There’s more to the Tokyo art store guild than Kinokuniya or LoFT. Manila-born stationery connoisseur and content creator Rainbowholic (also known as Kaila) would know better than anyone else the variety of art stores decorating the city. Noticing Japan’s aesthetic sensitivity that extends from designs of company mascots to cafes and trains, Rainbowholic has been exploring Tokyo’s colorful art scene that caters to painters, calligraphers, hobbyists and even cat-themed-stationary enthusiasts. Find some of her favorite spots below:
Bumpodo Tokyo—Tokyo’s First Art Supply Store
Founded in 1887, Bumpodo is Japan’s first specialty art store to manufacture and sell oil-based paints. The towering Kanda store has eight floors replete with supplies for painting, sculpting, drawing and stationery, as well as a gallery on the fourth floor devoted to exhibiting young artists. On the fifth and seventh floors is Bumpodo’s art school, where beginner to advanced students can learn and create together—free of charge. “It feels like Sekaido but on another level,” Kaila gushes. “The neighborhood it’s in, Jimbocho, is known for used bookstores, which gives the store added appeal. I particularly liked Bumpodo’s art postcards because you can’t find those in LoFT.”
Bumpodo
1-21-1 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku
@bumpodo
Giovanni Kichijoji—For Vintage European Calligraphy
“I was curious about their custom-seal wax stamps and rubber stamps. The store’s interior has a vintage, medieval kind of vibe.” A small shop in Kichijoji, Giovanni features an extensive collection of quills, glass pens, inks, parchments and ephemera that recall the Renaissance and Baroque eras. They also sell period pieces, such as an astrolabe and Bortoletti sealing stamps.
4-13-2 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino
giovanni.jp
Tokotoko Zakkaten—For Cat-Themed Stationery
“This place is the cutest! It’s perfect for cat lovers.” With the interior emulating a mystical forest, Tokotoko tells the story of a cat named Milk, whose collection of knick-knacks makes up the store’s catalog. “They have other cat-themed items like cat-shaped tea packs. I’ve also tried their cat cafe experience, and it’s a bang for your buck.”
2-22-17 Zoshigaya, Toshima-ku
temarinoouchi.com/news/tokotoko
Tobichi Kanda—For the Popular Hobinichi Techo Planners
Personal, practical and pretty, the Hobinichi ‘Life Books’ are high in demand — and often difficult to snag a copy of. Thankfully, they opened an outlet store in Kanda early last year. “A lot of people ask me where they can buy Hobinichi Techo covers, and I usually recommend this outlet in Kanda or Hobinichi Culture in Shibuya because they’re better stocked compared to the online store or LoFt.” Kaila also filmed the experience of the brand’s 2022 Lineup Reveal Event, which is among the pop-up events the store holds from time to time.
3-18 Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku
@hobonichi_no_tobichi
Trainiart—For Railway-Themed Stationery and Other Goods
Trainiart, Saitama’s Railway Museum location
With outlets in Tokyo Station, Atre Kichijoji and a stunning museum store in Saitama’s Railway Museum, Kaila calls this a paradise for train buffs or Suica penguin fans. “I’m a big fan of Japanese trains, so I love Trainiart’s washi tapes and collectibles. They also have train stamp notebooks and train line washi tapes featuring Yamanote-sen, Saikyo-sen and more.” Kaila suggests using their items for travel journaling while exploring Japan.
Trainart Tokyo Station
1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Trainart Railway Museum Shop
3-4-7 Onaricho, Omiya-ku, Saitama
ejrt.co.jp/trainiart/shop
Avril Kichijoji—For Yarn
The sounds of Avril’s yarns whirring steadily on textile machines fill the Kichijoji and Kyoto branches. “Because of their unique style and premium quality, Avril yarns have become popular in journaling, especially for those who are into vintage-style journaling or junk journals.” Sturdy yarns and tools are necessary for any knitting, weaving and accessory-making hobbyist’s arsenal. Kaila recommends using their yarns for gift-wrapping too, rather than regular threads or lace. The store also sometimes holds workshops and events.
3-10-3 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino
avril-kyoto.com
Yamada Stationery—For Retro and Vintage-Style Goods
Located in Mitaka, a neighborhood known for its sprawling park, flamboyant architectural spots and the Ghibli Museum, Yamada Stationery is a compact store boasting some rare finds. Kaila toured the store and highlighted their section of Kokeshi dolls—kitsch wooden toys painted in vibrant colors. “36 Sublo is another store similar to this, where you can find unique stationery and knick-knacks like this soy sauce container-style pen!”
4-15-29 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka
@yamadastationery
Paper Message Kichijoji—For Letter-Writing Items
Cut-out platinum stars and chiffon pom-poms hang overhead as customers scan through Paper Message’s letter sheets, envelopes and pens. Kaila tells us that Paper Message is known for its seasonal die-cut stationery cards. “It’s a delight to inspect the colorful wares, which come in distinct art styles.” Paper Message can also design personalized memorabilia for weddings and events. Kaila particularly enjoys the store’s nature-patterned paper files and letter cards, like these flower pot-shaped ones.
