Japanese Stationery Shopping: Best Shops in Tokyo
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Japanese stationery is world-famous for quality and design. Here's where to find the best pens, notebooks, and paper goods.
Japanese stationery is world-famous for quality and design. Here's where to find the best pens, notebooks, and paper goods.
Top Stationery Shops
Loft
The stationery paradise — 10+ floors of everything.
| Floor | What You'll Find |
|---|---|
| B1 | Food, gifts |
| 1F | Cosmetics, accessories |
| 2F | Bags, travel goods |
| 3F | Kitchen, home |
| 4F | Stationery, pens |
| 5F | Design, craft |
| 6F | Books, gifts |
Location: Shibuya (main), Shinjuku, Ikebukuro Price range: ¥–¥¥
Tokyu Hands
DIY and craft heaven — stationery plus everything else.
| Floor | What You'll Find |
|---|---|
| 1F | Gardening, plants |
| 2F | Kitchen, food |
| 3F | Stationery, pens |
| 4F | Craft, DIY |
| 5F | Home, lifestyle |
| 6F | Bags, travel |
Location: Shibuya (main), Shinjuku, Ikebukuro Price range: ¥–¥¥
Itoya
Pen specialist — 12 floors dedicated to writing instruments.
| Floor | What You'll Find |
|---|---|
| 1F | Fountain pens |
| 2F | Ballpoint pens |
| 3F | Pencils, mechanical pencils |
| 4F | Markers, highlighters |
| 5F | Notebooks, paper |
| 6F | Wrapping, gifts |
Location: Ginza (main) Price range: ¥–¥¥¥
Nakamise Shopping Street (Asakusa)
Traditional stationery and crafts.
| What You'll Find |
|---|
| Washi tape |
| Origami paper |
| Fans |
| Chopsticks |
| Traditional sweets |
100-Yen Shops (Daiso, Seria)
Budget stationery paradise.
| What You'll Find |
|---|
| Pens and pencils |
| Notebooks |
| Stickers |
| Washi tape |
| Organizers |
What to Buy
Pens
| Brand | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot | Gel, fountain | ¥100–5,000 |
| Uni (Mitsubishi) | Gel, mechanical pencil | ¥100–3,000 |
| Zebra | Gel, markers | ¥100–1,000 |
| Tombow | Brush pens, markers | ¥200–2,000 |
Notebooks
| Brand | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Midori | Traveler's notebook | ¥2,000–5,000 |
| Life | Lined notebooks | ¥300–800 |
| Maruman | Spiral notebooks | ¥300–1,000 |
| Kokuyo | Campus notebooks | ¥200–500 |
Paper & Tape
| Item | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Washi tape | MT, Sunstar | ¥100–500 |
| Origami paper | Various | ¥200–500 |
| Post-it notes | Various | ¥200–500 |
| Stickers | Various | ¥100–500 |
Tips
- Bring a list — stores are overwhelming
- Check prices online — some items cheaper on Amazon Japan
- Tax-free — spend ¥5,000+ at one store
- Try before you buy — most stores have test pens
- Ask for help — staff are knowledgeable
- Look for limited editions — seasonal designs
- Buy washi tape — uniquely Japanese, great souvenirs
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