The best 21 Tokyo Stationery Shops to visit This spring

Stationery shops are as unique as the people who love stationery. If you keep a journal, chances are you’re not looking for stiff business pens, and for artists, a small sticker shop is unlikely to stock the tools you need. 
This reference guide will help you find the right stationery shop based on selection, atmosphere, and size. We’ve also included guides on how to get there for your convenience. 
Many of the stores here have items ZenPop feature in our monthly Stationery boxes, so if you’re not planning Tokyo trip, there’s still hope to get some special stationery.

Where can I make my own ink? -  Kakimori

The town of Kurame has been a Tokyo manufacturing hub for generations. With this trendy downtown stationery workshop, Kakimori is honoring that tradition by taking the craft and methods of the past into the future. 
Community is at the heart of this shop, don’t be surprised by overhearing phrases like “Because that person will be happy” or "This is what you always wanted”; someone is always thinking of somebody in this space.

Brands:

Kakimori, OBJECT INDEX, Woset, TETZBO, Higashichika, KYOKO TSUDA, Garapy, Ikushima Flower, Yoko Yamano Anderson

What’s so great about Kakimori?

In addition to having a unique and large selection of sustainable products ranging from fountain pens to crayons and handmade paper, Kakimori also offers a service where you can make a custom notebook with any type of paper. Better yet, if you already have a favorite notebook, you can keep the cover, and the staff will help you refill your current one with more pages. 
For only a few thousand yen, you can experience the crown jewel of the store. A sprawling laboratory covers the second floor. Play with pigments and find the perfect color with the support of the staff, and they’ll blend you a full bottle of your original ink. Kakimori keeps your recipes for 3 years should you ever want to restock your custom hue.

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Where do I buy the Travelers Notebook? -  Travelers Factory

The Traveler's Notebook needs no introduction among stationery lovers, but you may not know that they also have the “Travelers Factory”, a flagship store for the popular journal. 
The store is designed as a manifestation of the notebook itself, being a place for comings, goings, and customization. In the back of the store, there’s a big blackboard and a space for events.

Brands:

Travelers Factory, Travelers Company, Mizushima, Shachihata, Tsukineko, Blackwing, Coffee Picture Book, TO&FRO, hibi, Kanaya Hotel, Keibunsha, Pan Am, Tokyo Metro, North Star, Baumkuchen, TOYO Steel

What’s so great about Travelers Factory?

If you use a traveler's notebook, this is the place to take it to the next level. Add more pages, pair it with an insert, or perhaps get another one? The store holds a space for customizing your items as well as enjoying hand-dripped coffee or even cakes from local bakeries while chatting up fellow travelers. There’s even a location at Narita airport for those heading home or on their way to their next destination to journal about.

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The Must-Visit Stationery Shop in Tokyo -  Itoya Ginza

If you’re only visiting one stationery shop on your trip, this should be the one. It’s a place to be entertained by a wealth of choices; this is better described as a theme park of stationery than a “store”.

If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, you’re bound to find something in their 2 locations close by each other and a combined total of 16 floors of stationery. Thanks to various services, events, courses, and Japan's greatest stationery selection, you could unironically spend a whole day here. Or two!

Brands:

