What is the 'IKIMONO MEGURI Stamp Rally' National Biodiversity Campaign?

The 'IKIMONO MEGURI Stamp Rally' National Biodiversity Campaign provides fun opportunities for collecting stamps and stickers by visiting exhibitions and taking part in nature programs offered at 100 nature (visitor) centers located in 29 national parks across Japan.

The Ministry of the Environment and the 'IKIMONO MEGURI Stamp Rally' Executive Committee invite you to participate in this stamp rally program. We hope that more and more people can gain a better understanding of various forms of life and biodiversity through contact with nature. The stamp rally will be held over three years (starting on July 21, 2010 and ending on March 31, 2013).

Global Biodiversity and the 'IKIMONO MEGURI Stamp Rally' National Biodiversity Campaign

This planet has a variety of ecological systems and many diverse forms of life are supported by these systems. The Earth is said to have somewhere between 5 and 30 million creatures, including those as yet unknown/unidentified.

Japan is a relatively small island country. However, its complex and hilly topography, a great variety in climatic zones ranging from subarctic to subtropical, and abundant precipitation have resulted in a very diverse and rich natural environment. Because of this unique environment, more than 90,000 species of creatures have been confirmed to exist in Japan.

On the other hand, the Red Data Book compiled by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan classifies 3,155 creatures as 'Threatened'. This figure tells us that we are at a tipping point where this generation may or may not be able to pass on this rich biological diversity to future generations.

2010 was the International Year of Biodiversity and 2011 is the first year of the United Nations Decade of Biodiversity. We hope this stamp rally program encourages you to visit national parks and nature (visitor) centers all across Japan, and leads you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the natural environment and biodiversity through contact with many unique local forms of nature.

How to participate in the 'IKIMONO MEGURI Stamp Rally' National Biodiversity Campaign

1. Get a Stamp Rally sheet

   Stamp Rally sheets are distributed at nature (visitor) centers that participate in the Stamp Rally program. You can also download them from here.

2. Visit participating nature (visitor) centers and collect stamps and stickers

   Stamps: You can collect 100 different kinds of stamps by visiting the unique exhibitions at each nature (visitor) center and exploring the nearby observational trails.

   Stickers: Stickers are provided when you participate in nature programs at participating nature (visitor) centers or Junior Park Ranger programs.

   Note:

   • Children under junior high school age should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
   • Stamps are only available during the operating hours of each center.
   • A different stamp is available from each participating center.
   • The Junior Park Ranger program offers children the opportunity to experience the activities of national park rangers, have contact with nature, and learn the importance of nature conservation and environmental protection.

3. Receive your prize!

   Depending on how many stamps and stickers you have collected, you will be entitled to receive a gold, silver or bronze prize on the spot.

   Gold prize [Ikimono Meguri Gold Certificate + Original drink bottle]: Total of 10 stamps and/or stickers

   Silver prize [Ikimono Meguri Silver Certificate + Original tenugui towel]: Total of 5 stamps and/or stickers

   Bronze prize [Original marker & pen]: A total of 3 stamps and/or stickers

   Note:

   • Stamps must all be different. Identical stamps will not be accepted. However identical stickers are accepted.
   • Prizes may be altered without prior notice.
   • Deadline for claiming prizes: March 31, 2013 (scheduled)

What you may want to wear and bring

Comfortable clothes and hiking shoes

• Rainwear
• Cap or hat
• Work gloves
• Snack and drinks

*If you use a hiking stick, please put a cap on the point of the stick. Duct tape or adhesives may be useful to prevent the cap from coming off.

*Binoculars are available at some nature (visitor) centers. Please contact the centers for details.

Etiquette in national parks

Visitors are requested to observe these rules of etiquette to preserve the environment of national parks.

Walk on designated trails and paths

Wherever trails or wooden paths are available, be sure to stay on them in order to protect vegetation. Also, do not step into vegetated areas when you take pictures.

No littering

Please take all your garbage with you.

The only thing you can take is pictures

Do not remove flowers, plants, leaves, rocks, etc.

Do not feed wildlife

Never feed wildlife. Do not approach them (even to take a picture).

Regulations on vehicles

Each national park has its own regulations regarding the entry of motorboats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, mountain bikes, off-road vehicles, etc. as well as the landing of airplanes. Please contact each nature (visitor) center for more details.

Smoking

Make sure no flammable items are around you before you smoke. Be sure to use a portable ash tray. Please follow general smoking etiquette.

Refrain from bringing your pet(s)

Hiking with your pets can be enjoyable. However, be considerate of other visitors. They may not like pets as much as you do. Whenever possible, please refrain from bringing your pets with you. If you cannot avoid bringing a pet, use a lead and pick up feces. Use caution when hiking on a narrow trail or path as your pets may approach other visitors.

Rest rooms

Use rest rooms or portable toilets. Do not spoil the environment.

Contact Us

Office of the 'IKIMONO MEGURI Stamp Rally' National Biodiversity Campaign

E-mail: info@ikimono-meguri.go.jp
Tel: +81-(0)3-5226-1156

Operating hours are from 10 am to 5 pm every day except for weekends, public holidays, and the New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd).