5 Unmissable Stationery Stops in Japan – From Tokyo Icons to Hidden Kyoto Gems

As lifelong stationery lovers and admirers of Japanese design, our travels in Japan have always doubled as research trips. While most people hunt for temples or ramen joints, we’re scouting pens, paper, and the perfect planner. (Although we do go in search of the former too!)

From iconic Japanese stores to smaller boutique outlets, below are just five stationery spots that left a lasting impression on us - and in some cases, directly inspired what we now stock here at Dreaming of Tokyo.

Whether you're planning your first trip or your fifth, these shops are definitely worth bookmarking!

1. Itoya – Ginza, Tokyo

The flagship of Japanese stationery sophistication.

Spanning 12 sleek floors in Tokyo’s upmarket Ginza district, Itoya is more than just a store - it’s a shrine to Japanese stationery. It was actually the first dedicated stationery store we ever visited in Japan, many moons ago, and we make sure to return every single time we're in Tokyo.

Each floor is thoughtfully curated and immaculately presented. The first eight levels are dedicated to various categories of stationery, and the deeper you go, the more you discover.

A Kaleidoscope of Paper

One of our favourite stops is the paper floor - a visual feast of origami sheets, textured writing paper, and traditional washi prints. The shelves are meticulously arranged, making it a dream space for creative inspiration. You’ll also find a gift-wrapping concierge here - a lovely example of Japanese culture, where the presentation of a gift is often considered just as important as the gift itself.

Writing Tools & Japanese Brands

Another highlight is the floor dedicated entirely to writing instruments. From high-end fountain pens and calligraphy tools to a rainbow of markers, gel pens, and brush pens, the selection is both vast and top-quality. Expect to find favourites like Pilot, Zebra, and Tombow - some of which we proudly stock at Dreaming of Tokyo. In fact, it was our last trip here in January 2025 where we discoved the stunning Cru-Cial Goshuin Books!

A Stationery Experience, Not Just a Shop

Itoya isn’t just about shopping - it’s about the experience. Once you've browsed to your heart’s content, make your way up past the hydroponic lettuce farm (yes, really) up to Café Stylo on the top floor. There, you can enjoy a beautifully crafted matcha latte or a seasonal dessert while reflecting on your finds. It’s the perfect way to complete your visit.

Why we love it:

• Mesmerising paper selection

• Huge selection of paper, pens, planners, and art supplies

• Delicious café on the top floor

2. Loft – Shibuya, Tokyo (and many more)

Modern, playful, and full of surprises.

If you’re looking for a vibrant, contemporary stationery shopping experience in Japan, Loft should be high on your list. Known for its bold yellow branding and extensive product lines, Loft is a Japanese lifestyle chain that combines clever design, fabulous stationery, creative homewares, cosmetics and more in one energetic space.

While Shibuya is home to one of Loft’s flagship locations, we’ve personally visited both the Ginza and Ikebukuro stores though there are well over 100 across Japan so you'll have no trouble tracking one down. We loved Ikebukuro with it's tranquil rooftop garden where you can relax and take a breather - and you might need one after all the browsing you'll do in Loft!

A Treasure Trove of Stationery

Loft’s stationery section is a playground - a big one! You’ll find everything from files and folders to planners and diaries. Discover cute letter sets, joyful post-it-notes and seasonal washi tapes from beloved brands like BGM and KITTA. Whether you're into minimal Japanese notebooks or kawaii-themed stickers, there's something for every taste and so much choice!

We especially love how Loft frequently features limited-edition collaborations - exclusive available in Japan - think Sanrio, Studio Ghibli, or pop-up artist showcases. 

Don’t miss:

• Trendy stationery and seasonal exclusives

• Great for souvenirs and gifts

• Huge selection of journals and planners

 

3. Hands – Shibuya, Tokyo

A must-visit place for creative minds.

Formerly known as Tokyu Hands, this iconic Japanese store is a multi-level paradise for makers, and curious minds. While it stocks plenty of stationery - from pens and notebooks to journaling tools and more, Hands sets itself apart by blending those items into a broader world of creative culture, organisation, travel, and lifestyle innovation.

We’ve visited the Shibuya store several times, and every time we find something new — whether it’s a cleverly designed pencil case, a handwriting practice book, or a little-known brand of highlighter that quickly becomes a favourite. It's less about trendiness, and more about function that delights.

The Stationery Section – Practical Meets Playful

Hands’ stationery floor is filled with smart, well-designed products that are made to be used - not just admired. Think erasable pens, refillable highlighters, calligraphy tools, stamp kits, and more. There’s also a big focus on functional organisation — from modular pen holders to bullet journaling accessories.

You'll also find a great selection of brands like Tombow, Pentel, Kokuyo, Midori, Mind Wave and many more!

Top finds:

• Excellent journaling accessories

• Desk tools, storage, and organisers

• Try-before-you-buy pen stations

4. TAG Stationery – Kyoto

For lovers of ink, paper, and tradition.

