Tokyo is a bustling metropolis renowned for its innovation and creativity, and so it’s no surprise that it’s also a haven for stationery enthusiasts. Here are some of the best spots in the city to explore and indulge in your love for pens, paper, and all things stationery:
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Itoya Ginza
The elegant world of Itoya Ginza is a luxurious stationery emporium spread across 12 floors. Brimming with an array of stationery treasures, you'll find everything from everyday essentials to exquisite Japanese calligraphy tools, washi tapes, stickers, fountain pens, designer paper, and art materials. Surprisingly, despite its location in the upscale Ginza district, Itoya offers a wide range of reasonably priced items. Among the many services they provide, their customizable options truly shine, allowing you to create personalized stationery that makes for the perfect gift for any stationery enthusiast.
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Sekaido
Shinjuku's Sekaido serves as the flagship store, boasting an impressive six floors dedicated to stationery items. It is not only one of the largest but also one of the most popular stationery stores in the area. Whether you have a passion for art, work in a creative field, or simply need stationery for school or office use, this store is a treasure trove. With its vast selection of art supplies, painting materials, design tools, technical manuals, and art-related books, it caters to the needs of stationery enthusiasts and professionals alike.
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Kakimori
This particular stationery store allows you to craft a personalized notebook by selecting papers for the cover and hooks, which will be bound by the staff. They have a vast array of pens, pencils, and other supplies suitable for arts, drawing, and journaling. Furthermore, they offer workshops for those interested in learning various techniques in writing, drawing, and journaling to spark creativity. If you’re looking for something to start filling your new, unique notebook, then you’ll want to also visit our next suggestion.
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Ink Stand
Kakimori's specialty shop, Ink Stand, provides a once-in-a-unique experience in and of itself. Here, customers can create their very own custom ink color for their fountain pens. While some may see having a signature ink shade as extravagant, for those who value attention to detail, it is essential. Even if you can't tell the difference between your blue tones, the process of concocting a one-of-a-kind color - with staff members seated at workstations, meticulously measuring out the perfect combination using droppers - offers a delightful experience.
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Loft
With multiple locations across Tokyo, Loft is a one-stop shop for all your stationery needs. This Japanese chain is famous for its modern and fashionable products, including household items and cosmetics. You can also find a wide selection of stationery and souvenirs that are typical but well-known in Japan. The flagship store in Shibuya is particularly popular, with each floor dedicated to a different category of unique and fantastic items. With multiple locations across the country, Loft offers a variety of planners, notebooks, pens, refillable inks, stickers, and postcards, making it difficult to choose just one.
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Traveler's Factory
Tokyo's Traveler's Factory store is a sanctuary for those who love to travel, much like its namesake. It goes beyond offering travel-themed stationery such as compact notebooks, stamps, stickers, and accessories. The shop's warm and rustic ambiance entices you to delve into its treasures. If you're someone who enjoys documenting your journeys, the Traveler's Factory is a must-visit. They even provide personalized items, ensuring you have the perfect memento to carry with you while exploring the world.
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Tokyu Hands
A beloved institution in Tokyo, Tokyu Hands is a department store chain that offers everything from household goods to DIY supplies. The Shibuya branch of Tokyu Hands is known for its expansive size, with multiple floors catering to various categories. Renowned as a one-stop shop, it offers a diverse range of exceptional items that cater to all your needs. Boasting an extensive collection of stationery and arts and crafts supplies, it's a haven for DIY enthusiasts. Despite the slightly higher prices, the quality of their products makes it a worthwhile investment.
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Bunbougu Cafe
Bungougu Café, situated in the upscale Omotesando neighborhood, offers a delightful combination of culinary satisfaction and artistic expression. Here, you can relish a scrumptious plate of spaghetti and a glass of wine while nurturing your creative instincts through crafting, drawing, or journaling. During weekends, when eager diners may face wait times of up to an hour, it is advisable to add your name to the list before exploring the thoughtfully curated range of items available for purchase. Enjoy the café's communal art supplies and peruse the stationery catalogs and magazines, the café warmly welcomes and encourages creativity in all its forms.
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Giovanni
Giovanni, a quaint stationery shop nestled in Kichijoji, resembles a captivating museum of ancient treasures. As you step inside, prepare to be enchanted by its vintage charm. This shop is a haven for collectors of quill pens, glass pens, ink parchment, and other traditional European stationery items. Each product is meticulously crafted, drawing inspiration from the Renaissance era. Additionally, Giovanni offers custom-seal wax stamps and rubber stamps. To add a touch of elegance to your gift, they provide gift wrapping services using exquisite wrapping paper adorned with traditional Italian decoration and a dusting of gold powder.
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Pigment Tokyo
Discover a world of color at Pigment Tokyo, where you can find over 4,500 powdered pigments and dyes. Situated in the vibrant Shinagawa district of Tokyo, this shop is a delightful and colorful haven for artists. In addition to the wide range of powdered colors, they also offer Japanese ink sticks, calligraphy tools, and paint brushes to complement your artistic endeavors. The friendly staff is always ready to guide you on how to use and maintain their products. And if you're new to the art world, don't worry - they host workshops to help you explore different materials and techniques.
In Conclusion
Next time you find yourself in Tokyo, you should take the time to explore the vibrant stationery scene and immerse yourself in the endless possibilities of creative expression. Whether you're an artist, writer, or simply someone who appreciates.
