Ginza Itoya – Japan’s Most Famous Stationery Specialty Store

(Image by hiroaki maeda via http://www.flickr.com/photos/torisan3500/3190982088/)

Ginza is one of Tokyo’s prime areas for glitzy shopping and dining, uniting some of the world’s most well-known brands. In Ginza’s main street, you will find Japan’s most famous stationery specialty store: Itoya. The shop offers a vast, wonderful selection of Japanese and international brands, with dozens of original stationery items that are both stylish and functional. Whether you’re a die-hard stationery fan and seek to enrich your arsenal of pens and paper or you’re simply looking for a fun souvenir, Itoya is a must-visit in any case. We will guide you through each of the 12 themed floors and showcase highlights and must-haves!

1F “GROUND” – Greeting Cards for Every Occasion

The front of Itoya is adorned with the shop’s characteristic red paper clip sitting right above the entrance. Stepping through the glass doors, you’ll find yourself on the first floor called “GROUND.” It is all about greeting cards and postcards, neatly arranged in stylish shelves on the right side of the shop.

2F “LETTER” – Write a Letter Right at the Shop and Send it to a Special Someone!

Itoya’s second floor is thoroughly dedicated to the theme “LETTER.” Naturally, you’ll find everything that you need to write a nice letter, including paper, postcards, and envelopes, but also stationery and stamps.

The “Write & Post” corner features mailboxes served by the Ginza Post Office, meaning that you can write a card or letter right at the shop and post it right there. Feel free to use Itoya’s original stamps for a special touch!

3F “DESK” – Try Out Fancy Fountain Pens!

“DESK” is the theme of the third floor, and it unites about 2,000 kinds of pens, with a special focus on fountain pens. From casual and whimsical to fancy and stylish, the range of fountain pens offered at Itoya is astonishing. And there’s no need to hold back – you can try every single pen before making your choice! Do make use of this offer especially over at the Montblanc corner, where various high-class pens of German pen maker Montblanc are showcased.

4F “SCHEDULE” – Never Miss a Thing with Notebooks, Diaries, and Schedule Books

(Image by Antonio Rubio via http://www.flickr.com/photos/61223211@N00/20076865490/)

It’s notebook galore on the fourth floor titled “SCHEDULE.” Whether you’re looking for a diary, a schedule book, or a notebook, this floor is sure to not leave you disappointed. On top of that, everything you need to fancy up and manage your daily life is available as well, including sticky notes, notebook covers, and various pens.

5F “TRAVEL” – Everything You Need to Get from One Place to Another

The fifth floor, called “TRAVEL” offers everything you need while traveling – especially for working while traveling. From handkerchiefs to leather accessories, water bottles, laptop bags and covers, and backpacks, this floor has you covered when it comes to getting from one place to another, conveniently and in style.

6F “HOME” – Stylish Interior Goods for Everyone

All about interior design is the sixth floor and its theme called “HOME.” The various goods are arranged in five sub-themes: kitchen, dining room, living room, laundry room, and terrace.

7F “FINE PAPER” – Every Colour for Every Purpose

Itoya’s seventh floor is the “FINE PAPER” paradise. It was created in collaboration with the Japanese paper trading company Takeo. Choose from over 1,000 different kinds of paper of basically every colour of the rainbow, serving every purpose imaginable.

8F “CRAFT” – Find the Perfect Souvenir!

(Image by Antonio Rubio via http://www.flickr.com/photos/61223211@N00/20264862225/)

“CRAFT” on the eighth floor unites everything you need for your original craft project. Japanese paper, gift-wrapping paper, and origami are as abundantly available as Japanese wrapping cloths, hand towels with beautiful, traditional designs, and a plethora of fun and whimsical accessories.

10F “BUSINESS LOUNGE,” 11F “FARM,” 12F “CAFÉ Stylo”

The “BUSINESS LOUNGE” on the 10th floor is a space that can be rented for meetings and events. The modern space is equipped with furniture by the Swiss company Vitra and with proper application, the room can even be visited when not in use.

“FARM” on floor 11 is exactly what it sounds like. You get to take a look at hydroponic cultivation here, watching the plants grow amidst stainless steel and glass – it’s a fascinating scenery. Additionally, a detailed model of the old, original Itoya shop is exhibited on this floor, giving an impression of what the now so famous shop looked like at the time of its opening.

The 12th floor is home to “CAFÉ Stylo,” an atmospheric resting space that serves American-style dishes, including fresh veggie salads, Eggs Benedict, and pancakes.

※The 9th floor is an office floor and not open to the public.