4−1−3 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino
papermessage.jp
Maruzen Marunouchi—For Fountain Pens
Maruzen Marunouchi is one of Japan’s largest bookstores and a go-to for bibliophiles, designed with the concept of a “Book Museum.” More than just books, however, it is also Kaila’s top destination for fountain pens. They have a collection of over 1,000 fountain pens—both imported and local.
1−6−4 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
@marunouchi_maruzen
Traveler’s Factory—For Travel Journals and Leather Goods
“For traveler notebook fans! I always enjoy browsing through their store, especially their free stamping booth,” Kaila says. Hidden in a back alley of Nakameguro, the store sells original leather-bound notebooks for those wanting something more than a simple journal, or for protecting your diary as you travel around. Their covers, ballpoint pens and pencil cases can also be specially engraved after you make your purchase, and you can have named stamps made—perfect for personal use or as a gift.
3-13-10 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku
travelers-factory.com/access
Sekaido Shinjuku—Must-Visit for all Art Lovers
No Tokyo art store list is complete without Sekaido Shinjuku. Sekaido’s iconic Mona Lisa banners lining its entrance are hard to miss. With five spacious floors boasting creative materials from paints to postcards, Kaila, who praises the simultaneous practicality and attractiveness of Japanese stationery, calls Sekaido a must-visit for any art lover. “Even just within this building, you’ll get tired from wandering around,” Kaila says. “I like the first floor best because of their greeting cards and postcard selection. Their stamp area is good too, and has more designs than other LoFT stores.”
They also offer one of the most comprehensive collections of manga and comic design. They have special patterned papers to ultra-fine-tipped ink pens to help start your manga career.
3-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
sekaido.co.jp
Editor’s Picks:
Cotton House Milky Way—For Fabrics and Sewing Inspiration
A short walk from Nishi-Kasai station, this cloth and fabric specialty store stocks more than 2,000 types of fabrics imported from Japan and abroad, including cotton, linen, laminate and satin, sold in 10-centimeter increments. Shelves brim with patterned textiles, patchwork samples and handmade accessories that inspire all kinds of craft projects. The store also carries dressmaking tools, making it easy for beginners to get started.
3-17-10 Nishikasai, Edogawa-ku
cotton-milkyway.net
Pigment Tokyo—For Traditional Art Supplies and Rare Pigments
From Pigment Tokyo Official Website
For artists and culture enthusiasts, Pigment offers traditional art supplies displayed like a gallery or museum rather than a typical shop. Their knowledgeable staff—artists and specialists themselves—are ready to guide visitors through a vast collection, including an impressive wall of 4,500 pigments made from crushed minerals, soil, and colors used in industries from cosmetics to automotive paint. Among their carefully selected items, inkstones and a range of paints like oil and watercolor stand out as favorites.
2-5-5 Higashi-shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku
pigment.tokyo
36 Sublo—For Retro Stationery and Original Designs
Photo from Sublo Official Website
A hidden gem tucked away in Kichijoji, 36 Sublo offers a nostalgic mix of retro stationery, original items, and deadstock finds. Located on the second floor of an old building, the cozy shop is filled with the warm glow of natural light and the charm of wooden drawers, glass cases, and carefully curated writing tools. Alongside its hand-picked selection of retro stationery, the shop features a growing range of original goods, with its uniquely designed rubber stamps standing out as a longtime favorite among visitors.
2-4-16 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino
sublo.net
Beads Shop J4—For Beads and Original Accessories
Tucked just minutes away from Asakusabashi and Kuramae stations, Kowa Sangyo’s Tokyo store, Beads Shop J4, is a hands-on destination for anyone interested in the art of accessory making. The shop offers a wide range of materials–from acrylic, metal, glass and natural beads to richly colored pearls and original brass parts–displayed with care and craftsmanship. On the first floor, visitors can place custom orders for coatings, logos, or have parts made from scratch. Upstairs, you’ll find rare factory-produced items and a glass studio where visitors can try to create their own resin beads.
2-29-11 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku
beads-shop-j4.com
Okadaya Shinjuku—A Handicraft Paradise
Photo from the Okadaya Official Website
A go-to for anyone into sewing, fashion or stage production, Okadaya Shinjuku spans many floors dedicated to sewing and stagecraft. Shoppers will find everything from buttons, threads and lace to beads, rhinestones, wigs, cosmetics and stage makeup. The store draws hobbyists, fashion students and professional designers alike, all looking for specialty items in one of Tokyo’s most iconic craft stores.
3-23-17 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
okadaya.co.jp/shop/c/c10
Find more about Rainbowholic as she explores Japan’s journaling scene:
Official Website & Shop
Instagram
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