Pentel, Aurora, Ashford, Addison Ross, Aladdin, Alison gordon, Arjo Wiggins, Anna Griffin, Ambientec, Art file, Art press, Early bird, Ilsan Isan, Waste Knot Paper, Walker, Waterman, Woodcuts, Woody, HS, Amy, Amy Beth, SE Hagerman, Esterbrook, Emma ball, Aevos, Orange Tokyo, Casio, Kamoi Processing Paper, Karapau, Caran d’ache, Color Chart, Karma Living, Kanmidou, Kaweco, Carl Office Equipment, Cyprus, Caroline Gardener, Curious Inksmith, King Jim, Gift Wrap Company, Qui, Quo Vadis, Kutsuwa, Kristen Maxwell, Crane, cross, Clockwork Soldier, Gmund, Graphic Image, Graphic Company, Graphic 45, Gelbe cottage, K Coorporation, KOKUYO, Words, Common Ground, Correspondence, Coro, Contrail, Go Card, Sakura Cray-Pas, Salo, Sunstar Stationery, Seifner Volkskunst, The Grommet, The Salto Group, Cinnamon H, Shachihata, Showa Note, Jamie Young Company, Just Gemma, Zequence International, Skyline Chess, Studio, Stuart Horton, STAEDTLER, Steph O, Stripy Cat, Snow & Graham, Smudge Ink, Slip-on, 3M Japan, Zuni, Sailor Fountain Pen, Zebra, Sonnen Radar, Type Hype, Tag Stationery, Tasha, Tassotti, Tattersfield Design, Toucha, Daigo, Dynasty, Chase and Wonder, Titree, Design, Durable, Dempsey and Carol, Top Drawer, Triad, Troy Liven, Tombow Pencil, Talking Picture, Thomas Ike, Natalini, Noona, Neko Neko Design Paper Arts, Knox, Hachette Book Group, Bug Art, Pilot, Papierium, Pulp Card, Palomar, Hoodie, Vivant, Bindewerk, Pipsticks, Filofax, Found, Faber-Castell, Phase Studio, Ferris wheel Press, Felix Doolittle, Brit House, Blaylio, Plus, Platinum Fountain Pen, Print Circus, Pleased to Meet, Hectomas, Helvetica, Helen Richmond Design, Vector Culture, Best Creation, Beth Mueller, Bernard & Eddie, Velvet Olive, Benchmark, Pepin, pelican, Paper Republic, Paper Rose, White Book, Hallmark USA, Bower Box, Bonne Company, Paula Keene, Mighty, Magnifying, Multicraft, Maruman, Mark Thomas, March Paper, Mikel Reus, Midori,, Mueller Kunst, Monsieur Papier, Maison des Papiers, Meri meri, Monograph, Moleskine, Mondi, Unique, Jung Design, Life, Raspberry Blossom, Lasche, Rummy, Lavod, Lido, Replogle, Ring Design, Lucina K, Rubinart, Ruth, Roof, Raymay, Regami, Red Back Card, Leuchtturm 1917, Rossi 1931, Rotring, Rhodia, Romeo, Rosie Wonders, Rosehip, Roller Design, ild & wolf, Acavaliente, Erkhaus, Mitsubishi Pencil, Itoya, Itoya Trap Frame, Itoya Japanese Letter Paper, Itoya gift envelope, Hokutosha, Kuretake, Ozu Industry, Japan Management Association, Watanabe Teaching Tools, Xuanlu, Yayoi Fujiwara, Fujie, Kodansha, Suzuki Shofudo, Nagai Paper Industry, Takahashi Bookstore, 100%, G Classe, Itoya Kids, NB Company, NTT Docomo, PTM, P.W. Ackerman, UWP Luxe

What’s so great about Itoya Ginza?

You go here for the selection, quality, and service. Itoya carries next to all brands and every stationery category, from journal goods to business-related items. Does it sound overwhelming? Worry not; each floor is themed to a specific category, so if you want to write, go to the 3rd floor, or if you’re looking for home goods, the 6th floor is for you. They have daily events, workshops, and exhibitions in collaboration with artists and crafters, and the event space has its own dedicated floor. There's also a rooftop cafe and restaurant, a farm, and they even have professional gift wrappers working to beautify your purchases. You can also get high-end goods engraved in stores with no reservation needed. Itoya is a big chain that has come far since its inception in 1904, so if you miss the Tokyo location, there are options in other parts of the country.

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Where is the best Store for Paper in Tokyo -  Haibara

This 220-year-old shop will make you realize how the global paper market is starved for choices. Haibara produces and stocks Ganpi-washi, Mino-washi, Echizen-Washi, and even Hosho-paper, a flexible and strong paper once used for official documents from the Shogunate in the middle ages. Haibara is not just about the old, but the marriage of old and new, just like its location of Nihonbashi, which has been a place of trade where old craft evolves along technology and social shifts. This is expressed in the store’s exterior design and the patterns and colors on their products.

Brands:

Original products only

What’s so great about Haibara?

This Washi paper wonderland has more than flat sheets of A4, you’ll find formats of many kinds along envelopes, boxes, shelves, wrapping, wallpaper, canvas, paper fans, and more. If you can’t find the format you’re looking for, you can order custom products made from scratch, though a bulk order is required. This is amazing if you’re running a business or planning a wedding. We speak from experience; ZenPop has previously sold a penstand made from Chiyogami washi in one of our boxes. Thor patterns are plentifold, many of which were designed in the Taisho era and by artists like Kawanabe Kyosai and Kawabata Gyokusho. If you love paper and find yourself attracted to the “Edo Beauty” Haibara takes pride in, you will not want to miss a visit to this store!

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Where do I find fabric in Tokyo? -  Kamitonuno

Paper and cloth do not add unnecessary frills, it is just that, paper and cloth! This mom-and-pop shop stocks items specially selected by the husband and wife who runs the place, and their design aesthetic is unmistakable. It’s pretty intimate, but the selection is large, and if you enjoy a Japanese x Scandinavian visual style, you’ll likely leave with one of their shopping nets filled with goodies.

