Hobonichi Weeks Mega Review: Is It Worth It?

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 Weeks Mega review.

I’ve used multiple planners over the years, trying to find one that keeps me productive without feeling like a burden. The Hobonichi Weeks Mega stood out because of its compact size and simple weekly format. Unlike bulky planners with rigid structures, this one allows me to jot down tasks, notes, and ideas without feeling restricted. The extra pages in the Mega version seemed like they would be useful, but I also had concerns about whether I’d actually need that many blank pages. Over the past three months, I’ve tested it under different circumstances to see how well it fits my daily routine.

What is the difference between Hobonichi Weeks and Mega?

The main difference between the Hobonichi Weeks and the Hobonichi Weeks Mega is the number of memo pages in the back.

• Hobonichi Weeks: Comes with 71 pages of blank grid paper for extra notes.
• Hobonichi Weeks Mega: Features 215 pages of blank grid paper—over three times more than the standard Weeks.

Both versions share the same weekly layout, slim design, and Tomoe River paper, making them lightweight and easy to carry. However, the Mega version is slightly thicker due to the additional pages, which makes it ideal for those who take a lot of notes, journal frequently, or use their planner for extended tracking.

What I Like About the Hobonichi Weeks Mega

⌕ Compact Size

The Hobonichi 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. Some planners are too large to carry around daily, but this one feels just right.

Since I often switch between working at home and running errands, I need something that can be carried effortlessly. The slim and lightweight design means I can slip it into my bag without adding bulk. Unlike planners that require a separate cover for protection, the Weeks Mega’s hardcover option provides enough durability for everyday use.

⌕ 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.

The weekly layout is straightforward, with the left page showing the week’s schedule and the right page providing blank graph-ruled space for notes. This layout makes it easy to track appointments while also allowing flexibility for journaling or to-do lists. The right page is what gives so many different ways to customize. I put high-priority items, habit trackers like water intake, workout routine for the week, meal plan, weekly review, and sometimes even quick reflections on how my week went. Some people prefer detailed daily planners, but I find that a weekly overview works best for maintaining a structured schedule without feeling too rigid. The flexibility of the right page allows me to change how I use it week by week, depending on what I need most at that moment.

⌕ 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.

Using these accessories makes planning feel more enjoyable rather than just another chore. The pencil boards help keep my handwriting neat, and the stickers allow me to add a creative touch to my pages. Unlike digital planning, where everything feels static, writing on paper and decorating with accessories makes the experience more engaging. Hobonichi also frequently collaborates with different artists, making each new release an exciting event. These collaborations often feature stunning illustrations and unique cover designs that make the planner feel even more special. They also work with popular anime franchises, bringing beloved characters into their lineup, which adds an extra layer of charm for fans.

⌕ 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.

I use these pages for brainstorming, some big trackers like reading trackers that don’t fit in the weekly pages, and most importantly, journaling. It has just about enough pages and spaces for my daily entries (even though I don’t journal every single day), and I quite like keeping my to-dos and journal in one little book. Additionally, I use the extra pages to jot down ideas for future projects, occasional sketching, and keeping notes on things I want to remember long-term. Having everything consolidated in one place makes it easier to track my progress and reflect on past notes without juggling multiple notebooks.

⌕ Exceptional Paper Quality

What is so special about Hobonichi? The Tomoe River paper is one of Hobonichi’s standout features! It’s ultra-thin yet durable, allowing for a lightweight planner without sacrificing quality. This paper resists bleed-through, works beautifully with fountain pens, and provides a smooth writing experience. Writing on this paper is a pleasure, and it holds up well under daily use, even with fountain pens.

I appreciate how smooth it feels when writing, and the fact that it’s lightweight means the planner stays compact despite having so many pages. The smoothness of the paper also reduces stress on my wrist when writing for extended periods, making it a more comfortable experience compared to other papers that have more resistance. Some planners with thick paper tend to feel bulky, but the Hobonichi Weeks Mega maintains its slim design while still offering a high-quality writing experience.

Challenges with the Hobonichi 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.

I’ve had moments where I accidentally brushed my hand over freshly written text and ended up with smudges. To minimize this, I’ve started using blotting paper or quick-drying ink pens when writing in my planner.

⌕ 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.

While the solid colors have a minimalistic appeal, I sometimes wish the Mega version had more decorative options. If you prefer a planner with eye-catching designs, you might find the standard Hobonichi Weeks more appealing.

⌕ 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.

Additionally, because Hobonichi is a Japanese brand, international buyers may need to factor in shipping costs and potential import fees, which can add to the overall expense. Some users choose to order through third-party sellers or wait for local retailers to stock them to reduce costs. However, despite the price, many people find that the durability, unique design, and high-quality materials justify the investment.

Think about what you need before you purchase. The quality of the paper, binding, and overall design is excellent, but if you’re on a tight budget, there are other alternatives to consider.

⌕ 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 and may not be utilized by all users, leading to potential wasted space and resources.

I initially thought I would use every single page, but I’ve found that I don’t always need them. The Mega version includes so many extra pages that it can feel overwhelming if you don’t have a clear plan for how to use them.

Final Thoughts

After three months of using the Hobonichi 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 Weeks Mega for anyone looking for a portable and stylish planner.

If you’re someone who values flexibility and high-quality materials in a planner, the Hobonichi Weeks Mega is worth considering. While it may not be perfect for everyone, especially those who need more structured daily planning, it offers a great balance between functionality and customization. I plan to continue using it throughout the year and will update my thoughts if anything changes.

For those who love the idea of a portable planner but aren’t sure if the Mega version is necessary, it may be worth comparing it with the standard Hobonichi Weeks. Ultimately, finding the right planner comes down to your personal needs and planning style.