5 coolest stationery stores in Tokyo

Who says stationery is always functional and boring? There’s no place like Tokyo when shopping for the most innovatively designed notebooks, writing tools, stickers, craft items and lifestyle accessories. From cute and colourful to sleek and minimalist, there is definitely something you will fancy as the perfect souvenir for pals.

This massive seven-storey building in the heart of Tokyo is an insider’s favourite with its huge variety of merchandise. Its stationery collection spans an entire floor, with products ranging from a mind-boggling collection of stickers and writing tools to all sorts of art materials and tools to inspire your creativity. This is also one of Tokyo’s best spots to browse and pick up traditional Japanese-inspired crafts and gift items, such as bookmarks, foldable paper fans and washi (printed wrapping and decorative paper).

This funky lifestyle store is the perfect place to stock up on cute stationery items inspired by Japanese pop culture, such as Ultraman stickers or brightly printed memo pads shaped like handbags. The colourful items are attractively displayed in a bright, gallery-inspired space to catch your attention. There is also a variety of kitchen, home decor and fashion accessories to add to your shopping stash.

For quirky and colourful items that you never knew you needed, pay a visit to Flying Tiger. Filled with a vast variety of home decor items, kitchen tools, stationery, document cases and other fun stuff, you could spend hours browsing the store. Don’t forget to pick up a shopping basket at the entrance though – you will need it to hold all the items you wish to bring home with you.

If you prefer your desktop to look minimalist and understated, check out the offerings from Muji, which is famous for its “no logo” design and packaging. The brand’s wide array of office and desktop organisers and supplies come in pleasing earth tones such as beige, grey and white. From paper binders and daily planners to notebooks, writing materials and acrylic organisers, there are plenty of options here for incorporating a little bit of sleek Japanese design into your workspace.

For high-end, quality Japanese stationery, such as designer pens or what is possibly the widest range of fine craft papers available, make a beeline for Itoya. One of the more unique finds here is the notebook-making atelier, where you can take your pick of cover and paper designs and have them bound in front of you. There is also a good selection of travel items, such as elegant luggage tags that can be personalised with your initials.