Yuka’s Choice: 7 Must-Visit Stationery Stores in Tokyo
Hello, Analog Friends!
We often get requests from Analog Friends asking for recommendations on Japanese stationery stores. Since Cafe Analog offers a wide range of Japanese products, I (hi, hi, Yuka here!) know many of you are interested in this topic.
Today, in response to those requests, I’m excited to share my selections of “7 Must-Visit Stationery Stores in Tokyo”!
There are countless stationery stores in Japan, from large chain stores to privately owned shops, and people of all ages love collecting stationery. Tokyo, in particular, is a hotspot for stationery enthusiasts. I’ll introduce seven stores that offer everything from retro and nostalgic items to customized elegant fountain pens that make perfect gifts.
I reached out to these stores directly and asked them to share photos and messages for Analog Friends 🙂
These are all fantastic stores that you should definitely check out on your next visit to Japan!
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1. Kakimori ( カキモリ )
Located in Kuramae, Tokyo, their store is for “Those who enjoy writing”. It’s a stylish shop in a downtown Tokyo vibe, offering a wide selection of products focused on “writing”, including fountain pens, paper, and ink. You can try out all the fountain pens in the store.
One of the store’s popular services is custom-made notebooks. You can choose your own cover, inner paper, and clasp to create a unique notebook right there. Additionally, at Inkstand by Kakimori on the second floor, you can create your own original ink by mixing your favorite colors.
Recommended items by the shop
“A dip pen allows you to use just the right amount of ink whenever you write. The nib holder is made from materials you’ll always love, and we also offer shafts finished with traditional techniques like lacquer and indigo dyeing. Recently, we’ve introduced walnut shafts made from furniture scraps. We offer three types of nibs, with the metal nib being our top recommendation for its ability to let you freely express the width of your letters.
“A simple, versatile design suitable for both everyday and business use. The letter paper is made from Shinkyokushi paper, which mimics the texture of traditional Japanese paper.”
“Kakimori’s original pigment ink resists bleeding when dry and doesn’t fade when exposed to light. It’s perfect for addressing important letters and documents you want to preserve for a long time.”
Kakimori ( カキモリ )
1-6-2 Misuji, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0055
Website: https://kakimori.com/en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kakimori_tokyoshop/
X : https://x.com/kakimori_krme
2. Yamada Stationery (山田文具店)
Yamada Stationery is a select shop for stationery lovers in Mitaka, Tokyo.
They offer a curated collection of nostalgic and tasteful stationery items, each with its own story, appealing to all ages and backgrounds.
Message from the Shop
“Our shop concept is ‘Stationery that is nostalgic, tasteful and has a story.’ We strive to introduce a wide range of stationery items, from long-selling classics to products with a solid concept and history. Our goal is to provide stationery that continues to be cherished over time, unaffected by fleeting trends. We hope our stationery brings a bit of joy to your day.”
Yamada Stationery (山田文具店)
2F, 4-15-33 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-City, Tokyo, 181-0013
Website: https://www.instagram.com/yamadastationery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yamadastationery/
3. GOAT ( ゴート )
Did you know that Tokyo is a center of stationery production?
Manufacturers of all sizes produce a wide variety of functional and attractive stationery.
GOAT is a shop dedicated to showcasing Tokyo-made stationery. The shop owner, who works in graphic design for the Tokyo notebook brand “LIFE,” has curated a selection of stationery from long-established stores and factories in Tokyo.
The store also has a section selling antique Japanese stationery, including bamboo-shaft glass pens and celluloid pen cases.
Recommended item by the shop
MASCO Hanko
“MASCO Hanko (“Stamps” in Japanese) are a collaborative product between popular illustrator Eri Masuko and GOAT. These stamps capture Masuko’s unique, retro aesthetic. Alongside popular message stamps like “Arigato (“Thank you” in Japanese),” there are various designs that you can use to create collages or add your own text.
