In the quiet backstreets of Kuramae, Tokyo, lies a stationery store unlike any other. Kakimori is more than a shop—it’s a place where the simple act of writing is treated with respect and care. Known for its customizable notebooks, original fountain pens, and carefully curated paper goods, Kakimori has become a must-visit for stationery lovers from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned journal keeper or a traveler searching for a meaningful souvenir, this space welcomes you with warmth and intention.
A Space Designed for Creativity and Calm
As you walk through the door, the noise of the city fades away. Warm wooden interiors, softly glowing lights, and the subtle scent of paper invite you into a slower pace. The design of the store encourages reflection: small writing desks line the windows, samples of paper and pen nibs await your touch, and gentle music hums in the background. The staff—dressed in apron uniforms reminiscent of craftsmen—offer quiet guidance, never rushing your choices. Time seems to stretch in this space, allowing you to reconnect with the joy of writing.
Crafting Your Own Notebook: A Truly Personal Experience
The heart of Kakimori is its custom notebook counter. Here, you can create a notebook that reflects your personality, habits, and style. Choose from a wide selection of covers—from Japanese washi paper to textured linen and leather. Select the type of paper that suits your needs: grid, dot, blank, or lined. Once you’ve made your choices, the notebook is assembled right in front of you, using traditional Japanese binding techniques. It’s a simple yet powerful ritual—one that transforms a notebook from a product into a personal artifact.
Fountain Pens and Inks That Tell a Story
Beyond notebooks, Kakimori offers their own original writing tools. Their fountain pen—compact and unassuming—feels both modern and timeless. The medium nib glides across paper with a distinct “sarisa” texture: smooth yet satisfyingly crisp.
But perhaps most poetic are their inks. Each one is named with care, such as Karari, which evokes the clear air after a summer rain. Writing with these inks is more than just communication—it becomes an emotional, sensory experience. Every stroke carries a color, a memory, a mood.
Why Kakimori Is More Than Just a Store
Kakimori isn’t just about stationery—it’s about how we write, why we write, and what writing can still mean in a digital age. It’s a reminder that our thoughts deserve a place to land, and that even the smallest choices—a pen, a notebook, an ink color—can shape the way we experience the world. Visiting Kakimori feels like entering a quieter, more mindful version of yourself. You don’t just leave with a notebook—you leave with a renewed sense of intention.
If you enjoyed this article, explore more about the tools and moments that inspire writing at Think Ink Now. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) for updates and behind-the-scenes stories!
Read the original Japanese version of this article for more photos and behind-the-scenes notes.
