Must-Visit Art & Stationery Stores in Tokyo, Japan
If you’ve been to Tokyo you’ll know that underneath that part stoic, part chaotic urban landscape is a love for all things artistic. And where there is a love for art, there are shops to supply them with the tools they need. So here are some great places to shop for stationery and art supplies.
1. Seikaido
A short walk from Shinjuku train station, this is an almost one-stop for all the art supplies you need. Think of this place as Art Friend but 100x better. The first level sells office supplies and general stationery but you move up, each level gets more niched as it’s dedicated to different crafts supplies. From canvas to watercolours to art books, you’ll likely find tools for your craft at a reasonable price. They even have framing services!
2. Itoya
Right in the heart of Ginza, this is a place for upmarket craft and stationery that leans more to writing. They have a fantastic selection of finished products that make great souvenirs and gifts. Highly recommended for those who are into writing as they have an entire level dedicated to fountain-pens from the entry-level to the handmade. They also have a huge collection of papers so if that’s your kind of your thing, definitely head there because they have a paper concierge (!!) to help you with recommendations.
3. Muji
Everybody know’s Muji’s aesthetic of simple minimalism. Their flagship store in Ginza doesn’t have as wide a range of stationery as the brands, but it does have nice home office supplies and other lifestyle products such as essential oils to help you add that finishing touch to your workspace.
4. Tokyu Hands (Now rebranded as Hands)
A generalist store that combines lifestyle with craft, you’re just as likely to find a fantastic pen as you are a highly practical travel pouch or a quirky collection of stickers. If you need something for the home or just want to be surprised by stumbling on something you never knew you needed, you’ll probably find it in Tokyu Hands. I would recommend visiting their branch in Takashimaya, Shinjuku.
5. Caran d'Ache
Arguably the best colour pencils in the world that many artists swear by, their boutique in Ginza lets you try every colour pencil they have. If you’re into watercolours but not sure if this is worth the investment, I highly recommend coming down just for a little doodle. Head upstairs and try out all the colour pencils to get a feel of it. If you’re the kind who gets stressed out by hovering service staff, the great thing about this store is you can test drive the pencils all you want in peace, they didn’t even follow me upstairs when I visited!
These are the art shops I visited on my Tokyo 2023 trip. I’ll be sure to track down some unusual ones when I return in 2024!
