October 8, 2025
From Paper to Tradition — Discovering Japan through Stationery
A 12-story “stationery wonderland” topped with a giant red paper-clip sign rises in the heart of Ginza. What amazes travelers from around the world isn't just the merchandise but also the experience of exploring Japanese stationery.Here, we explore the depth of Japan’s stationery culture and its latest trends.
Japan’s Stationery Culture Captivating the World
In recent years, Japanese stationery has again gained widespread attention. Its charm comes not only from high-quality, innovative products but also from the in-store experience that stationery shops provide. I first realized this when my British host family, who had cared for me during my studies in the UK, visited Ginza Itoya’s flagship store. The host mother stood in front of the building—marked by its iconic red paper clip—and gasped in disbelief: “Twelve floors of nothing but stationery? I can’t believe it!” Shopping with them revealed how ordinary Japanese stationery—and the concept of a stationery store—can seem extraordinary to visitors from abroad, sparking their desire to “buy” and “visit.”A Century-Old Brand with Steadfast Principles
No story of Japanese stationery is complete without Ginza Itoya, the well-established specialty shop that has led the industry for over a century. Founded in 1904, the store temporarily closed due to wartime shortages but reopened after World War II and celebrated its 120th anniversary last year.The flagship store is just a one-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza-itchome Station and three minutes from Ginza Station, facing Ginza Chuo-dori, a street that turns into a lively pedestrian paradise on weekends and holidays. The current 12-story building with a basement, completed in 2015, offers a stunning variety of items—from European imports to Japanese brands and Itoya originals—along with a juice bar and a restaurant, transforming the store from a place to buy stationery into a place to enjoy some time. Just behind the main building, on Azuma-dori, the K.Itoya annex provides customization services and a lively selection of school-friendly stationery for children.
The Thoughtful Art of Store Creation
Guided by Itoya’s PR team, we examined the subtle craftsmanship that shapes the store’s atmosphere. One of the most noticeable features is the music—mostly produced in-house and carefully tuned to each floor to help shoppers naturally focus and enjoy their browsing experience. Itoya also strives to keep creative control in-house—from designing original products to developing menus for the in-store restaurant—so as to deliver a consistent philosophy.Even in procurement, the guiding principle is “Will this be something customers can use for a long time?” rather than chasing trends or name recognition.
Whether Japanese-made or imported, Itoya selects products that align with its ideal of “offering truly good things.” This borderless approach reflects a timeless value: “Choose what you trust and cherish it for the long term.” That is why Itoya has likely continued to captivate people for so many years.
Art Supplies Corner — Pick Up and Choose Freely
A Wall Adorned with Colorful Papers!
Notebook Customization Service
Why Global Shoppers Love Itoya
The store is busy every day with tourists and Japan-based expats. Opening at 10:00 a.m.—one hour earlier than many nearby shops—Itoya has become a convenient morning stop for travelers. We interviewed customers in the store. Many had come thanks to tips from friends or social media.A Canadian university student said, “I was really surprised by how well-organized the store was. Each floor had a clear theme, which made shopping super easy and fun.” An Italian expatriate shared: “I brought my family here after they arrived in Japan, and it was great — there’s something fun for both kids and grown-ups.” Through their voices, we gained insight into what sets Japanese stationery apart. They all agreed: “Japanese stationery is so colorful and beautiful.”
Indeed, even a simple pen comes in a wide variety of colors and designs, making choosing one a delightful experience. Many also praised the functionality—such as pens that reduce fatigue and break-resistant mechanical pencils. These features explain why the pen section, in particular, was crowded with shoppers carefully selecting their favorites, often with translation devices in hand.
Itoya also offers many items with a distinctly Japanese touch, including greeting cards featuring motifs of Mt. Fuji or cherry blossoms, and traditional accessories like mizuhiki cords and fragrant letter sachets (fumiko). Through their stationery, visitors can experience Japan’s rich cultural heritage and deep sense of beauty.
Postcards Featuring Japanese Themes
Brush Pen Corner — Try Them Out
Each Floor Has Its Own Theme
Experiential Shopping That’s Simply Fun
What makes Itoya stand out is not just its wide selection of products but also its outstanding service. On the “SHARE” floor (2F), customers can write directly on greeting cards they’ve bought and, after purchasing a stamp, mail them in the real mailbox right there on the floor. In the fountain-pen section, knowledgeable staff members offer attentive, one-on-one explanations. For gift wrapping, a professional Wrapping Stylist provides personalized designs tailored to each gift. Other floors feature extensive customization services for ballpoint pens, notebooks, and inks, making shopping itself a hands-on, memorable experience.In an era dominated by online shopping, Itoya continuously looks for ways to attract customers back to the store by creating experiences and events that can only be enjoyed in person.
Washi Paper and Origami, and More
Customization Service for Ballpoint Pens
A Real Postbox on the Floor — You Can Actually Mail Your Letters!
A Space You’ll Want to Linger In
Itoya is as much about ambiance as it is about products. High ceilings and natural light create an inviting, open atmosphere—perfect for a break during your shopping.In the café and lounge, many customers relax while trying out their newly bought pens and notebooks. It’s not just about selecting items; the music, interior design, and friendly conversations with staff together create the “Itoya experience.” Every visit offers new discoveries and the joy of spending time there—an appeal unmatched by other stationery stores.
A Must-Visit Spot in Ginza
Ginza Itoya offers an experience where even everyday shopping reveals the richness of Japanese culture. Each visit uncovers something new—an encounter with Japan’s delicate aesthetics and Itoya’s long-standing commitment to quality.While the main building, G.Itoya, is a treasure trove of unique products, don’t miss K.Itoya, located behind it on Azuma-dori. Here, you’ll find pens, children’s stationery, framing and printing services, and personalized assistance—perfect for a more relaxed shopping experience.
Next time you’re walking through Ginza, stop by Itoya.
You might just find the perfect pen, notebook, or seasonal gift—an everyday touch of “Japaneseness” that enriches daily life.
Store Information
Ginza Itoya Main Store2-7-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Tel: 03-3561-8311
Business Hours
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