A Guide to the Best Art Stores in Tokyo (from an Art Stores Addict)
Some of the Best Art Stores in Tokyo
I Explored 4 of the Best Art shops in Tokyo, and here is my report.
In this article, you'll find details about four Japanese art supplies shops I visited in Tokyo: Sekaido,
Bumpodo, Gekkoso and Pigment
Before going further, I also have cute freebies for you to download! Click below to download illustrations from my people-watching session in Osaka. Please also consider staying subscribed to the newsletter for future deals on Pawshire’s shop and more beautiful freebies to come. I promise I won’t spam you every week. Only once or twice a month 😛
Here is my little report on Tokyo art stores for your future trip to Japan, as an artist or art lover.
Free Printable Portrait Art - “Osaka People”
I recently went to Osaka and painted cool fashionable people. Here are the digital versions of what I painted in Japan. Printable up to A5 format. I hope you enjoy!
Download the bundleTokyo Art Stores are on another level
Last autumn, I finally went back to Japan for the sixth time and spent almost five weeks in Kyoto (yes, I enjoy the city that much). It was so good to be back in Asia, and in Japan, after the pandemic kept us apart.
As a art supplies and true stationery junkie, I’ve been obsessed with exploring art stores in every country I visit lately. You know how there’s always something some countries do better than others? Well, Japan is home to some of the best art stores and stationery shops ever! No, I don’t think this is an overstatement at all.
Despite my obsession with Japanese art and culture, I’d somehow never seriously explored any Japanese art supplies shops before. The reason? I was afraid of going crazy in all those stores, wanting but not being able to buy all the kawaii art supplies.
That is all in the past now. I had a few days in Tokyo before heading to Kyoto, so I decided to go on a Japanese art store spree for an entire day by myself. Oh boy, that was a good day!
To share a not-so-interesting story, I’ve been waiting for years to buy gouache from the Japanese art supplies brand Holbein. Too many art stores in Europe have let me down in my quest for gouache, so I had high hopes I could finally buy great gouache in a physical store!
Sekaido, Shinjuku
Sekaido: The Biggest Art Store in Japan, with Everything for Everyone
Location: Shinjuku
Sekaido is a huge five-storey art store located in Shinjuku. It is easily accessible by public transport. The closest subway station is Shinjuku-sanchome on the brown Fukutoshin line.
From the information and pictures I found on the Internet, I must admit I wasn't personally drawn to shop there. But I still wanted to visit as I read that Sekaido is one of the biggest art stores in Japan, if not the biggest, so I needed to see it for myself. The store was founded in 1945, so it has been here for a while!
What Will You Find Inside Sekaido?
Sekaido sells all kinds of supplies, school supplies, and stationery you can imagine. In short, Sekaido specialises in selling everything, if that can be a specialty!
Ground Floor:
This is where you will find office supplies, stationery, greeting cards, Washi tapes, and stickers. And everything else you could think of.
1st Floor:
All sorts of graphic art supplies, hobby & craft-related equipment. If you need manga-related supplies, Holbein gouache, Turner gouache, Copic pens, etc., this is your floor.
2nd Floor:
Dedicated to fine art supplies. We're talking acrylics, oil paints, easels, brushes, paper, and so much more.
3rd & 4th Floors:
Solely dedicated to frames of all styles and sizes imaginable. I’ve never seen so many frames together in one place. Quite amazing (as in I’ve never seen this amont of empty frames all together in one place before)!
Is Sekaido Shinjuku Worth a Visit?
Despite feeling a little plain and “office-like,” Sekaido is definitely the one-stop-shop for all artists, designers, stationery collectors, craft makers, artisans, and hobbyists.
If you have too little time to explore Tokyo art stores but need to buy a lot of supplies, I’d say Sekaido is your art store.
And I bought Holbein gouache and Turner gouache here, so why would I complain?
Bumpodo, Jimbocho
Bumpodo: SUCH A Magical Store for Cats & Stationery Lovers!
Location: Jimbocho
Bumpodo is located in Jimbocho, an area famous for its vintage bookstores.
Before delving into the store itself, this area is worth a special mention. I came across seven different stores barely 20 steps after getting out of Jimbocho station. I didn’t exactly count my steps, but you get the picture. The Jimbocho neighbourhood is quite different from Shinjuku. It somehow felt laid-back despite being busy, reminding me a little of Osaka. What can I say? Books always make everything better.
Back to Bumpodo. This store was founded back in 1887 and was one of the very first art stores to introduce oil painting in Japan. Not that I’m passionate about oil paint, but it’s an interesting reminder, as it was a rare medium in East Asian art. Bumpodo also creates and sells its own brand of oil paint and related supplies, if that’s a medium you dare to use… I fear oil paint. A life of stains and solvents is not for my OCD soul.
What Will You Find Inside Bumpodo?
