Hello friends! Today we will be exploring the stationery shops and chain stores of Japan. If you’ve ever used Japanese stationery, you’ll know how unique and fun they are! Whenever I visit any stationery store, I can’t resist the urge to buy some of them. Let’s dive into the blog!
This blog is special because I put extra effort into finding places I have never been to before. I specifically researched standalone independent shops, avoiding the usual chain stores. These smaller shops are often more special, charming, and unique.
Chain Stores: Accessible Across Japan
Firstly let’s talk about some chain stores that you can find in various Japanese cities. These shops are convenient and easy to locate via Google.
Itoya
Right in the heart of Ginza lies a behemoth of a stationery store boasting 12 floors, each dedicated to a specific category. This haven caters to all budgets, offering everything from delightful, affordable finds to high-end treasures. Pen and paper enthusiasts will rejoice at the vast selection of colors and styles.
But this store goes beyond just products! They offer a delightful customization service, allowing you to personalize items with your desired designs. Whether it’s embroidery, corporate gifting solutions, or expert gift wrapping, they have you covered. To top it all off, they even provide aftercare services to ensure your favorite stationery enjoys a long and happy life!
This combination of unparalleled selection, customization options, and thoughtful aftercare is why this store takes the top spot on my list. Plus, its convenient location, just a 2-minute walk from Ginza station, makes it a must-visit for any stationery lover.
Loft
A leading name in Japanese household goods, LOFT in Shibuya is a must-visit for stationery lovers and souvenir hunters alike. This sprawling store dedicates each floor to a specific category, making exploration a breeze. Prepare to be wowed by the sheer variety of unique and delightful finds! Even if you walk in with no intention to buy, LOFT’s charming selection of beautiful, cute, and cool items might just have you leaving with a bag full of treasures.
Tools
Tools, which I visited in Yokohama, is perfect for those seeking art supplies and art books. Though the store was smaller than expected and somewhat challenging to find, it was packed with fascinating items.
Budget-Friendly 100 Yen Shops
Japan’s 100 yen shops, like Daiso and Can Do, offer great stationery options on a budget. I recommend avoiding the obvious, crowded locations like the one on Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Instead, look for less obvious shops tucked away in department stores. For instance, the Can Do in Sapporo was quiet and had a broad selection of stationery.
Exploring Unique and Independent Stationery Shops
Travelers Factory
First up is the Travelers Factory. If you’re a fan of stationery, you’ll love this shop specializing in the Traveler’s Notebook and all its accessories. The store offers various covers made of pleasant-smelling leather, paper fillers, and rubber bands, allowing you to personalize your notebook. They even had a special offer for first-time notebook assemblers. They also carried vintage stickers, including some based on old Czechoslovakian stamps. Located in the chill residential area of Naka-Meguro, Tokyo, the shop offers a relaxing experience away from the bustling city streets.
Kakimori
In the broader Ueno and Asakusa area, Kakimori stands out with its made-to-order personalized notebooks. Here, you can choose the cover, inside pages, and lettering for your custom notebook. Although I visited on my last day in Japan and couldn’t take full advantage of the customization, the pre-made items and selection of writing tools, paper products, and designer notebooks were impressive. The shop is in a quieter part of Tokyo, making for a pleasant visit.
Empty Lab
A few corners away from Kakimori is Empty Lab, a dream destination for washi tape enthusiasts. The shop, run by the brand behind many of the best washi tapes found even in Western stores, features walls filled with tapes in various colors and sizes. They even offer larger tapes suitable for decorating furniture.
You-Art in Osaka
If you find yourself in Osaka, don’t miss You-Art, which is located near the famous Dotonbori area. The store has a strong cat theme running throughout, with a wide selection of art supplies, stationery for planning, and cat-themed gifts. Whether you’re an art lover or looking for unique gifts, You-Art is a must-visit.
While visiting a Japanese stationery store isn’t essential to becoming a stationery enthusiast, it can definitely spark your interest! These stores offer a unique and fun experience that showcases the creativity and innovation of Japanese stationery. Even if you’re not currently a stationery enthusiast, you might be surprised by how cool these items can be!
