My First Visit to Hobbyra Hobbyre in Japan | Cross Stitch, Snoopy, and More

I first discovered Hobbyra Hobbyre because of one very specific item: a Snoopy walking bag knitting kit.

I came across it online before my trip to Japan and instantly fell in love with it. At the time, I didn’t even realize it was a relatively new release. I simply thought it was adorable and assumed I would be able to find it in one of the stores once I got to Japan. As it turned out, we were going to pass by not one but two Hobbyra Hobbyre locations anyway—one inside Hankyu Umeda in Osaka and another in Tokyo’s Jiyugaoka neighborhood.

So I happily added both stores to my list and looked forward to finally seeing the bag in person.

Sadly, things didn’t exactly go according to plan. I didn’t come home with the Snoopy bag from either store. However, I ended up discovering a craft store that felt completely different from any other craft store I had visited in Japan, and in a way, that made the experience even more memorable.

My First Impression of Hobbyra Hobbyre

Before this trip, I had already visited several Japanese craft stores, including Yuzawaya and Okadaya. If you’re interested in crafts, both of those stores are wonderful places to spend a few hours. They carry an enormous variety of supplies, from sewing notions and fabrics to yarn, embroidery supplies, paper crafts, and art materials. Walking into those stores almost feels like entering a department store dedicated entirely to hobbies.

Hobbyra Hobbyre immediately gave me a different impression.

The stores were noticeably smaller and more curated, but somehow they felt even more inspiring. Instead of trying to cover every craft category imaginable, the entire space seemed to revolve around handmade projects using yarn and thread. Beautiful finished samples were displayed throughout the store, and nearly every shelf made me want to stop and take a closer look. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by endless products, I found myself slowing down and appreciating how thoughtfully everything was arranged.

I also loved how cohesive the stores felt. Everything seemed to belong together. The products, displays, color palettes, and project samples all created a warm and inviting atmosphere that almost felt like visiting a boutique craft studio instead of a traditional retail store. Even though I had originally come for one specific item, I quickly forgot about my mission and simply enjoyed browsing.

As someone who loves knitting and other fiber crafts, I immediately understood why people become devoted fans of Hobbyra Hobbyre.

What I Found Inside Hobbyra Hobbyre

Character Collections and Kits

One of the first things that caught my attention was the variety of character-themed products throughout the store.

Of course, there was plenty of Snoopy.

Since I had originally visited because of a Snoopy item, I naturally gravitated toward those displays first. There were various kits and products featuring the Peanuts characters, and I could immediately see why so many people seem to eagerly wait for new releases. The character products didn’t feel overly childish or gimmicky either. Instead, they had a charming and tasteful aesthetic that blended beautifully with the handmade nature of the projects.

Recently, I’ve also noticed that Hobbyra Hobbyre has been releasing quite a few Moomin designs. I honestly wish I had seen more of them during my trip because I probably would have ended up buying something.

What I particularly liked was that the characters weren’t confined to one category. They appeared across different products and projects, making the collections feel cohesive and fun to browse. Even if you aren’t specifically shopping for supplies, simply looking around the displays is enjoyable.

Cross Stitch Kits

If I had to choose one thing that defines Hobbyra Hobbyre, it would probably be the cross stitch section.

I knew the store sold cross stitch kits, but I wasn’t remotely prepared for how many there would be. Entire sections of the store were filled with beautifully packaged kits and framed finished samples. There were seasonal designs, floral motifs, landscapes, and character collaborations. Everywhere I looked, there seemed to be another project that made me stop and admire it.

Even as someone who doesn’t regularly do cross stitch, I found myself spending far more time in this section than I expected. The displays were incredibly effective because they didn’t just show you the kits. They showed you what the finished pieces could look like in your home. It was easy to imagine yourself completing a project and displaying it somewhere.

The kits also looked approachable. Some projects were clearly more advanced, but many seemed perfectly manageable for beginners. If someone asked me where to look for inspiration before starting cross stitch, I honestly think Hobbyra Hobbyre would be an excellent recommendation.

Knitting and Crochet Kits

I was also pleasantly surprised by the knitting and crochet section.

Since I knit and crochet myself, I automatically compare every craft store to places like Yuzawaya and Okadaya. Both stores carry an enormous selection of yarns and tools, so I wasn’t expecting Hobbyra Hobbyre to stand out in this area. Yet I found myself repeatedly stopping to look at the displays.

Unlike Yuzawaya or Okadaya, Hobbyra Hobbyre didn’t seem to focus on selling yarn by itself. Instead, the store felt much more project-driven, with beautifully assembled knitting and crochet kits taking center stage. I didn’t have enough time to explore every corner of the stores, so I may have missed some sections, but that was the overall impression I came away with.

A few of the kits particularly caught my eye, and I found myself lingering longer than I expected. Rather than thinking about which yarn I needed to buy, I kept imagining what it would be like to actually make those projects. I think that’s what makes Hobbyra Hobbyre feel special. It doesn’t simply sell craft supplies—it sells ideas and inspiration. Even if you walk in without a specific project in mind, it’s difficult not to leave wanting to start something new.

Looking for the Snoopy Walking Bag Kit

As much as I enjoyed exploring the stores, I can’t forget the reason I went there in the first place. I was looking for the Snoopy walking bag kit that had originally introduced me to Hobbyra Hobbyre, but unfortunately I couldn’t find it in either store. I looked for it in Osaka and then again in Tokyo, but it simply wasn’t there.

At first, I assumed it had sold out or that I had somehow missed it. I didn’t think too much about it at the time because I figured these things happen. It wasn’t until later that I came across discussions suggesting that some newly released products occasionally launch online first or remain online exclusives for a period of time.

So, I decided to send an email and ask about the kit. They kindly replied that the particular item I wanted was available only through the online shop.

In hindsight, I really wish I had asked beforehand.

If you’re planning to visit Hobbyra Hobbyre for a specific item, especially a new release or collaboration product, I highly recommend sending an email first. It only takes a few minutes, and it could save you from making a special trip for something that isn’t available in stores.

As for me, I wanted the kit badly enough that I eventually ordered it through a international shopping service and paid international shipping fees on top of everything else. Was it practical? Probably not. Was it worth it? Honestly, yes. Sometimes you simply fall in love with an item and logic stops mattering.

A Store I’d Happily Visit Again

Even though I didn’t find the item that brought me there in the first place, I still left Hobbyra Hobbyre with an incredibly positive impression. Part of that came from the stores themselves, but another big reason was the staff.

During my visit, I watched one employee patiently answer another customer’s questions and explain various products in detail. The customer seemed to be asking quite a few questions, but the employee never appeared rushed or bothered. Instead, they carefully explained everything and continued helping until the customer seemed satisfied.

I had a similar experience when I asked about the Snoopy bag knitting kit. Even though it wasn’t available in the store, they checked again for me in their system and tried to help. It was a small interaction that lasted only a few moments, but it left a lasting impression.

I may not have found what I originally came for, but I walked away feeling genuinely glad that I had visited. And honestly, that’s a pretty good reason to add Hobbyra Hobbyre to my list of places to revisit the next time I’m in Japan.