Hobonichi Weeks 2026 Review: Purchase & First Look

Last year, I wrote about the Hobonichi 2026 lineup and which planners I wanted to buy. Since Hobonichi is always a popular release, I decided to prioritize my purchases this year. The notebooks were a must-buy for me, and the rest I decided to purchase later or grab locally if I happened to see them. For my Hobonichi Weeks choices, I picked up three: two for myself and one for my husband. The designs I ended up with were Yumi Kitagishi White Cat’s Daily Life, Candy Stripper, and Tamagotchi.

In this Hobonichi Weeks 2026 review, I’ll share how my purchase experience went, how the release day turned out, and my first impressions after unboxing these planners.

My Hobonichi Weeks 2026 Wishlist

In my earlier blog post about the Hobonichi 2026 lineup, I mentioned how I was looking to simplify my system. That meant starting with the Weeks since it’s one of the most practical planners for everyday use. My goal was to secure the designs I liked most right away.

The Weeks lineup always gets a lot of attention because of its portability and unique covers. For 2026, I especially wanted the Yumi Kitagishi White Cat’s Daily Life edition, which has that whimsical, stamp-collection feel to it. Candy Stripper offered a bold, fun design, and Tamagotchi was actually my husband’s pick, standing out for its playful nostalgia.

By focusing on these first, I didn’t feel pressured to buy everything at once. Instead, I could secure the planners I really cared about and wait on accessories or additional covers. The Weeks were the top priority, with PVC covers coming right after as my second must-have. Pencil boards were included in my budget too, though they were more of an optional pick. Everything else could wait until later.

The Hobonichi 2026 Release Day Experience

Where to Buy Hobonichi Weeks 2026

From my experience and preferences, there are a few main stores I considered when planning my purchase. JetPens, Yoseka, and Atlas Stationers are my top choices since they all ship quickly and have excellent packaging based on past orders. The official Hobonichi store is also an option, though I’ve always hesitated a bit because of the international shipping fees and uncertainty about total costs.

My Release Day Experience

The release itself was more stressful than I expected. I logged into the official Hobonichi website right at release time and immediately faced a 15-minute waiting period, which refreshed more than once. Knowing how fast popular covers sell out, I quickly turned to JetPens as my backup option.

At JetPens, I added all three Weeks planners plus three PVC covers to my cart. Just as I was about to check out, the Tamagotchi design sold out first. In a bit of a panic, I added a pencil board to my order, but in those few moments the Yumi Kitagishi edition also disappeared from stock. I ended up grabbing Candy Stripper along with two pencil boards, then shifted to searching elsewhere.

Yoseka Stationery, another major stockist, had already sold out as well. Eventually, I found Boston General Store, a shop I had never ordered from before. Even though I wasn’t sure how long shipping would take, I placed my order there. Luckily, adding two Weeks planners qualified me for free shipping.

Shipping and Packaging Review

Both JetPens and Boston General Store delivered quickly. JetPens arrived first, while Boston General Store was just a day behind. Packaging from both stores was secure, but Boston General Store stood out with its presentation. Their package felt gift-like, wrapped neatly in a way that made unboxing extra fun. Everything arrived in perfect condition, and I appreciated the care put into protecting the planners.

First Impressions of Hobonichi Weeks 2026

Opening the planners, I saw that all three editions begin in December 2025, which is the standard start for Hobonichi Weeks. I like this early start since it allows me to begin planning ahead of the new year and fill December pages right away.

Since I had only used the Mega edition in previous years, I was surprised at how slim and lightweight the regular Weeks felt. The thinner profile makes it even more portable and less intimidating to fill. The paper is still the classic smooth Tomoe River paper, which works beautifully with fountain pens and gel pens alike. Since I’ve had some issues with ink in the past, I’m planning to do pen tests in the notes section soon to see how different inks behave.

A fun surprise was that the Tamagotchi Weeks came with a bonus sticker sheet. It felt like a little extra treat and added to the playful theme of the planner.

I’ve also included a Shorts video of my Hobonichi unboxing:

Hobonichi 2026 Covers and Designs

Design-wise, I’m very satisfied with all three. The Yumi Kitagishi White Cat’s Daily Life design has a delicate, almost stamp-collection aesthetic that feels timeless. The Candy Stripper edition is vibrant and fun, adding a pop of color to my lineup. And of course, Tamagotchi hits all the right notes for nostalgia while staying practical as a planner.

When it comes to durability, I usually prefer using PVC covers for extra protection. However, the materials used on Yumi Kitagishi and Candy Stripper seem like they wouldn’t get dirty easily, so I may not feel the need to keep them covered at all times.

How I Plan to Use My Hobonichi Weeks 2026

I’ve already decided to start filling in my Weeks this December to plan out my new year. This early start helps me avoid the transition gap between years. My style of use will remain fairly flexible: tracking appointments, jotting quick notes, and balancing daily tasks.

The slim profile of the standard Weeks edition makes me feel like I’ll actually use the space more intentionally, rather than worrying about wasting pages. Having two different designs also gives me the option to separate personal and family planning if needed.

Later, I’ll be sharing a separate post about my full 2026 planner lineup, where I’ll show how Hobonichi Weeks fits into my overall system.

Final Thoughts – Hobonichi Weeks 2026 Review

Overall, I’m very happy with my Hobonichi Weeks 2026 purchase. The buying process was more competitive than I expected, but I managed to secure the covers I wanted most. Both JetPens and Boston General Store delivered quickly and safely, with Boston General Store adding a special touch through their packaging. One thing to note is that Hobonichi planners are on the pricier side, but I still feel the quality and design make them worth it.

My first impressions of the planners are positive: lightweight, practical, and full of charm thanks to the cover designs. The bonus sticker sheet in the Tamagotchi edition was a delightful surprise. Whether you’re a long-time Hobonichi fan or considering your first purchase, the 2026 lineup offers something exciting for everyone.

If you’re still deciding on your planner for the new year, I’ll be posting soon about my complete 2026 planner lineup and how Hobonichi Weeks fits into it. Stay tuned for more.