Japan Stationery Travel Guide

 If you love Japanese stationery or have spent time shopping in Japan, you've probably come across well-known stores like Loft, Tokyu Hands, and Itoya. Found in many of Japan's major cities, these shops are essential stops for stationery lovers, offering everything from beautifully designed notebooks and pens to lifestyle goods and a range of souvenirs. There's already plenty of information online about these iconic retailers, so this guide focuses instead on some of Japan's lesser-known stationery shops and experiences — the hidden gems that are easy to miss unless you know where to look. Every recommendation here comes from personal experience gained through living in and traveling around Japan. We'll keep adding to this page as we try out more stationery-related adventures and discover more unique stationery places to visit in Japan! 

(1) Design your own notebook in Kamikori, Tokyo 

https://kakimori.com/ 

This is a must-do experience for stationery lovers. Design your own notebook including the cover, paper, fastener, pen holder etc. The notebooks are made up within a couple of hours (slightly longer if you want personalised embossing). You can also design your own ink colour! The shop has a great selection of pens and other items. Kamikori is in the Kuramae region of Tokyo. At first glance this area seems a little quiet compared with the bustling areas of Tokyo, but it's well worth exploring. Lots of independent stores including stationery shops are hidden around this area. 

(2) Make traditional Japanese washi paper in Yusuhara, Kochi prefecture

https://visitkochijapan.com/en/activities/10158

https://www.japan.travel/en/japans-local-treasures/sustainable-washi-papermaking-yusuhara-2022/

One of the most enjoyable and memorable activities I've experienced in Japan. We took part in the basic washi paper-making workshop, which lasted around 1.5 hours, and every stage of the process was fascinating. From learning about the mulberry pulp harvested from the garden to selecting flowers and natural materials to decorate our sheets of washi, the experience was both educational and fun. Our four year old also enjoyed the experience handmade his own washi paper! 

The finished paper is carefully dried and posted to you afterwards, so it's worth booking this activity early in your trip if you'd like it sent to a Japanese address before you leave.

I would also highly recommend staying here. The apartment above the washi studio offers stunning countryside views and is decorated with handcrafted washi paper created by Rogier Uitenboogaart. You can find Rogier's exquisite washi letter sets in our collection, along with a selection of other items from the studio that are featured in our Luxury Stationery Gift Boxes.

(3) Stationery shopping in Nakagyo ward, Kyoto

Kyukyodo Honten https://kyukyodo.co.jp/index.html

This shop has been serving customers since 1663, making it one of the oldest stationery stores in Japan. We highly recommend stopping by to browse its selection of stationery, paper goods, and traditional souvenirs. We especially love the postcard collection, and several of our favourites are featured in our Luxury Stationery Gift Boxes. At the back of the store, you'll also find a small Zen garden – a peaceful spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere after exploring the shop.

While you're in the area, it's also worth visiting two other traditional stores nearby: Saiun-do, which specialises in paints and art supplies, Tosan Paper Co., known for its beautiful selection of traditional Japanese papers. We feature papers from Tosan Paper Co. in some of our journaling and luxury stationery collections. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to find websites for these shops, but you can explore the area using the Google Maps link below.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/6U4zZHm1E2tNbHFX7

Traveler's Factory Kyoto - If you're a stationery enthusiast, this is probably already on your Kyoto itinerary—and for good reason. Located within a charming shopping district. We recommend taking a break at (Thisis)Shizen, a beautiful café in the same complex, famous for its flower-shaped ice creams. It's the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a treat, and spend some time journaling before continuing your day of stationery hunting.

https://www.travelers-factory.com/

https://thisis.website

(4) Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Gardens

https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10019 

While not strictly a stationery destination, this is a place we highly recommend visiting if you're spending time in Kochi. The botanical gardens honour Dr. Tomitaro Makino, the "Father of Japanese Botany" whose illustration features on the cover of the Hobonichi Yamazakura notebook (see our online store).

The gardens are thoughtfully designed and offer plenty to explore, from seasonal flowers and native plants to informative exhibits celebrating Makino's life and achievements. While you're in the area, be sure to visit nearby Chikurinji Temple, one of Kochi's most important temples, set amongst beautiful grounds.