Brands:

Original products, Aries, Admi, Chusen, hirali, hanaichimatsu, Furoshiki, Kata kata, VRANA, Miffy

What’s so great about Kamitonuno?

This store may look small at first glance, but don’t be fooled! A keen eye will quickly notice shelves lined with a myriad of simple yet elegant designs awaiting to be explored. You’ll find notebooks, cards, envelopes, design paper, and a lot of cats! This is reflected in the cloth aspect too, where you find matching Tenugui, shopping nets, handkerchiefs, kitchen towels, etc. Their covers for diaries are especially cute and make for a wonderful memento.

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Where do I find Retro Stationery in Tokyo? -  Yamada Stationery

If you’ve traveled to Japan for stationery, chances are you're in business for some funky goods you can’t find elsewhere. That is what Yamada stationery specializes in! It’s a semi large shop located in an old office building, turned mall for interesting goods, so you may find more than just stationery if you explore the building.

Brands:

Kurashiki Design Planning Office, Gekkoso Art Supplies Store, Swallow Note, LIFE, Kobe Note, Charka, Yamato, KOKUYO, Maruman, Pilot, Riki clock, Lira, ALLEX, Rotring, STAEDTLER, Stabilo, Milan, Vic, Hoechstmas, Brunnen, Delfonics, High Tide, ELCO, Dalton, Clairefontaine, Yamada Stationery Store original, Asano Stamp, Water stripes, Yuruliku, KOH-I-NOOR, Yonagado, Isetan, Furukawa Paper Works, Cultural office supplies, DYMO, Magic Ink, Masuya, LAMY, KIKKERLAND, Kamoi, Carl Office Equipment, Apica, Alaska Stationery, Lion Office Equipment, Haibara, Sakura Cray-Pas, M asukoeri, Ohagiyama, Sazae-san, KIZARA, Subikiawa, wiggle company, DARUMA THREAD, Letter Company, Keibunsha Printing,, Maruai, Mihani Bookstore, Stamp Dwarfs, Keijusha, Oscolab, Fueki, TRUSCO, Illustrated dining table, PORT, M -PLAN, Punpukudo, Atabou, Kogepan, Export, Treniart, HEMING'S, CINQ, Doraemon, kata kata, AOI-AO, Marimacho, Good Children's School Box, YO-CO, Rala Design, KNOOPWORKS, Kyupodo, Expression Company, Geodesign, Naoya Okazaki -, Suzuransha, Magnet, Icco mco, Cobato, Yoshida Printing Company, Yamama Stationery, Heso Production, Isshindo Honpo, Admi, Kumpel, Mittzell, Shimojima, Hibi, A la Caldo, Wild Rose Company

What’s so great about Yamada Stationery?

This store is a cult classic within the stationery community. Its reach is limited as a physical store in a mall, but as a small family-owned store, it has garnered 90,000 followers on Instagram thanks to its one-of-a-kind retro Showa-inspired aesthetics, playful, high-quality tools, and general feeling of a curiosity store, except all the curiosities are curious stationery. Every product here feels like a chance to encounter the universe blessed upon you. You know you’re in good hands when the owner, Miss Yamada, posts the monthly schedule on their Instagram account with hand-decorated calendars!

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The best Fountain Pens in Tokyo -  Shosaikan

Entering Shosaikan feels like stepping into some cross between Gucci and Oliwander’s. Wooden floors, shelves, and modern glass casings with lights display writing instruments like wands awaiting to spill their magic onto your notebook. This sophisticated blend of modernity and traditionalism creates a sense that “This isn’t a shop, it’s a boutique for stationery.” With the premium feel comes a premium price tag. Unless you’re just visiting the cafe, prices on pens range from 5000 - 825,000 JPY.

Brands:

AURORA, Conklin, DIPLOMAT, FABER CASTELL, FERISS WHEEL PRESS, Kawanishi Glass, LEONARDO OFFICINA, ITALIANA, MONTEVERDE, PARKER, PILOT, SCHONDSGN, SIGN HACK, STDupont, TOHMA, VISCONTI, CARAN D'ACHE, CROSS, Esterbrook, Fisher,GRAF VON FABER-CASTELL, LAMY, Montegrappa, Study Hall Original, Pelikan, PLATINUM, Sailor, SHEAFFE R, STAEDTLER Premium, TAG STATIONERY, Mitsubishi uni, WATERMAN

What’s so great about Shosaikan?

