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Japanese Planner Accessories Haul: Stationery Finds from Tokyo


date icon   April 28, 2025
     

Following up on my first post in this Japanese stationery haul series, here’s part two! While the overall series focuses on my stationery shopping experience in Tokyo, this second post highlights Japanese planner accessories I picked up—practical tools and thoughtful finds for binder and journal lovers. Part one included an overview of the best stationery stores I visited in Tokyo—like Itoya and Tokyu Hands in Ginza, 36 Sublo in Kichijoji, and some 100-yen shops like Daiso and Seria—as well as a detailed look at the washi tapes and stickers I purchased.

This post dives into some of the Japanese planner accessories I picked up—including index stickers, sticky notes, binder tools, and stamps. These Japanese planner accessories are not only functional but also fun to use and thoughtfully designed. If you enjoy organizing your planner, binder, or journal with high-quality supplies, you’ll definitely find something inspiring here.


Index Stickers

Index Stickers from Daiso and Hands

One of my go-to items when stationery shopping in Japan is index stickers. Japanese index tabs are not only cute, but the quality is also fantastic. I usually prefer the small size, but this time I couldn’t find it—so I picked up a medium size instead. These are perfect for my system binder, and I sometimes use them in my journal too. Despite being slightly larger, they still work great for quick indexing and organizing sections.

I especially like how Japanese index stickers tend to come in minimalist, soft colors or subtle patterns that don’t overpower a page. They’re functional but also elevate the look of a spread. Compared to some Western brands, I find that Japanese index stickers stick better and don’t peel over time.


Pen Band for Binder

Japanese Planner Accessories - Pen Band

I found a pen band at Tokyu Hands that I had to try. It’s an elastic strap with a built-in pen holder, designed for A6 to A5-sized binders. Surprisingly, it fits perfectly on my DIY A7 binder, which is slightly wider than a standard A7. It also fits snugly on my other A7 binder and even works vertically. It’s super cute and functional—such a great little upgrade!

What I love about this item is how well it balances flexibility and security. The elastic is firm enough to stay in place, but it’s also adjustable. It doesn’t leave marks or stretch out the binder cover. If you’re someone who often misplaces your pen, this kind of band is a lifesaver.


Sticky Notes I Couldn’t Resist

Sticky notes
Sticky notes

Every time I visit Japan, I stock up on sticky notes. Whether it’s from Daiso, Hands, or Itoya, there are always adorable and practical designs to choose from. I especially like the really small sticky notes (about 1 cm wide)—they’re perfect for writing one quick to-do or note in my A7 binder. I also found some sticky notes with rounded corners this time. These are convenient and stylish—perfect for layering into journal spreads or planners.

Another thing that stands out about Japanese sticky notes is the paper quality. Even tiny sticky notes tend to be well made—they’re not too thick, but they don’t tear or wrinkle easily. I’ve also seen sticky notes shaped like animals, food, labels, or even seasonal motifs. They really brighten up your pages while still being functional.

The only miss this time was a set of speech bubble sticky notes. The surface felt a bit slippery, and I’m worried ink might smear easily. I usually prefer paper-like sticky notes that absorb ink well. That said, they were still very cute, and I’ll try using them with pens that dry quickly.


A7 Binder Refills

Planner tabs/index

I also picked up some A7 binder refills from Hands. While they’re marketed as A7, you’ll often find M6-sized refills as well—they’re essentially the same size. I grabbed a few grid refills and a couple of index refills. Normally, I use index stickers for organizing tabs, but I wanted to test if index pages might work better for certain sections. One thing I love about Japanese binder refills is the paper quality and the smaller 4mm ring holes—many brands use 6mm holes, which I find too wide.

A7 planner refills

The grid layout is especially nice for A7-sized planners, where space is tight. It helps me align text and doodles without feeling boxed in. And unlike many Western refills, Japanese paper tends to resist bleed-through and ghosting, making it perfect for both gel pens and fountain pens. That attention to detail makes planning feel just a bit more refined.

What I also noticed is how well-punched the holes are—clean and consistent. The paper thickness is just right: not too thin, yet not bulky, so it doesn’t overfill a small binder. I also appreciate how these refills often come in resealable packs that are easy to store and carry.

While browsing, I saw other formats too—monthly and weekly layouts, dot grids, and even ruled sheets with margin lines. Next time, I might try picking up a few of those to experiment with layout changes. It’s nice to have options tailored to A7 or M6 size that don’t sacrifice function or quality.


Wooden Stamps

Wooden stamps

I also brought home a few wooden stamps from this trip. Daiso had some basic but useful ones. I found a unique “K” stamp at 36 Sublo (how could I resist?), and some very cute designs at both Hands and Itoya. I didn’t go overboard this time, but I’m really happy with what I got.

Wooden stamps are a fun way to add flair to journal entries, cards, and notes. The “K” stamp felt personal, and I think it’ll be great for marking pages or adding a signature touch. The ones from Hands featured simple but cute designs that I found versatile—easy to incorporate into different types of layouts.


What I Skipped

There were a few items I didn’t end up buying this time, but I still wanted to share them:

  1. Pens and Inks – Japanese pens are top-tier, especially fountain pens. But I recently ordered a few from Amazon Japan, so I skipped them this time. I’ve shared more thoughts in a separate pen review post you can check out here.
  2. King Jim Kori Jirushi Clear Stamps – I already own two and wish I had seen more designs in-store.
  3. King Jim Sticker File for Sheet Stickers – I’ve been looking for better sticker storage and this file caught my attention.
  4. Francfranc Gathered Tool Pen Stand Pouch – A cute and useful-looking pouch I’d love to check out in person sometime.

These are still on my wishlist, and I hope to explore them more in future visits or maybe online.


Tips for Stationery Shopping in Japan

  1. Start with 100-yen shops – Daiso, Seria, and Can★Do have surprisingly high-quality items. Always worth browsing first.
  2. Know the price range – Some items at Itoya and Hands are more expensive than at local shops. Check prices online before you go.
  3. Plan your route – Stationery shopping in Tokyo involves a lot of walking. A mapped-out route saves time and energy.
  4. Leave room in your luggage – It’s easy to underestimate how much space paper products can take. I always bring an extra tote just in case.
  5. Check opening hours and location floors – Some stores open later or are hidden in multi-level buildings. It helps to check ahead so you don’t miss anything.

Final Thoughts on Japanese Planner Accessories

Japanese Stationery Haul - Japanese Planner Accessories

That wraps up part two of my Japanese stationery haul series, which focused on Japanese planner accessories! I hope it gave you some ideas for fun and practical items to look for on your next trip. From sticky notes and index stickers to binder refills and stamps, I really enjoyed curating a selection of tools I know I’ll use in my daily planning and journaling routine. While I skipped some items this time, I’m glad I stayed focused and chose pieces that add value to my setup. If you haven’t seen part one yet, be sure to check it out for washi tape picks, sticker finds, and an overview of the best stationery stores in Tokyo.

Even though this is the final post in the series, I’ll be sharing more about how I organize and use these items in upcoming content. Whether you’re new to Japanese stationery or already obsessed like me, I hope this haul inspired your next shopping adventure.

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