There’s something about Japanese stationery that’s hard to put into words. It has this quiet poetry to it – an elegance in the details, a kind of reverence for tools that help us create. Tokyo is a dream for anyone who appreciates beautiful, functional design, and its stationery stores are in a league of their own.
Here are a few that stood out – each one offering something unique to anyone with a love for the written, drawn or doodled word.
Itoya: The Icon
Located in Ginza, Itoya is something of a stationery institution. With nine floors dedicated to all things paper, ink, and desk-related, it’s easy to see why it’s often described as a must-visit. From classic writing tools to thoughtfully designed modern pieces, the whole space is beautifully curated.
The mix of heritage and innovation is part of its charm. You’ll find everything from premium fountain pens to unusual paper goods, with plenty of room for quiet discovery.
Kakimori: Writing as Ritual
Tucked away in Kuramae, Kakimori is a peaceful celebration of handwriting. The store centres around the idea of writing as a personal and tactile experience. One of its most beloved features is the ink bar, where visitors can mix custom colours and create something one-of-a-kind.
Kakimori also offers customisable notebooks, with a wide selection of papers and covers to choose from. The whole process of choosing and assembling your own is a lovely, considered experience.
Gekkoso: Painter’s Soul in a Pen Shop
Gekkoso, founded in 1917, is a quiet, artful space in the backstreets of Ginza. It has the feel of a tiny atelier, with its soft lighting, hand-crafted tools, and delicate sense of nostalgia.
Originally focused on artist materials, it’s become a favourite for those who appreciate both function and beauty in their creative tools. Their notebooks, paints and writing instruments have a warmth and charm that feels distinctly personal.
Loft: Everyday Magic
Though Loft is technically a department store, its stationery section – particularly in the Shibuya branch – is worth singling out. It’s a vibrant mix of the practical and the playful, with everything from washi tape and planners to calligraphy tools and pens in every colour imaginable.
What makes Loft so appealing is how accessible and fun it feels. It’s the kind of place where stationery becomes part of everyday life – an invitation to make space for small, creative moments throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Japanese stationery has such a devoted following. It’s not just about the aesthetic or the quality (though there’s plenty of both). It’s the care and thoughtfulness embedded in each item – the idea that even the most ordinary object can become a meaningful part of someone’s creative life.
These Tokyo stores are all different, but they share that same philosophy: that the tools we use matter. Not just for what they help us make, but for how they make us feel when we use them.
If you ever find yourself in Tokyo, they’re well worth a visit.
With admiration for the quiet power of a good pen,
Tom