden also has 3 stamps you can put in your book.

Collecting Stamps at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens

When you exit at the Kitayama train station the garden is right at the top of the exit so you don’t have to walk but a couple steps. On arrival, you’ll purchase your tickets through a vending machine system that is pretty easy to use. However, if you have any issues there is usually an employee nearby that can help. To participate in the layered stamp you can purchase the stamp card at the window that is just beyond the gate. I don’t remember the exact price but I believe it was between 300 – 500 yen per card. When you receive the card they will give you a map with the locations of the stamps to make the stamp locations easier to find.

The Kyoto Botanical Garden was so beautiful even though it was late fall so not as much was in bloom. It was so relaxing to walk around and it offers many places to explore, the Ginkgo trees were so beautiful with their golden color! If you want to take a snack break there is a little cafe that you can get food at as well as coffee.

Collecting Stamps at the Koishikawa Botanical Gardens

Exit at Korakuen Station and take a short walk to the back entrance of the gardens. You’ll purchase your entry tickets and then start working on your layered stamp! The stamp cards are located under a tent towards the front of the gardens or by the back entrance. If you start at the back you’ll be doing the stamps in reverse which we tested out and the stamp came out great regardless of where you started. We didn’t notice any real difference from doing it in the correct order or in the reverse. There is a sign, located near the stamping stations, for all the locations of the stamps to help you find them.

Like the Kyoto Gardens there is so much to explore here even if you go in the off season!

Of course, you can spend as much time as you’d like at the gardens and I’m going to say longer is better so that you have time to thoroughly enjoy all that they have to offer. However, if you are on a time constraint, I’d plan on each layered stamp card taking between 45-60 minutes. That is entering the gardens and focus only on getting each of the stamps and getting out.