Made in Japan by a long-established rubber stamp manufacturer based in Bunkyo Ward, these high-quality rubber stamps perfectly reproduce Masuko’s delicate touch. A light press is all it takes to beautifully bring out the design.”
GOAT ( ゴート )
#102 , 2-39-5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0022
Website: https://goat-shop.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goat_bungu/
4. 36 Sublo (サブロ)
Sublo was opened on a small street in Kichijoji on December 23, 2004. This cozy shop is filled with unique stationery, including classic Japanese items, retro pieces reminiscent of childhood visits to stationery stores, foreign stationery, and exclusive products.
Message from the Shop
“We look forward to welcoming you with our wide selection of unique products and one-of-a-kind select items! We also opened a store in Kyoto in 2022. Please stop by when you are sightseeing in Tokyo and Kyoto.”
36 Sublo (サブロ)
<Tokyo>2F, Hara Building, 2-4-16 Kichijoji Honmachi, Musashino City, Tokyo, 180-0004
<Kyoto>3F, TK Building, 179-1 Kyomachi 3-chome, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto, 612-8083
Website: http://www.sublo.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/36sublo/
5. Tonarino ( 文具と雑貨の店トナリノ )
A cozy stationery store in Nishi-Ogikubo, Tokyo.
They offer stationery and miscellaneous goods that feel familiar and endearing, like something they’d always be “tonari” (”nearby” in Japanese). They also feature a variety of items adorned with original illustrations.
Message from the Shop
“We recommend our in-house designed and produced goods, such as postcards and stickers. Additionally, we have a wide selection of postcards with seasonal designs.”
Tonarino ( 文具と雑貨の店トナリノ )
1-18-10 Nishiogiminami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, 167-0053
Website: https://tonarino.ocnk.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonarino_bungu/
6. HAIBARA (榛原/はいばら)
Founded in 1806, HAIBARA is a traditional washi store. They offer a range of paper products, including high-quality, handmade washi paper crafted by artisans, woodblock-printed envelopes, and original design chiyogami paper.
Message from the Shop
“Our store was established near Nihonbashi Bridge in 1806 and initially sold Gampi paper, known for its smooth texture and excellent ink absorption. This paper became popular among the Edo(The current Tokyo area) people who appreciated its elegance.
We also create and sell products featuring our original chiyogami designs, such as notebooks and small boxes, which easily integrate into everyday life. Our newly released codex-bound notebooks use a special binding method that allows them to open 180 degrees with ease. The edges are adorned with color and foil for a beautiful finish”.
HAIBARA (榛原/はいばら)
2-7-1, Tokyo Nihonbashi Tower, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0027
Website: https://www.haibara.co.jp/apps/note/en/
Please note: Their online store ships only to domestic addresses in Japan.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haibara_est1806/
X : https://x.com/haibara_est1806
7. ancora (アンコーラ)
“A Place to Discover the Joy of Stationery”
ancora’s vision is to offer stationery experiences that go beyond writing and drawing.
A variety of carefully selected limited edition items, fountain pens perfect for telling a story as a gift, workshops where you can customize pens and ink to your liking – You can create a one-of-a-kind gift that reflects your unique personality and thoughts. Discover the joy of stationery through a range of experiences. Beyond their door lies a world of creativity you have never experienced.
Message from the Shop
“Located in Ginza, Tokyo, our store specializes in fountain pens and glass pens.
Our customized fountain pen service ‘ancora My Fountain Pen’ allows you to choose your favorite part color to create a one-of-a-kind pen, and our “Birthstone x Birth Flower Series” of original fountain pens and inks with birthstone and birth flower motifs are popular too.
Please stop by if you are in the area.”
ancora (アンコーラ)
6-4-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061
Website: https://www.ancora-shop.jp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ancora_shop_ginza/
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I hope this article has given you a feel for the unique charm of these wonderful shops. Each one is filled with a passion for stationery and offers a wide range of products that you will love. I encourage you to visit these shops on your next trip to Japan! And don’t forget to let you know that you heard about them from Cafe Analog’s blog! 😀
paperhugs,
Yuka
