Family Dining · Practical guide
Shimojima
The Inbound Traveler's Guide to Tokyo's Wholesale Packaging Mecca, Retro Stationery & Washi Tape Paradise
Prices, ordering steps, payment details, and common mistakes — in one place.
Quick Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Japanese name | シモジマ (Shimojima) |
| Brand Name | Shimojima / シモジマ (株式会社シモジマ / Shimojima Co., Ltd. / Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime) |
| Store Type | Multi-level wholesale packaging emporium, commercial retail supply center & retro design stationery paradise |
| Target Audience | Stationery collectors, gift wrappers, crafters, party planners, small business owners, and international tourists seeking Japanese washi tapes and paper goods at wholesale prices |
| Ordering Style | Multi-story department store open browsing, bulk packaging displays, individual item retail sales, and centralized checkout registers |
| Membership Required? | No business license or membership required for general retail shopping; open to all individual international visitors |
| Approximate Price Range | Retro Stop-Pail stationery, packaging materials, paper bags, wrapping and store equipment are sold in both consumer and bulk formats. Price, pack size and availability differ; check current labels. Tourist tax-free registration at Asakusabashi was not independently confirmed. |
| Multilingual Support | Shimojima publishes an English store-information page; do not assume multilingual floor staff, translated pricing charts or full English service coverage. |
| Payment Methods | Cash and credit cards (Gekkoso’s official FAQ says credit cards are generally accepted). Digital-wallet acceptance at the Ginza shop was not confirmed from the official pages checked; ask at checkout. |
| Store Network | Shimojima, Package Plaza and east side tokyo are related retail names, but direct-operated versus franchised stores must be counted separately. Use the company’s current locator rather than the unverified combined total of 42. |
What it is
Founded in 1920 (Taisho 9) in Asakusabashi, Tokyo, and listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Shimojima (株式会社シモジマ) is Japan's premier packaging, paper goods, and store equipment emporium. Originally established as a commercial paper merchant supplying Tokyo's traditional wholesale districts, Shimojima opened its colossal warehouses to general consumers, becoming a legendary destination for designers, gift-givers, and stationery obsessives.
The Shimojima Asakusabashi Main Store at 1-30-10 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, is a multi-level packaging specialist with public sales departments on 1F–6F and a 7F showroom/consultation counter. Its floor plan includes writing supplies, stationery, food containers, gift wrapping, shop fixtures and bags. Retro Stop-Pail items are among its recognizable products, but product placement and supply should be checked on arrival.
How to order
Step 1: Navigating the Asakusabashi Main Store (1F–7F)
The Asakusabashi Main Store organizes its vast inventory floor by floor:
- 1F Writing Instruments & Notebooks: Ballpoint pens, markers, fountain pens, notebooks, planners and sticky notes. For masking tape, stickers and origami supplies, see 2F.
- 2F Stationery & Office Supplies: Files, scissors, glues, stamps, masking tapes, greeting cards, labels, school supplies and craft materials.
- 3F Food Containers: Bento containers, cups, paper dishes, food-service boxes and related food packaging.
- 4F Restaurant Supplies & Gift Wrapping: Food-related supplies alongside wrapping paper, gift boxes, ribbons and everyday household products.
- 5F Store Fixtures, Shipping Materials & Events: Display supplies, cartons, cushioning, packaging tapes, event goods and seasonal decorations.
- 6F Bags; 7F Showroom/Consultation: 6F stocks paper and plastic shopping bags, pouches and seals. 7F is the showroom and custom-order consultation area, open 10:00 AM–5:30 PM; there is no public 8F sales level in the official guide.
- Asakusabashi hours: Monday–Saturday 9:30 AM–7:00 PM; Sunday/public holidays 10:00 AM–5:30 PM, with irregular closures. The 7F showroom/consultation counter opens 10:00 AM–5:30 PM.
Step 2: Browsing Bulk Wholesales vs. Individual Packs
- At Shimojima, items are sold both in single consumer packs and bulk wholesale bundles (e.g., packs of 10 or 100).
- Price tags clearly state two figures: the price for a single pack and the discounted unit price for buying in full carton lots.
