Ochanomizu Guitar Street: A street near Ochanomizu
Station that is famous for guitars and musical gear. Meidai Dōri is a
contraction of “Meiji University Street” as the entrance to the
university is on the street.
Tomigaya, the cool neighbourhood of inner Shibuya
Golden Gai: One of those not-so-secret secret spots, Golden Gai is a
collection of mismatched, tumbledown bars lining alleyways in a darkened
corner of Shinjuku.
Zoetrope is a must-go for fans of Japanese whisky. Visit this
secluded bar in west Shinjuku to drink from the best collection of
whisky in Tokyo.
Itoya: If you’re a stationery
aficionado, Itoya has to 9 floors filled to the brim with pens, papers,
and supplies in every color imaginable. This arts-and-craft hunt is so
memorable and chock full of souvenir-worthy items
Loft (Shibuya Station, Hachiko Exit) Loft is the
classic option for stationery in Tokyo. It’s full of cute supplies that
are perfect for souvenirs, such as sumo and animal print sets. There are
lots of bits and bobs ranging from a huge variety of notebooks to those
quirkier stationery features, such as funky stamps and stickers. It
isn’t just stationery that Loft does well though; they also offer
watches, health products, homeware and interior pieces. Loft is of
course a big chain in Tokyo, but the branch in Shibuya is well worth a
special visit.
Kakimori (Kuramae Station): This place is top for
writing. It is a stationery shop specializing in pens, inks and letter
sets. Everything is chosen based on level of comfort and you can try
different fountain pens to find one that suits you. You can also order
notebooks that will be made within five to ten minutes there and then.
You can choose from various covers, bindings and paper to make it just
right for you. A creative stationery shop making your purchases as
personal as possible
Maruzen (Tokyo Station): Maruzen is principally
known as a bookseller but it is also a fantastic place for some
stationery goods. The store is located opposite Tokyo Station, so proves
a good place to get a last-minute buy. With a whole room dedicated to
diaries, planners, notebooks, cards, file folders, correspondence sets
and fountain pens, you’ve got a massive range to go through here.
Tokyu Hands (Shibuya Station, Hachiko Exit):
Another top go-to trusty joint for stationery is Tokyu Hands. Well-loved
by locals and expats, it is again another one of those stores that sells
a bit of everything, but with an excellent stationery section included.
Expect diaries, planners, sticky notes, pens, pencils and lots more.
With more on offer than anyone would ever need, you really are spoiled
for choice here.
(Milner et al.,
2022)
Reference
Milner, R., Bartlett, R., & Bender, A. (2022). Lonely Planet
Japan 17 17th Ed. (17th edition). Lonely Planet.