Hobonichi Weeks 2025: Why I’m Skipping It, Pros, and Cons

Hobonichi recently announced their 2025 lineup, and all the new products are now available online. This year’s collection brings a variety of fresh cover designs, planner sizes, and accessories that cater to different tastes and planning styles. From bold and colorful to sleek and minimalist, the options seem more diverse than ever.

After carefully considering my options, I’ve decided to skip the Hobonichi Weeks for the upcoming year. While I have enjoyed using it in the past, some aspects of the planner no longer align with my planning needs. If you’re looking for a comprehensive Hobonichi Weeks 2025 review, including a detailed look at its pros and cons, check out my full review here.

The 2025 Hobonichi Lineup: What’s New

The 2025 Hobonichi lineup has brought some exciting updates and new designs to the table. This year’s collection features a variety of cover designs that are more vibrant and creative than ever before. Whether you prefer something bold and colorful or sleek and minimalist, there’s a cover that suits every style. The lineup also includes various planner sizes and formats, ensuring that users can find one that fits their planning needs.

Beyond the planners themselves, Hobonichi has also introduced an array of accessories like pen holders, covers, and stickers, allowing users to personalize their planning experience further. These thoughtful additions cater to a wide range of users, whether they prefer a minimalist approach or a more decorative style. Hobonichi is known for its attention to detail, and this year’s offerings are no exception. Every product reflects their commitment to quality and thoughtful design, making them a standout in the planner community.

What Worked for Me

The Layout

As a huge fan of weekly planners, the Hobonichi Weeks has always been a top choice. The weekly layout is perfect for organizing my to-dos and appointments on the left side of the spread. It provides a structured format that keeps my schedule in order while allowing flexibility. The grid page on the right side is particularly useful, offering space for top priorities, short daily gratitudes, and habit tracking. I can also use it for random notes, quick reminders, or anything else I need to jot down.

This layout offers an ideal balance between structure and adaptability, making it easy to personalize each week according to my needs. Whether I’m planning a packed workweek or a more relaxed schedule, the Hobonichi Weeks provides ample space without feeling overwhelming. It accommodates both long-term planning and spontaneous additions seamlessly. As someone who prefers weekly planning over monthly, this layout has consistently supported my productivity and organization habits.

Compact and Travel-Friendly

Another reason I’ve been a loyal user of the Hobonichi Weeks is its compact size. It measures just over 7 inches tall and about 3.5 inches wide, making it incredibly easy to carry around. It fits snugly in my purse or backpack, making it a convenient option for everyday use. Whether I’m commuting, traveling, or just heading to a café, it’s always within reach, ready for me to jot down notes or appointments. The small footprint doesn’t sacrifice usability, as the well-designed layout ensures I can keep track of my schedule without feeling cramped.

I’ve taken it with me on various trips, from short weekend getaways to longer vacations, and it has always been a reliable companion. Its lightweight nature means it never feels like a burden to bring along. Despite its size, it still offers ample space for planning and note-taking. I often use it to jot down travel itineraries, keep track of appointments, or record my thoughts on the go. Its portability has proven invaluable, and the convenience it offers is a major reason why I’ve stuck with it for so long.

Cover Designs: A Highlight of the 2025 Lineup

One of the standout features of the 2025 Hobonichi Weeks is its exceptional cover designs. This year’s collection includes a range of options that cater to different tastes, from playful and artistic to sleek and professional. The variety ensures that users can find a design that resonates with their personality and planning style. The selection includes collaborations with well-known artists, unique textures, and even some nostalgic re-releases of past favorites, making the lineup more diverse than ever.

The cover designs are not only visually appealing but also durable. They are made with high-quality materials that can withstand daily use throughout the year. Some covers have special coatings to resist stains, while others maintain a natural, fabric-like feel for those who appreciate a softer aesthetic. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of a minimalist design or the vibrant energy of a colorful option, the 2025 lineup has something for everyone. The thoughtfulness behind each design is evident, making it more than just a planner—it’s an accessory that reflects your personal style. I’ve always appreciated the variety of designs that Hobonichi offers, and this year’s collection is no exception.

What Didn’t Work for Me

The Mixed Feelings About Hobonichi Weeks Paper:

One of the key aspects of this Hobonichi Weeks 2025 review is the paper quality. The smoothness of the paper makes writing a true pleasure, with fine-tipped pens and fountain pens gliding effortlessly across the page. The thin paper, while surprisingly durable, gives the planner a sleek and compact profile, allowing for an entire year’s worth of planning in a very portable format.

However, over time, I’ve developed mixed feelings about this paper. The thinness, while functional, makes it prone to creasing if not handled carefully. Ink smudging has also become a significant issue. Without the right ink, drying time can be slow, and I often smudge freshly written notes when I’m in a hurry. This smudging issue is especially frustrating during busy days when I need to quickly jot down to-dos or appointments. It’s one of the main reasons I’m skipping the Hobonichi Weeks for 2025.

Bonus Pages

Another aspect that didn’t work for me with the Hobonichi Weeks is the inclusion of bonus pages. The planner offers additional pages at the back for notes, lists, or any other uses. While this is a nice touch for those who need extra space, I haven’t found much use for them in my daily planning routine. These extra pages tend to add unnecessary bulk, which detracts from the planner’s otherwise compact nature.

While some users may appreciate the added flexibility, I personally prefer a more streamlined setup that keeps my planner lightweight and easy to handle. If I need additional space for notes, I’d rather use a separate notebook or an insert that can be removed when not in use. The inclusion of these pages feels like an unnecessary addition that doesn’t align with my personal planning habits.

Frequent Flipping

Additionally, the need to flip back and forth between the monthly, weekly, and notes sections has become cumbersome. This isn’t a flaw unique to the Hobonichi Weeks—many book-bound planners have this issue—but it has been especially inconvenient for me. The structure makes it difficult to quickly reference past notes or future appointments without interrupting my workflow. If I need to reference something from a past week, I have to flip back and forth several times, so this frequent flipping can be frustrating when trying to plan efficiently.

The problem is compounded when ink drying time is a factor. Since the paper requires a longer drying period for certain pens, flipping through sections increases the chances of smudging. This issue is particularly noticeable when I’m in a rush or need to jot something down quickly. As my planning needs evolve, I realize that a more customizable solution would better suit my workflow, allowing me to organize tasks and notes without constant flipping.

Looking for a New Planning Solution

Given these factors, I’m now on the hunt for a planner that can be customized more broadly to fit my needs. The Hobonichi Weeks has been the first planner I’ve used consistently throughout the year. While I still consider it one of the best weekly planners, I’m excited to branch out and explore new options. I’m looking for something that offers greater flexibility in planning and organizing.

As my planning style evolves, I need a solution that allows more customization. I want to tailor my planner to my specific needs without the limitations of a book-bound format. Whether it’s a planner with removable pages, a ring-bound system, or something entirely different, I’m eager to find a tool that supports my planning journey in 2025 and beyond. A planner that allows me to rearrange sections or add pages would be ideal, helping me create a system that truly works for my needs. I also want to ensure that my next planner choice aligns with my writing habits, reducing any issues with smudging or layout constraints.

That said, I still recommend the Hobonichi Weeks to those who are just starting their planning journey. It’s also an excellent choice for fountain pen lovers who enjoy writing on smooth, high-quality paper. Additionally, anyone interested in Japanese stationery will likely appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into each Hobonichi planner.