While located in the middle of Tokyo, they’ve managed to create an oasis of calm that takes you to a world where you can live between the centuries among 100-year-old pens, all the way up to recent releases. Shosaikan is an experience where you can take your time, test the goods, have a coffee, test some more, and leave with a new companion you can feel confident in. Products vary from rollerball pens, fountain pens, and paper goods from all major brands, alongside hard-to-get limited releases.

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Where to get Trendy Tokyo Stationery? -  Desk Labo

This calm and casual stationery shop is located in popular Shimokitazawa, fitting right into the Shoten-style street with the other small cafes, shops, and restaurants. It’s not the best place for Japanese stationery specifically, rather, it has a unique selection of imported goods from all over the world. Desk Labo stocks both well-known and lesser-known brands.

Brands:

LAMY, BOOK DARTS, AMIT ABI, A MABRO, DETAIL, PAPIER TIGRE, PICUS, HIGHTIDE, DELFONICS, KIKKERLAND, Adachi Tool Store, 000/Triple O, Out of Print

What’s so great about Desk Labo?

The collections are elegant and curious, a reflection of the owner being a kind and thoughtful individual with love for Jazz, David Lynch, and Curry. If Shimokitazawa is on your bucket list, why not pop by Desk Labo and hit up a conversation with the staff?

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Where to buy Stationery Made in Tokyo? -  GOAT

Overall, GOAT feels like a higher-end MUJI without the interior goods. It is a proud shop focusing its efforts on collecting and selling stationery made in Tokyo. It’s not the biggest store, but the items they do have are highly curated, similar to a ZenPop box. They have a large breadth of item categories, which includes original stationery.

Brands:

Eri Masuco, LIFE, Salco Design, Uzumaki, Tombow, Haibara

What’s so great about GOAT?

It's the perfect place to explore lesser-known brands and designs of high quality. Feel the difference between Tokyo-made stationery and other Japanese stationery items and discover the crown jewel of GOAT is their collaboration with artist Eri Masuco. Together, they’ve produced several products, with the wooden stamps being a best seller. Eri’s retro design fits perfectly into the classical Tokyo atmosphere you’ll find at GOAT.

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Bright and calm Stationery in Tokyo -  Harukazesha

In the relaxing suburban town of Kyodo, you may stumble upon this little shop run by a true design lover who is sharing that passion through her store and products. This little shop aims to spread nostalgic, cute, and interesting items that will stand the test of time and be enjoyable for as long as they’re with you.

Brands:

LAMY, Pelikan, KAWEKO, LYRA, Rotling, Laufern, EISEN, KOHINOOR, Helix, BIC, Centropen, AUTOPOINT, PARKER, ICO, RHEITA, BRUNNEN, BLACKWING, MILAN, Gekkoso, Swallow Note

What’s so great about Harukazesha?

Harukazesha is a passion project supported by locals, friends, and artists. During the Covid 19 pandemic, the store could not open its doors, but the community galvanized by purchasing from the online store, buying tools and calendars to keep the lights on. Visit this store for bright and calm stationery that ranges from happy to melancholic in its expression. You’ll quickly understand why the community is so supportive of Harukazesha.

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Tokyo Stationery Workshop Cafe -  Bunbogu Cafe

Feeling homesick in Tokyo for your stationery collection at home? The stationery cafe is your place to lunch and, - get this- enjoy the largest selection of free usable stationery in the world. Order a meal and play with their tools available for all to use, building connections and hopefully finding some new favorite tools along the way. It’s a favorite hang out spot for creatives in Omotesando.

Brands:

Original Goods, Mob Psycho 100, Dead Dead Deamons Dededede Destruction, Kuroko’s Basketball, Blue Lock, WIND BREAKER, Haikyu!!, Tokyo Revengers, Bungo Stray Dogs, My Hero Academia, Tengoku Daimakyou, Kusoham-chan, Lookism, Yowamushi Pedal, Blood Blockade Battlefront & BEYOND, Himouto! Umaru-chan, Detective Conan, TRIGGER, Blue Period, Sanrio, Jujutsu Kaisen, BLUE FREFLECTION RAY, THE GOD OF HIGH SCHOOL, HELLO WORLD

What’s so great about the Stationery Cafe?

Besides having an incredible free offering of stationery to play with, they also serve a mean Tuna broccoli pasta, among other dishes. There’s even a Stationery parfait! If you spend time there, you may find secret unlocable shelves with stationery you can use, and you can of course also purchase stationery. They have a collaboration goods section where they partner with popular Anime IP’s like Haikyu or Mob Psycho 100 for special goods only found here. This is your oasis when you need a break from stationery shopping, by doing more stationery shopping!

