Hobonichi Techo Weeks Mega: 3-Month Review

Every year, I’d buy a fancy planner with the hope of becoming more organized and reaching my goals. But each time, I lost interest because the big monthly sections felt overwhelming, and I couldn’t fill them up. Bullet journaling crossed my mind, but the idea of setting everything up seemed like too much work. That’s when I discovered the Hobonichi Weeks Mega, which seemed like the perfect solution. After three months of using it, I’m excited to share my experience and provide a detailed Hobonichi Techo Weeks review.

What I Like About the Hobonichi Techo Weeks Mega

⌕ Compact Size

The Hobonichi Techo Weeks Mega’s compact size is one of its best features. It’s small enough to carry anywhere, whether in a bag or a large coat pocket. This portability makes it convenient for keeping track of daily tasks on the go.

⌕ Minimal Setup with Customization

One of the things I love most about the Hobonichi Weeks Mega is how easy it is to use right out of the box. Unlike bullet journaling, there’s no need for extensive setup. At the same time, it offers plenty of room for customization, whether through stickers, washi tape, or other accessories. It strikes a perfect balance between being ready to go and offering space for personal touches.

⌕ Charming Accessories

Hobonichi offers a variety of fun accessories like stamps and pencil boards that make planning more enjoyable. These cute additions bring personality to my planner and let me express my own style on every page. You can see all the accessories here.

⌕ Graph-Ruled Pages

The graph-ruled pages are another highlight. They offer a structured way to organize notes, lists, and even sketches. The grid format makes it easy to keep everything neat and aligned, which is perfect for anyone who prefers a tidy layout.

⌕ Exceptional Paper Quality

The Tomoe River paper in the Hobonichi Weeks Mega is a standout feature. It’s thin yet durable and handles various types of pens without bleed-through. Writing on this paper is a pleasure, and it holds up well under daily use, even with fountain pens.

Challenges with the Hobonichi Techo Weeks Mega

⌕ Ink Smudging

Ink smudging is another challenge, particularly with gel pens and fountain pens. The Tomoe River paper takes a bit longer to dry, so you have to be careful to avoid smudging. It’s something to keep in mind if you tend to write quickly.

⌕ Limited Cover Designs

Unlike the regular Hobonichi Weeks, which comes in a wide array of charming designs, the Mega version offers only solid colors. Additionally ,the cover isn’t stain-proof, so you might need to get an additional cover-on-cover, like a PVC cover, to prevent stains or damage.

⌕ Cost

Hobonichi planners can be quite expensive. The Weeks Mega, for example, retails for around $35, and when you factor in additional accessories like PVC covers and pencil boards, the total cost can easily exceed $50. This higher price point may be a deterrent for some users, especially considering the limited design options available for the Mega version.

⌕ Bonus Pages

While some users appreciate the bonus pages provided in the Hobonichi Weeks, others may find them unnecessary for their planning needs. These additional pages can add bulk to the planner (there are only 4-6 pages) and may not be utilized by all users, leading to potential wasted space and resources.

After three months of using the Hobonichi Techo Weeks Mega, it has become a reliable tool in my daily routine. Its compact size, minimal setup with customization, and exceptional paper quality are standout features. Although there are a few challenges, I would still recommend the Hobonichi Techo Weeks Mega for anyone looking for a portable and stylish planner.