5 Kawaii Stationery Shops in Tokyo That Will Bring Out The o(≧∇≦o) in You
Awaken your inner obsession at these amazing Japanese stationary shops. WARNING: They may be harmful to your wallet.
What is it about beautiful stationery that makes it so irresistible? Maybe it is our instinct to collect pretty things, our love of colour or the brief illusion that a new notebook will finally turn us into organised, productive people.
Whatever the reason, Japan is heaven for anyone who gets excited by smooth-writing pens, perfectly designed planners, colourful inks and rolls of washi tape. Japanese brands have played an important role in developing many of the writing tools we now use every day, while Tokyo’s stationery shops turn even the simplest notebook or paperclip into something worth bringing home.
Ready to give your wallet a workout? These five stationery havens deserve a place on your Tokyo itinerary.
1. Kakimori
Image credit: Kakimori Website
Located in Tokyo’s creative Kuramae neighbourhood, Kakimori is built around the simple pleasure of writing. Its shelves are filled with thoughtfully designed pens, inks, letter paper and writing accessories, many of which visitors can test before buying.
Image credit: Kakimori Facebook
The highlight is its order-made notebook service. Choose from more than 60 cover designs and around 30 varieties of paper, including lined, dotted, grid and unlined options. You can then select the binding, fastener and other finishing touches to create a notebook that suits your personal style.
Reservations are generally unnecessary on weekdays, but appointments are recommended on weekends and public holidays. The shop closes on Mondays.
Address: 1-6-2 Misuji, Taito City, Tokyo
Nearest station: Kuramae Station
2. Ink Stand
Image credit: emi moriya
Image credit: Inkstand by Kakimori website
Once a separate shop beside Kakimori, Inkstand now operates upstairs in the same building. Its order-made ink experience allows visitors to create a personalised colour inspired by anything from a favourite photograph to a memory from their travels.
The process involves exploring different colour ratios before Kakimori’s staff prepares the finished ink. Your formula is recorded on a recipe card, and the store retains it for three years in case you want to order the same colour again.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended, although same-day spaces may occasionally be available. Check the latest session schedule before visiting.
Address: Upstairs at Kakimori, 1-6-2 Misuji, Taito City, Tokyo
Nearest station: Kuramae Station
3. Bunbougu Cafe
Image credit: Bunbougu Cafe Facebook
Image credit: Bunbougu Cafe Facebook
Imagine a café where pens, pencils, notebooks and art supplies are as important as the food and drinks. That is the idea behind Bunbougu Cafe, a stationery-themed space hidden in a basement near Omotesando.
Visitors can browse stationery while waiting for a table and use a selection of writing and drawing tools during their visit. The café also hosts themed events and collaborations, so its menu and availability may vary throughout the year.
It is an easy place to lose track of time — especially when you can eat, drink and experiment with stationery without leaving your table.
Address: B1F, 4-8-1 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Nearest station: Omotesando Station
4. Itoya Stationery Store
Image credit: Itoya Facebook
Image credit: Itoya Facebook
Founded in 1904, Ginza Itoya has more than a century of experience turning everyday writing tools into objects of desire. Its flagship store comprises two buildings with 18 floors in total, including 14 themed retail spaces.
Explore floors dedicated to pens, paper, notebooks, planners, travel accessories and creative tools. You can test writing instruments, browse exclusive products and personalise selected items, making this one of Tokyo’s most comprehensive stationery destinations.
When you need a break, head to CAFE Stylo on the 12th floor. Some of its dishes use vegetables grown inside Itoya’s FARM on the floor below.
Address: 2-7-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Nearest station: Ginza-itchome or Ginza Station
5. LOFT
Image credit: LOFT Facebook
A short walk from Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya Loft is a seven-floor lifestyle store stocking around 80,000 products. Its basement stationery floor alone is enough to occupy stationery lovers for hours.
Expect an enormous selection of Japanese pens, notebooks, planners, stickers, stamps, washi tape, desk accessories and art supplies. The other floors carry beauty products, household goods, travel accessories, character merchandise and gifts, so anyone travelling with you will have plenty to browse too.
Tax-free shopping is available to eligible international visitors, subject to Japan’s prevailing rules. Bring your passport if you intend to use the service.
Address: 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Nearest station: Shibuya Station
If the sight of perfectly arranged pens, reams of colourful paper and shelves of pristine notebooks makes your heart race, these are five Tokyo stops you cannot miss. Just remember to leave enough room in your luggage — Japanese stationery makes an excellent souvenir, but it is surprisingly easy to buy far more than you planned.
About Author
Annmaria likes all the usual things a writer likes; books, coffee and nice notebooks. She reads her way through the world one book at a time. She also likes naps and is trying to strategise the best way to get as much done while moving as little as possible.