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Tokyo’s Cutest Stationery -  LOFT

If you find MUJI a bit too calm, then you’ll love LOFT! Do some shopping in Japan and chances are you’ll stumble into a LOFT sooner or later. This is a big chain with many locations all over Japan. LOFT may not primarily be a stationery store, but it’s one of the go-to places for new releases and aesthetic goods. Each LOFT tends to dedicate a whole floor to stationery and thanks to the chain's consistent brand guidelines, all the goods give off a sophisticated and pleasing feeling. If you’re an expert artisan, this isn’t the store for you, but if you like beautiful novelties and fun tools, you’ll find more than you can carry home.

Brands:

Midori, Rollbahn, FRIXION, Almost Daily, JET STREAM, SARASA, ATOKA, Takahashi Shoten, NOLTY, Campus, uni-ball one, Kept , MONO, MILDLINER, PAULUOE, EDiT, Kleid, Myfa, Juice up, Juice, Dr.Grip, Branch Brother, ASHFORD, CLICKART, Travelers Company, Bien, HITOTOKI, PLOTTER, Storage.it, ito/oshi, Suatelier, SUNNY, BGM, PAGEM by NOLTY, KURU TOGA , SAKURA craft_lab, MD PAPER PRODUCTS, KITTA, SODA , Sooofa, DelGuard, STALOGY , Bande, KOKUYO ME, Kokofusen, LAMY, MAZZZZY, Pasty, NOViTA, PAGEM by NOLTY, Isshoni., Sept Couleur, Color Drops, HERBIN, STAEDTLER, MATTEHOP, NICI, Penco, ZOOM, MT, RHODIA, orenz, ILMILY, B-SIDE LABEL, BALLOON FRIENDS, SASIMGOODS, Ninipie, Quarry, Favluv, Leuchtturm 1917, Anny, LOONLOON, STABILO, Filofax, Miffy HOTEL, hince, Jibun Techo, BIC, Bindex by NOLTY, GLOO, CHANIBEAR, Curious George, EASTBOY, SMASH, Canon, JOLLYGEE STUDIO, MOLESKINE, Seolzzi, Powerpuff Girls, Moomin, HONTOWATASHI, mitte, rotring, Adelia Retro, Faber-Castell, KNT365, rom&nd, NOW ON DAYS, STYLE FIT

What’s so great about LOFT?

Just like ZenPop curates monthly themes of stationery, LOFT also themes their stores and product drops to the season. It’s a strong and established chain with partnerships that tie to Japan's biggest manufacturers of stationery. You’ll find several items we put in our boxes here, as LOFT beautifully encapsulates the feeling of “Otonakawaii” [Cuteness for adults]. In addition to frequent new products and a solid stock of classics, LOFT also regularly collaborates with big and/or obscure IP’s for pop-up events. They also work to elevate smaller artists with a corner dedicated to their goods. If you’re not planning a deep dive into specific niches of stationery, but want a beautiful selection to explore, this is the store for you.

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Tokyo’s best Art Store -  Sekaido

Ailes upon ailes of art supplies! Entering a Sekaido can be daunting, the sheer scope of options boggles the mind. Since it’s inception in 1940, Sekaido have always been artist-first, as their first products were paintings and frames. Their shinjuku flagship store is a great example of their evolution as the 5 story building has Stationery and paper on the first and second floor, while the more specialized art supplies are on the higher floors, making it an easy drop in for a journaler, and a day trip for an artist.

Brands:

Akashiya, Acrylic Sunday, Kyokuyo Chemical Industry, Asahipen, Athena, Asuka, AMS, Arche, Arte, Aruna, Arton, Iken, Winsor & Newton, Ueha Eso, Waterman, Uchida, Ex-KnowIedge, M.B.M., APJ, Okina, Omega, Orion, Olfa, Enlightenment, Katsuraya Fine Goods, Caravaggio, Caran d'Ache, Hokusei Pencil, Auspicious, Canson, Kyoei Plastics, Republic, Kusakabe, Kutsuwa, Cresan, Kuretake, Clairefontaine, Graphic Company, Genkosha, Koei-do, Koyo Orient Japan, KOKUYO, Kojima Art, Kotobukiya, Child's Face, Konishi, Old plum garden, Conte, Kose, Gokula, Golden, SAKAE Technical Paper, Sakura Cray-Pas, Sasagawa, Sam Trading, Sunstar Stationery, Sanford, Visual Design Institute, Schmincke, New Japan Modeling, Shinroihi, Shinwa, Seed, STAEDTLER, speed Ball, 3M Japan, swan Stabilo, Sekaido, Sekisui, Budgerigar, seto soil, Sennelier, Cemedine, Sailor, Zebra, SOftken, Takeda Corporation, Tachikawa, Turner Color, Talence, Daniel Smith, Chelsea, Chaco Paper, Chubu Note, Lucky cat, One after the other, Teraoka Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Teranishi Chemical Industry, DIC, Deco Art, Deleter, Tokyo Slider, Tricon, Tripub, Tomb0W pencil, Toyo, Dr. Martens, Drapass, Nakagawa chalk paint, Nakazato, Namura Taisei-do, Nichiban, Nicker paint, Nitto Denko, Nippon Shikiken, Niwa Paint, Nouvelle, Bestec, Hasegawa Cutlery, Hamada Shoji, Bunny, Bunny COI Art, Bangkok, Pai International, Pilot, Padico, Hoodie, Faber-Castell, Fueki, Fukui Metal Crafts, Fredericks, Branjill, Plus, Belos, Pentel, Hoshino Paper Tube, Hobby Japan, Horiuchi Color, Horizon International, Holbein, Bokuundo, Born Digital, VicArt, MyMerry, Maxon, Max, Matsuda Oil Paints, Maruoka Industries, Maruzen Art Trading, Maruman, Marvy, Mahr, Miki Akira Cutlery Shop, Mitsubishi Pencil, Mitsuwa, Midori, Muse, Mutsumi Chemical, Muto Industries, Mexy, Yasuda Seiko, Yamato, Yamayo, Yuyu Publishing, Yoshino Gypsum, LION, Rowney, Raphael, Rummy, Larson-Jum Japan, Liquitex, LIHIT LAB, Lira, Refrain & Bourgeois, Raymay, Leonardo, Rotring, Rhodia, Ishikawa washi

What’s so great about Sekaido?

Sekaido is all about selection. The amount of options for each and every category of tools, be it notebooks, adhesives, scissors, paint, dye, frames, markers, canvas, washi paper, watercolor, sketchbooks, calligraphy tools, brushes plaster, models, letters, gifts, electronic stationery, the list goes on and on and never ends! No wonder this store is beloved by artists, art students and other creatives. They are located all over Japan, and often host events, exhibitions and workshops. If you want full control of your aesthetic, and pick products based on use over looks, then look no further. One visit here could likely cover all your art supply needs.

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The most unified aesthetic -  MUJI

You are most likely familiar with MUJI but they nonetheless belong on this list! Their stores are recognizable in how they stand out effortlessly by not trying to stand out. The design philosophy of Mujirushi Ryohin, meaning no-brand quality goods seeps through the experience. Somehow, each item they have is identified by its function and nothing else. This collective expression makes for unique stationery as well!

Brands:

MUJI

What’s so great about MUJI?

The partnerships with famous design and engineering houses lids Drill design among others is what makes MUJI’s stationery so functional and novel at the same time. Their pens are modular, allowing you to switch in cartridges from one pen to the other. Their notebooks, accessories, office supplies and shelves all build upon matching aesthetics, making this a must-visit chain if MUJI’s utilitarian elegance appeals to you.

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The most popular Craft Store -  Hands

Hands is a craft store at heart but hosts items for the home and other occasions as well. Among the home good, accessories and books, you will also find a stationery selection that ranges from practical school supplies to artist necessities. Hands is a useful store for those seeking basics for their craft, whether that’s studying, painting, sewing or leather work.

Brands:

Midori, Rollbahn, FRIXION, Almost Daily, JET STREAM, SARASA, ATOKA, Takahashi Shoten, NOLTY, Campus, uni-ball one, Kept , MONO, MILDLINER, PAULUOE, EDiT, Kleid, Myfa, Juice up, Juice, Dr.Grip, Branch Brother, ASHFORD, CLICKART, Travelers Company, Bien, HITOTOKI, PLOTTER, Storage.it, ito/oshi, Suatelier, SUNNY, BGM, PAGEM by NOLTY, KURU TOGA , SAKURA craft_lab, MD PAPER PRODUCTS, KITTA, SODA , Sooofa, DelGuard, STALOGY , Bande, KOKUYO ME, Kokofusen, LAMY, MAZZZZY, Pasty, NOViTA, PAGEM by NOLTY, Isshoni., Sept Couleur, Color Drops, HERBIN, STAEDTLER, MATTEHOP, NICI, Penco, ZOOM, MT, RHODIA, orenz, ILMILY, B-SIDE LABEL, BALLOON FRIENDS, SASIMGOODS, Ninipie, Quarry, Favluv, Leuchtturm 1917, Anny, LOONLOON, STABILO, Filofax, Miffy HOTEL, hince, Jibun Techo, BIC, Bindex by NOLTY, GLOO, CHANIBEAR, Curious George, EASTBOY, SMASH, Canon, JOLLYGEE STUDIO, MOLESKINE, Seolzzi, Powerpuff Girls, Moomin, HONTOWATASHI, mitte, rotring, Adelia Retro, Faber-Castell, KNT365, rom&nd, NOW ON DAYS, STYLE FIT

What’s so great about Hands?

