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

Hobonichi recently announced their 2025 lineup. All the new products are now available online. After carefully considering my options, I’ve decided to skip the Hobonichi Weeks for the upcoming year. 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. There is an array of accessories like pen holders, covers, and stickers. These allow users to personalize their planning experience further. 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.

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. The grid page on the right side allows space for top priorities, short daily gratitudes, and habit tracking. It also accommodates any other notes I need to jot down. This layout offers a balance between structure and flexibility. It allows me to customize each week according to my needs. Whether I’m planning a busy workweek or a relaxed weekend, the Hobonichi Weeks provides enough space. It captures everything I need without feeling overwhelming. As someone who prefers weekly planning over monthly, this layout has consistently worked well for me.

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. It’s incredibly easy to carry around and fits snugly in my purse or backpack. I’ve taken it with me on various trips, from short weekend getaways to longer vacations. It has always been a reliable companion. The lightweight nature of the Hobonichi Weeks means it never feels like a burden to bring along. Despite its size, it still offers ample space for planning and note-taking. Its portability has been invaluable, whether I’m jotting down travel itineraries, keeping track of appointments, or writing my thoughts on the go.

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. They vary from playful and artistic to sleek and professional. 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. 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. This makes 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 and Frequent Flipping: More Drawbacks

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.

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 problem is compounded when ink drying time is a factor. 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.