Tucked away along Teramachi Street, one of Kyoto’s most walkable and characterful shopping arcades, TAG Stationery is a compact but beautifully curated haven for lovers of Japanese stationery. We always stay nearby when visiting Kyoto, so this shop has become a familiar favourite - a peaceful, inspiring stop just steps away from some of our favourite local cafés, shops, and street food vendors.

Unlike the big-box stores of Tokyo, TAG offers a more intimate and thoughtfully selected experience. It features a balanced mix of mainstream Japanese brands (like Pilot, Zebra, and Tombow) alongside regional makers such as Hyogensha and Shogado - the kind of small, design-led companies that truly capture the spirit of Kyoto craftsmanship.

Compact Size, Complete Selection

Don’t let its size fool you — TAG packs a wide array of stationery categories into its charming shopfront. Whether you’re a fountain pen user, letter-writing fan, or someone just looking for a few beautiful desk essentials, you’ll find something to take home.

Here’s what you can expect inside:

• Goshuincho (temple stamp books) with Kyoto-inspired patterns

• Washi letter sets, envelopes, and correspondence tools

• Memo pads, sticky notes, and compact notebooks

• Erasers, pencils, and fun accessories like Punilabo animal pen cases

• Stickers and washi tape for journaling or gifts

• Inks galore, including their original Kyo-no-oto and Kyo-iro lines

Their inks are especially worth a mention — subtle, sophisticated shades named after Kyoto’s landscapes, seasons, and cultural icons. The Kyo-no-oto series has become a cult favourite among fountain pen fans worldwide, and it’s even more special when you pick it up from the source.

Why We Always Visit

TAG feels like the kind of store that reflects Kyoto itself — quieter, more thoughtful, rich with tradition but not stuck in the past. It’s not overwhelming, but still full of discovery. And it’s just around the corner from where we often stay, which makes it feel like a local secret — even though it's loved by travellers and stationery fans alike.

Insider tip: Try writing with their Kyo-no-oto ink range on washi paper — it’s a sensory treat.

Why we recommend it:

• Locally made inks like Kyo-no-oto

• Specialty paper and calligraphy tools

• Warm, knowledgeable staff

 

5. Hiraeth by Hyogensha – Kyoto

An emotional experience as much as a shop.

Tucked away down a quiet street in Kyoto, Hiraeth by Hyogensha is not your typical stationery store - it’s a gentle, art-led concept space where illustration, paper, and purpose come together in the most thoughtful way. Run by Hyogensha, a Kyoto-based stationery manufacturer with roots dating back to 1932, Hiraeth embodies the brand’s long-standing commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration.

Through their beloved sub-brand Cozyca Products, Hyogensha collaborates with a wide range of Japanese artists to bring their illustrations to life on notebooks, letter sets, washi tapes, and other daily stationery items. Each piece is both functional and artistic — a way to bring small, beautiful moments of joy into the everyday.

We’ve long admired Hyogensha’s work, and visiting Hiraeth in person during our Kyoto travels gave us an even deeper appreciation for the artistry and heart behind the brand.

Today, we’re proud to stock a selection of Cozyca Products in our store - and many of our customer favourites began as quiet discoveries on the shelves of Hiraeth.

Art Meets Everyday – A Showcase of Local Talent

What makes Hiraeth truly special is how it celebrates the work of Japanese illustrators, many of whom draw inspiration from nature, seasons, folklore, and the quiet beauty of daily life in Japan.

Inside the store, you’ll find:

• Letter sets, postcards, and notebooks featuring work from artists like Chihiro Sonoda, Mariko Fukuoka, Masao Takahata and others.

• Memo pads, stickers, and washi tapes that feel more like miniature art prints than stationery supplies

• A space that changes throughout the year with limited edition seasonal designs

• Delicate curation that lets the illustrations speak for themselves

Whether it’s a notebook adorned with hand-painted florals or a whimsical letter set featuring tiny illustrated animals, every product tells a story — and invites you to create your own.

Why This Visit Inspired Us

Hiraeth isn’t just a shop — it’s a celebration of creative voices, carefully made paper goods, and the power of small joys. As soon as we stepped inside, we were reminded why we love stationery in the first place: it’s tactile, expressive, and deeply personal.

We often say that paper is where emotion lives - and no brand expresses that better than Hyogensha.

Why it matters to us:

• Minimal, meditative design

• Showcases the work of local artists in products with delightful functionality.

• Perfect for fans of slow living and quiet creativity

 

Planning Your Trip?

Has this got you inspired to make your own stationery pilgrimage to Japan?

If you're planning already and looking for the best places to find information - we always turn to japan-guide.com when planning our travels in Japan. It’s an incredible resource full of practical advice, city guides, and transport tips - perfect for both first-timers and seasoned travellers.

Final Thoughts

Each of these shops has shaped our relationship with stationery and inspired many of the products we now sell at Dreaming of Tokyo. We hope this list helps you plan your own creative pilgrimage.

Have a favourite stationery stop in Japan? We’d love to hear about it — tag us on Instagram (@dreaming_of_tokyo) or drop us a message!

P.S. Some of the brands mentioned above are now part of our curated collection — check out our full range of Japanese stationery at www.dreamingoftokyo.com.