When you come to Hands, you know you’ll find reliable stationery and other goods that are useful for its intended purpose. The store covers an impressive range of demographics when it comes to art, crafts and a bunch of other semi-related things. You can find Pokemon Pencils, Sakura liners and get engraved leather journals. We’ve even found DIY metal ringmaker kits, another proof of the variety that exists here. If you’re coming for a specific purpose, there are likely other options that surpass Hands, but for a solid selection with much to look through for everyone, this is the place to go.

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The most Traditional Stationery in Tokyo -  Tokyo Kyukyodo

While nothing beats taking in the atmosphere of a Japanese stationery store, many tools can be imported or received via services like ZenPops monthly subscription box. But some items simply are not found elsewhere. Kyukyodo embodies this reality. This is the cradle of Japanese stationery, a 360 year old shop that dealt with medicine and has made its own stationery since the 1700’s. The store still stocks incense made with the same materials as ancient medicine and with recipes the 8th generation of the Kyukyodo family received from the imperial household. Here you will find everything you need to create your own little teahouse for Zen and calligraphy.

Brands:

Original Products

What’s so great about Kyukyodo?

All items are handmade in Japan with a focus on preserving the olden ways of craft. They do recognize that change and progress is important but do so at their own pace, something which may be hard to feel comfortable with unless you have 300 years of experience, with trends coming and going with the ages. This is the go-to place for everything calligraphy, with a plethora of brushes, paper of many kinds, including chiyogami and products made of it. There is also incense that make your writing experience all the more relaxing, together with tea sets and perhaps you’re in the business for a hanging scroll too? You’ll also find cute desk decor all made traditionally and all very Japanese. You won’t find a more authentic stationery experience unless you visit the main store in Kyoto. The Tokyo location specifically has an exhibition area and also stocks a limited selection of traditional Japanese fountain pens.

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Tokyo’s Best Stickers -  B-side label

If you’re an artist selling stickers, it must be really impressive seeing a successful multi branched sticker store operate for 15 years. B-side label feels rough around the edges yet wholesome at the same time, which is indicative of its founder who admires the music industry, hence the name. You’ll find the walls lined with stickers and other graphic products wherever there’s space, so even if the shop is small, you may find yourself spending a long time there.

Brands:

Original Products

What’s so great about B-Side label?

The design variation here is very impressive and made possible thanks to many years of operation, as well as regular collaborations with artists like Yui Nakano, sick, Akira Sasaki and many more. They also have licensed collaborations with IP’s like One Piece, Pokemon, My Hero Academia, Sanrio, Monster Hunter, and many more popular anime and game properties. If you buy several stickers you may even get a freebie! Many stationery stores stock B-Side labels products, but their brand stores have an unmatched selection and the staff are always happy to chat and tend to be fashionable young people with interest in alternative lifestyles and art. Oh, and all the stickers are waterproof and UV resistant, so don’t stop at decorating your planner, they go on skateboards, laptops, your car or anywhere there’s a surface.

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Paint art store in Tokyo -  Gekkoso

Follow the smell of paint and you’ll be led to Ginza’s own domestically produced paint shop. Gekkoso has a legacy from 1917 as a rare manufacturer that has invented new colors, such as Cobalt violet pink, also known as Gekkoso pink, a gorgeous color reminiscent of Nodafuji flowers which won first place at the World Oil Paint competition. Ginza is home to luxurious stores and Gekkoso connects to the high fashion world with leather accessories, an exhibition space and even a fancy cafe with live music every day. This is a shop that provides for and cultivates artists looking to move up in the world.

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Original Products

What’s so great about Gekkoso?

All items sold are in house items, and while not all items are produced here, the paint certainly is. While primarily an art store, they also have unique stationery goods that give off that high society art vibe that is hardly found elsewhere. Its a wonderful place for inspiration, even if you’re not a painter yourself, you can find tools not available elsewhere, learn about how color comes to life and enjoy a drink and some music at their cafe, decorated with contemporary art and frequented by fellow creatives.

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Tokyo’s best Washi Tape Store -  mt lab.

