Hey there, it’s CityNomix from Photomo! Are you feeling a bit exhausted from endless screen time and quick digital texts? Sometimes, you just need to step away and feel the warmth of real paper and the scent of fresh ink.
On a crisp, sunny winter afternoon with a clear blue sky, I found myself wandering through the hip streets of Kuramae, Tokyo. Drawn by an invisible force, I stepped into a charming shop with a sign that read, “Kakimori – Joyful writing.”
Through the slightly open wooden door, the sweet scent of fresh paper and warm wood drifted out. This isn’t just a place to buy stationery; it is a secret laboratory where you can craft your very own bespoke writing tools. Let me take you through my thrilling experience of making a custom notebook at Kakimori.
Welcome to the Secret Lab: Stepping into Kakimori
Standing outside, the industrial mortar walls and large glass windows reflect the everyday life of Kuramae. Yet, despite the cold exterior, it exudes a soft, analog warmth.
Inside, under the warm orange glow of pendant lights, adults bundled in winter coats are deeply focused on paper and pens. You can hear a mix of Japanese, English, and Korean. At first, everyone speaks in hushed tones, but soon, you can feel the temperature of their excitement rise as they fall down the rabbit hole of notebook customization.
An elegant signpost points to the 1st floor for custom notebooks and the 2nd floor for the “ink stand” atelier. The idea that you can casually drop by and build a one-of-a-kind notebook is simply irresistible.
The Rabbit Hole of Custom Notebooks
Now, let’s start the crafting process! On the deep brown wooden counter, a beautiful menu guides you through the steps.
Flipping through a handmade guidebook with white text on black pages, I realized the combinations are truly infinite. It feels like getting a bespoke suit made at a luxury tailor.
Step 1: Choosing the Shape and Size
First, you decide the shape. B5 or B6? Portrait or landscape? It sounds simple, but you will find yourself pondering deeply.
Imagining how you will use it and what you will sketch leaves plenty of room for creativity.
Step 2: Diving into the Paper Specimen Box
This is the absolute highlight: choosing the paper. Seeing the endless shelves of paper stacks will make any stationery lover’s eyes sparkle.
What struck me most was a framed display mapping out paper traits like smoothness and ink feathering. It looked like a museum specimen box for paper.
Each blank sheet is a living material with its own unique personality. Pinned below were real sketches and book reviews, letting you imagine the scratchy sound of a pen tip.
The cover options are equally vast, ranging from rich Himeji leather to colorful Nordic patterns.
Standing on the beautiful herringbone floor, smelling the slightly dusty yet comforting scent of new paper, is pure bliss.
With names like Foolscap, Bank Paper, and Neue Gray, you trust your intuition and fingertips to select the perfect stack.
Step 3: Rings, Fasteners, and Foil Stamping
Next, you pick the hardware. The color of the rings and the style of the closure drastically change the notebook’s vibe.
For that extra special touch, you can add foil stamping. Deciding what 10 characters to engrave—perhaps your name or a short motto—is an exciting dilemma.
Step 4: The Joy of Waiting
Once you hand over your choices to the staff, the anticipation begins. Waiting for your notebook to be bound is part of the luxurious analog experience.
The Binding Process: Watching the Magic Happen
At the workshop desk sits a heavy metal binder. The cold iron highlights the warmth of the handmade process.
With a satisfying clank of the lever, scattered ideas transform into a tangible ZINE. The scratched cutting mat and scattered hardware tell a story of countless creations.
Meeting Your Bespoke Companion
Finally, my notebook was ready! I chose a dark green pebbled leather cover that looks like a deep forest. The subtle “CityNomix” embossing on the bottom right made me smile.
The texture is incredibly supple, and I can already tell it will age beautifully as I carry it through the city.
Inside, I added a sleek 2026 calendar. Staring at the blank pages fills me with excitement about the plans and street discoveries I will jot down.
Actually, I got so carried away that I made both B5 and B6 sizes! The second one features a vivid orange pocket inside, perfect for stashing cafe receipts and movie tickets.
I even attached a custom leather pen loop to hold my favorite thick fountain pen securely.
I also checked out samples made by others. Some had abstract white lines on black, hiding secret messages.
Others rocked an 80s Memphis design on canvas, turning any ordinary desk into a creative playground.
There was even one with handmade acrylic painted bottles on a matte black cover, radiating pure artistic heat.
Filling Pages with Ink and Memories
Once your notebook is ready, it’s time to fill it. How about creating a private scrapbook of your favorite breakfast spots?
Mixing black pages and warm craft paper offers an exciting canvas for your thoughts.
As you tuck in memories and notes, your notebook bulges slightly, capturing the city’s vibe and the scent of ink.
Naturally, a new notebook demands new pens. Metallic gel pens like gold and silver make writing feel like a special event.
Essential Information for Your Kakimori Visit
Kakimori Dip Pen and Glass Nib Options
Kakimori is famous not just for notebooks, but for their incredible pens. The Kakimori dip pen, especially paired with a glass nib, offers a smooth and magical writing experience that every stationery fan must try.
Finding the Perfect Kakimori Nib and Brass Nib
When choosing a pen, the nib is crucial. The Kakimori brass nib is highly praised for its durability and smooth ink flow, making it perfect for long journaling sessions.
Kakimori Ink and Fountain Pen Experiences
If you love fountain pens, Kakimori ink will blow your mind. The store offers a wide variety of beautifully bottled inks that glide perfectly on their custom paper.
Exploring Kakimori Rollerball Pen and Metal Nibs
For those who prefer everyday practicality, the Kakimori rollerball pen is an excellent choice. You can even experiment with different Kakimori metal nibs to find your ideal stroke width.
How to Build Your Kakimori Notebook
Building a Kakimori notebook involves selecting the cover, inner paper, rings, and fasteners. Don’t rush—take your time feeling the textures and matching colors to create your ultimate writing tool.
Kuramae Stationery Shop and Tokyo Unique Experiences
Kakimori is the crown jewel of Kuramae stationery shops. If you are looking for Tokyo unique experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing, spending an afternoon here is highly recommended.
Custom Ink Tokyo and Kakimori Inkstand
While waiting for my notebook, the staff suggested I try making my own ink. The Kakimori inkstand on the 2nd floor lets you mix custom ink Tokyo style! You need a reservation, so I booked my next visit immediately.
Japanese Stationery and Personalized Notebook Tokyo
Japanese stationery is world-renowned for its quality, and getting a personalized notebook Tokyo souvenir is the best way to remember your trip. It is a piece of art you can use every day.
Tokyo Craft Shops and Kuramae Walking Tour
Kuramae is famous for Tokyo craft shops housed in renovated warehouses. After visiting Kakimori, enjoy a Kuramae walking tour to discover cozy cafes, leather artisans, and local roasteries.
So, why not put your smartphone away and head to Kakimori in Kuramae? I promise you will find the perfect companion that brings back the pure joy of writing!
Official Website: http://www.kakimori.com/
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