Sometimes I receive questions like this from students and seminar participants. "Sensei, I'm going to Tokyo. Do you have any recommendations for Shodo shops or places I should visit? „ In this column, I would like to introduce some recommended Shodo-related shops in the Tokyo area.

Photo by Houkendo
「宝研堂」Houkendo http://houkendo.co.jp/index.html

First of all, Yokomizo Sensei, who is also my teacher, always buys Shodo-related equipment from Hokendo, and although I have never bought directly from the shop, I use their brushes and paper for my practice. This is also one of the few Suzuri (inkstone shops) in Japan. The owner is active in traditional culture and has appeared in the media. You are a grand pupil of Yokomizo Sensei. Please mention her name. The owner will be familiar with you. Unfortunately, there is no English on the website.

【Houkendo】 
Address: 4-1-11 Kotobuki, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0042
Phone: +81-03-3844-2976 
Opening Hours: Mo. – Sa. (10:00 – 18:00)
Sun. *1st & 3rd Sat. of the month (10:00 – 17:00)

Photo by Ginza official

「鳩居堂」Kyukyodo https://kyukyodo.co.jp/

It is probably the oldest and most well-known shop for shodo tools. The main shop is in Kyoto, but the branch in Ginza also has a long history and a large selection of products. The shop has exhibitions as well as shodo-related items, so it is worth visiting even if you are not only looking to buy.

【Kyukyodo】
Address: 5-7-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Phone:  +81-03-3571-4429
Opening Hours: Everyday 11:00 – 19:00

Photo by Jinbo.info

神田古書店街【Antiq Book Town】BOOK TOWN JIMBOU
Did you know that the world's largest second-hand bookshop town is in Japan? It is in a town called Kanda (Jimbocho) in Tokyo. Typical of Japan, the interior of these bookshops is cluttered and difficult to find. If you want a book on shodo, ask, "Shodo Kanren no Shoseki(Hon) wa arimasuka?"

Photo by Ozu Washi

小津和紙【Ozu Washi】Ozu Washi - A Traditional Japanese Paper Seller.

This is a paper shop in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. It sells a wide range of Japanese paper from all over Japan and also exhibits works of art here. There are also events where you can try your hand at Sumi-e (ink painting) and shodo, which are popular in Europe.

【Ozu Washi】
Adress: OzuHonkan., 3-6-2 Nihombashihoncho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0023
Phone: +81 (0)3-3662-1184
Opening hours: Mo.-Sa. 10:00–18:00 

Artist Hayu/Instagram@mayune4

ゴールデン文具【Golden】書道用品専門店のゴールデン文具株式会社＜横浜桜木町ぴおシティ３階＞ (golden.co.jp)
Two Shodo friends told me about this shop in Minatomirai, Yokohama Bay. They can do the mounting on the spot. Shodo works are very flimsy, so why not try putting a lining on the back of your work so that you can display it? While you are having your work mounted, Minato Mirai has the sea and many places to see. It is also recommended for sightseeing.

 【Golden】
Adress: 1-1-3F Sakuragi-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Phone: +81 (0)45-201-7118
Opening hours: Mo.-Sa. 10:00–19:30 (Closed 3rd Wed. of the month.)

Photo by Machiphoto.net