Tags: japan

A Few Things Worth Noting

Also see 2024-06-14: Osaka, 2024-04-08: Osaka, 2024-06-14: Hiroshima, 2024-06-14: Kobe, 2024-04-08: Koya-san, 2024-04-08: Shinsaibashi Grand Hotel, 2024-04-08: Book and Bed

• 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)

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