Right from the entrance, you will notice how cute and enchanting Bumpodo is! And I don’t use the word enchanting lightly. Moreover, I was there during the time when Japanese stores go crazy over Christmas decorations… You can imagine how much magic the store was exuding! Everything about Bumpodo invited me in. I hadn’t even gone in yet, and already I wanted to spend my entire day there. What kind of spell did they put over the store?
Probably an abrakeda-meow one.
At the front of the store, you will find all the cute stationery and decorations. Cats-related. How good is that? There were so many beautiful things I couldn’t possibly have time to go through all of them! That includes themed stamps, cat-ear berets, cat stickers, cat scarves, cat notepads…
At the back of the store are all the fine art supplies. I loved how the shelves were organised.
On the way down to the basement and up to the 2nd floor, there are plenty of cute greeting cards to get lost in (you can imagine I did exactly that!).
The basement itself is dedicated to risography, woodblock printing, calligraphy, and architecture supplies. I made a few interesting discoveries of supplies I’d never seen before.
Are you a fan of Studio Ghibli? You are? Then don’t forget to head to the 1st floor to find all the Totoro goodies!
There is a cute and cosy cafe on the 2nd floor of Bumpodo, offering a comforting view over the street. I loved it a lot.
Is Bumpodo Worth a Visit?
Bumpodo was my favourite store out of all four I visited that day. My love for cats does make me biased, but that’s life.
It felt like this secret magical store that I’ve always dreamed of visiting. Imagine Harry Potter and Studio Ghibli created a kingdom together, and put a Cat to rule above all. There’s no other word than magic to describe this art store.
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Gekkōsō, Ginza
Gekkoso: Watercolour, Gouache, and More Watercolour and More Gouache
Location: Ginza
Gekkōsō is one of those stores that makes you feel sophisticated when you’re inside. Is that surprising? Not quite, considering it’s located in the very posh area of Ginza, famous for luxury and trendy stores.
Rest assured though, it is nowhere near intimidating. In fact, the contrary is true! Gekkōsō is almost an alcove tucked away in the fancy Ginza building. Once you step inside, it’s a different world!
Gekkōsō was founded in 1917 and has a rich history tied to the Japanese art scene. It’s specialised in watercolour, gouache, and humour cards.
What Will You Find Inside Gekkōsō?
The first thing you notice is the elegant and vintage atmosphere. The store has a charming retro-chic vibe that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time.
They have an extensive selection of watercolour and gouache paints, including their own brand. If you're a fan of these mediums, Gekkōsō is a treasure trove. They also carry a range of brushes, papers, and other painting supplies.
Gekkōsō gouache has a unique
Another unique aspect of Gekkōsō is their humour cards, which feature cute illustrations and punny poems that my rudimentary understanding of Japanese can’t yet fully appreciate. If it’s true that it takes a Japanese person 12 years to fluently read Japanese, then I have 11 more to go.
Is Gekkōsō Worth a Visit?
Absolutely. Gekkōsō is a must-visit for watercolour and gouache enthusiasts. Its retro-chic atmosphere and specialised selection make it a standout among Tokyo's art stores.
Pigment, Tennozu Isle Shinagawa
Pigment: The Most Beautiful Art Store in the Whole World
Location: Shinagawa
Pigment Tokyo is not just an art supply store; it’s an experience. Located in the modern and stylish area of Tennozu Isle, Pigment is renowned for its stunning interior design and extensive range of high-quality art materials. The interior was designed by the famous Kengo Kuma, who designed many iconic interiors and buildings in Japan and other countries.
The architect seems to have a knack for thin and long wood poles. The result of his knack is a wonderfully zen and elegant interior that makes all the supplies look fancy and expensive. So expensive I didn’t dare to buy anything there.
What Will You Find Inside Pigment?
Pigment specialises in traditional Japanese pigments, which are beautifully displayed in glass jars lining the walls. The store also offers a wide range of calligraphy supplies, brushes, inks, and papers.
One of the highlights is their collection of over 4,200 pigments, including rare and historical colours. The store also features a workshop space where they conduct art classes and demonstrations.
The atmosphere inside Pigment is serene and elegant, with a minimalist design that lets the beauty of the art materials shine through.
Is Pigment Worth a Visit?
Yes, Pigment is a visual and sensory delight. Whether you're an artist, designer, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, Pigment is a must-visit. I didn’t buy anything there at all, but the interior itself is definitely an attraction of its own.
I’d add that riding on a monorail leading to this shop was also a great experience. You’ll be up for some great views!
Realising My Teenage Artist's Dream
As a budget-conscious student during my first Tokyo visits, I couldn't indulge much in art supplies. But now, with more freedom, exploring these stores felt like a dream come true. Even though I didn’t exactly splurge, each store had its unique charm and specialty, making the experience unforgettable.
Needless to say, I’ll go back soon. Excited to hear your thoughts and recommendations!
Pawshire
Watch my exploration of the best Art Stores in Tokyo below!
Free Printable Portrait Art - “Osaka People”
I recently went to Osaka and painted cool fashionable people. Here are the digital versions of what I painted in Japan. Printable up to A5 format. I hope you enjoy!
Download the bundle