Our ZenPop Community is ripe with people who demand we add more washi tape to our boxes. If you identify with this, boy have I got the store for you. MT is a well known brand for washi tape and we regularly include their products in our boxes. The MT lab is the home of all washi tape, wall to wall, with rolls for you to explore. The staff are masking tape experts and as the store is small, its easy to strike up a conversation that will stick new knowledge fon your brain. There’s even Washi tape art displayed, showcasing the versatility of the products.

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Original Products

What’s so great about mt lab.?

The Lab in the name i more than just aesthetics, the store holds experimental products not even ZenPop have access to. The masking tape options go beyond just designs, there are also different types intended for different purposes. You’ll find masking tape for notebooks, home decor, color decor, wrapping, gifts, and even masking tape made with recycled materials. They have special re-use gift sets that have leftover products sold at a big discount and discontinued item reprints. There’s even a gacha machine to win random washi tape. Along the display wall, you’ll also find their collaboration designs with IP’s like Peanuts, Lisa Larson and sousou.

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The home of Hobonichi in Tokyo -  Tobichi

Shigesato Itoi has collected a near cultlike following with the popularization of his Hobonichi concept on a global scale. Every year people around the world have to preorder their techo planners from various importers to experience the system, unless they make do with a “Fauxbonichi”. Tobichi is hobonichi in 3D, a small venue focusing on the details of life, with purchasable stationery, furniture and of course, Hobonichi. Its an intimate space where there's always something to do. Itoi-san himself described how he wanted to create as space where people in their 30’s with not so much money or plans, could come to do something with their evening.

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Hobonichi, Victorinox, One Piece, ShinsukeYoshitake, Pilot, Tsukineko, Eri Shimatsuka, Hiroko Kubota, Kawasouni!, Koh-I-Noor, Unsodo, PAMMm Mina Perhonen, MOTHER, Ichiro Yamaguchi, Keiko Shibata, Tsuchiya Bag Factory, R&D, Eschenbach, 36 Sublo, Canon, Hightide, Mizushima, Kamoi Kakoshi, Forwatec Japan, Ooue, Plus, Nitoms, King Jim, Nombre, Torinoha, NB, Life, Maruai, Hightide, Tombow, 3M, Book Dart, Yamato, Ofla, ARS Corporation, Raymay Fuji, Zero Mission, Rotoring, Platinum Pen, Pentel, Kita Boshi, Herbin, Diamine, Uni, Pelikan, Staedtler, Sailor, Zebra, SKY perfect JSAT Coorporation, PCM Takeo, Kaweco, Parker, Kanmido, Yamato, SyuRo, King Jim, Dancing Fox, Noboru Makizuka, PYT, Classic Fabrics, Malhia Kent, Liberty Fabriks, 101 Dalmantines, Linton, Laurent Gariague, The Aristocats, MT, Kodomo no Kao, POTR

What’s so great about Tobichi?

If you are even just remotely curious about the Hobonichi concept, this is a great place to explore that interest and find out if its for you. Naturally you'll find stationery more focused on planners, like sticker sheets, ballpoint pens, washi tape and planner tools like inserts, page holders and templates. The stores events are not just limited to visual arts but all sort of expressions. In February of 2025, they’re hosting a event for colorful meals, where using herbs with naturally strong pigment adds color to your cooking. You’re bound to discover something you didn't expect by visiting this “enclave” for creative spirits.

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Tokyo’s best Card Store -  Papermint

Can you feel it? That tingling sensation, that urge to send a card to someone you love? That is he essence of Papermint. Their philosophy is “365 days are anniversaries” and they have built a business on people's desire to express love, gratitude, and appreciation. For a traveler, this is the shop to find unique cards to send home. Located in Roppongi Hills amid art museums and luxury boutiques, it is refreshing to visit a down-to-earth shop with human connections in mind.

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Flower Collection, Tidy, COCO, Anniversary Series, Chic, Animal Diecut, Barbapapa, Yusuke Yonesu, Panda, Okataoka, mirocomachiko, Chalkboy, Designers guild, Kaeru no jikan, Natsuhiko Family, Noritake, Moonwaxing, Norojourney, Fujio Akatsuka, Animals, Yukiko Noritake

What’s so great about Papermint?

The main attraction is the selection of 300 types of original cards, which consists of a selection of Japanese original goods, artist collaborations, and select foreign imported designs that are popular amongst Japanese. That said, there are plenty of other things, too, like versatile colorful pens, envelope seals, stamps, designer calendars, washi tape, bags, towels, and many more amazing little gifts that will bring big smiles to the receivers.

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