Where to Buy Japanese Stationery| Best Stores in Japan & Online

Ever wondered where to find Japan’s famously cute, clever, and beautifully designed stationery? Whether you’re visiting Japan or browsing from abroad, you’ll discover a world of pens, planners, washi tapes, and creative tools that blend functionality with charm. Some shops specialize in stationery, while others offer an entire lifestyle experience where notebooks sit next to cosmetics, home goods, or seasonal gifts.

Below is an updated 2025 guide that groups stores into three easy-to-understand categories—so you can quickly decide where to go based on your style and needs. And if you’re planning a trip, we now also have a full guide on where to shop stationery in Tokyo.

Why Buy Japanese Stationery?

Japanese stationery is loved globally for good reason:

• High-quality paper and ink technology

• Thoughtful design with clever features

• Affordable prices for everyday tools

• Character collaborations and seasonal releases

• Innovative engineering, from erasable ink to rotating mechanical pencil lead

From fountain-pen-friendly paper to adorable memo pads, Japanese stationery celebrates both practicality and delight.

Where to Buy Japanese Stationery in Japan (2025 Update)

To make your shopping easier, we’re grouping stores into three major categories:

1. Lifestyle & Variety Stores (Loft, Hands, MUJI)

2. Stationery Specialty Stores (Itoya, mt lab, fountain pen boutiques)

3. Online Stores (including ZenPop for worldwide shipping)

Here’s your guide—updated, simplified, and more helpful than ever.

1. Lifestyle & Variety Stores: Loft, Hands, MUJI (Best for Casual Shoppers)

Loft

Loft is a must-visit for travelers and stationery fans. Although it carries everything from skincare to home goods, its dedicated stationery floors are a treasure trove filled with:

• New releases from major brands like Kokuyo, Pilot, Zebra, and Midori

• Seasonal planners, journals, and calendars

• Pen cases, pouches, and organizational items

• Cute designs alongside sleek, professional tools

Loft is perfect if you want variety and new items in one place, without needing to visit multiple specialty shops.

Hands (formerly Tokyu Hands)

Hands is your go-to for creative lifestyle tools, mixing DIY supplies, crafting goods, and stationery all under one roof.

Hands is especially good for:

• Scrapbooking, journaling, and decorating items

• Washi tapes, stickers, and specialty papers

• Unique, often limited-edition pen cases

• Office accessories and work-from-home upgrades

If you love crafting or bujo (bullet journaling), you’ll find inspiration in every aisle.

MUJI

Minimalist and clean, MUJI is loved worldwide—and their stationery is no exception.

MUJI offers:

• Gel ink pens known for smooth, dark writing

• Simple, unbranded notebooks in multiple sizes

• High-quality planners and schedule books

• Affordable sets of colored pens and markers

Some MUJI locations also let you stamp or customize your notebooks, giving you a personalized souvenir from Japan.

For minimalists or anyone who loves understated style, MUJI is a must-stop.

2. Stationery Specialty Stores: For the Dedicated Fans

Itoya (Ginza, Tokyo) — The Holy Grail of Stationery Stores

Itoya is Japan’s most famous stationery boutique—12 floors of pure stationery paradise in the middle of Ginza.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• A massive fountain pen floor where you can try pens before buying

• Rare inks, writing paper, and calligraphy tools

• High-end Japanese brands like Pilot, Platinum, Sailor

• A café on the top floor where you can rest and reflect

Founded in 1904, Itoya is a piece of stationery history and a must-visit for pen collectors and journaling fans.

Shimojima — A Hidden Gem for Stationery, Packaging & Creative Supplies

Located in the heart of Shinsaibashi, Shimojima is a long-established specialty store beloved by designers, crafters, and stationery fans. While it’s best known among locals for its extensive selection of packaging materials, the store also carries a surprisingly rich and varied stationery department, making it a fantastic stop for anyone exploring Osaka.

At Shimojima, you’ll find:

• A wide range of pens, markers, and everyday writing tools

• Notebooks, memo pads, envelopes, and office essentials

• An impressive collection of gift wrap, ribbons, and DIY packaging supplies

• Seasonal goods and creative materials not easily found elsewhere

Because Shimojima blends stationery with craft and packaging products, it’s an excellent place to shop for journaling supplies, gifts, or materials for creative projects. The Shinsaibashi branch is especially convenient, located close to other major shopping spots—perfect for adding to your Osaka stationery itinerary.

mt lab (Tokyo & Osaka)

Japan’s most famous washi tape brand, mt, operates a specialty store called mt lab.

A visit gets you:

• Limited-edition washi designs

• Experimental colors and textures

• Seasonal drops and collaborations

• Exclusive in-store patterns

Perfect for creative crafters, journalers, and washi tape collectors.

3. Online Stores: For Those Outside Japan (or Short on Time)

ZenPop Japan — Curated Japanese Stationery Delivered Worldwide

If you can’t visit Japan—or want a curated surprise—ZenPop’s Stationery Box is one of the easiest ways to explore Japan’s stationery scene from anywhere in the world.

ZenPop offers:

• Monthly themed boxes of 9+ items (you can choose a one-time gift option as well)

• Exclusive and hard-to-find Japanese stationery

• A mix of functional + kawaii + trendy items

• Worldwide shipping

Perfect for gifts, journaling fans, beginners… or anyone who wants a piece of Japan delivered to their doorstep.

ZenPop Stationery Box

ZenPop Stationery Store

Other Japanese Online Stores (General Access)

While ZenPop offers a curated experience, Japan also has online retailers where you can browse individual items:

• Large marketplace platforms

• Brand-specific online shops

• Specialty pen stores with overseas shipping

Bonus: Heading to Tokyo?

We now have a full, detailed guide on where to shop stationery in Tokyo, including neighborhood recommendations, hidden gem stores, and suggested shopping routes.

This guide helps you plan your stationery hunting day by day—perfect for first-time visitors.

Final Thoughts

Whether you love minimalist notebooks, luxurious fountain pens, kawaii character goods, or colorful crafting supplies, Japan has a stationery destination for every taste. Lifestyle stores like Loft, Hands, and MUJI offer easy one-stop shopping, while specialty stores like Itoya and mt lab are perfect for deeper exploration. And if you're abroad, ZenPop makes discovering Japanese stationery easy and joyful—delivered straight to your door.

Where will you shop first?