- Anyone can purchase single items—you do not need to buy in bulk.
Step 3: Cashier Checkout & Tax-Free Processing
- Bring your shopping basket to the checkout registers located on 1F.
- Branch tax-free status: Tourist tax-free service has not been independently verified for the branch named in this guide. Ask the store to confirm its current authorization and eligible items before planning a refund; do not assume that displaying a chain name establishes tax-free status.
- Inform the staff: "Tax-Free kudasai" and present your original physical foreign passport (Temporary Visitor status required).
- Under Japan's airport refund tax-free mechanism (enacted November 1, 2026):
- Pay the full tax-inclusive price. A refund applies only at an authorized shop for an eligible visitor and purchase.
- Only if this specific branch is an authorized tax-free shop, ask staff to register your eligible passport and purchase electronically. A chain name or shopping-mall location does not itself guarantee enrollment.
- Eligible purchase and export: Since November 1, 2026, the former separate statutory categories of “general goods” and “consumables” no longer apply. At an authorized tax-free shop, an eligible visitor must spend at least ¥5,000 excluding tax in total at the same shop on the same day. Eligible goods covered by the purchase record must be taken out of Japan, not consumed or used up in Japan.
- 90-Day Customs Verification: Complete Japan Customs departure verification within 90 days after purchase. Use the required passport and electronic customs procedure; Customs may request an inspection of the goods. Where a check is needed for goods packed in checked baggage, do it before surrendering the bag.
- Packing and Customs: Protect fragile or flat paper stock from creasing; a sturdy flat folder or rigid suitcase works better than relying on checked baggage alone. If Customs needs to inspect registered goods in a checked bag, complete that check before airline baggage drop.
- Refund Execution: After Customs confirms export, the authorized retailer or its designated refund provider returns the applicable tax by the registered refund method. Customs does not pay the refund at the airport. The former immediate point-of-sale exemption and special consumable packaging procedures do not apply to purchases under the new system.
What to order first
1. Showa Retro "Stop-Pail" (ストップペイル) Vintage Stationery
- What it is: Shimojima’s revived HEIKO Stop-Pail 1970s paper-goods pattern: a red checked grid featuring the cat Meme-chan, rabbits, dogs and other small figures, shown in original wrapping-paper and paper-bag lines. Current stationery collaborations and available designs vary.
- Why buy it: A viral cultural phenomenon in Japan; includes retro mini notebooks, pencil cases, tin boxes, and zipper pouches that evoke heartwarming nostalgia.
- Price expectation: Approximately ¥280 to ¥1,400 per item.
2. Wholesale Japanese Washi Masking Tapes (mt / カモ井加工紙)
- What it is: Authentic Japanese washi tape manufactured from natural fibers with gentle, residue-free adhesive.
- Why buy it: Washi masking tape from brands such as mt offers decorative patterns and multiple widths; choose by the printed length and price, and note that adhesive removability differs by product. No across-the-board overseas price advantage is guaranteed.
- Price expectation: Single rolls ~¥120–¥350; multi-roll design sets ~¥650–¥1,800.
3. Fancy Patterned Japanese Paper Bags & Flat Pouches
- What it is: High-quality paper merchandise bags, glassine bags, and gusseted paper sacks printed with charming Japanese graphics.
- Why buy it: Inexpensive, lightweight, and perfect for wrapping small souvenirs, cookies, or handmade gifts for friends back home.
- Price expectation: Packs of 10 to 50 bags ~¥250 to ¥750.
4. Satin & Woven Japanese Ribbons
- What it is: Commercial-grade spools of vibrant single-satin, double-satin, and woven metallic ribbons from top Japanese textile mills.
- Why buy it: Ribbons are useful for gift wraps and packaging, with different widths, finishes and roll lengths. Compare the marked cost per meter or roll rather than assuming a fixed savings percentage overseas.
- Price expectation: Approximately ¥350 to ¥1,500 per 20–30 meter spool.
5. Traditional Japanese Mizuhiki Cord & Envelope Kits
- What it is: Colorful stiffened rice paper cords (Mizuhiki) used to tie ceremonial Japanese gift knots, alongside DIY knot-tying instruction kits.
- Why buy it: An authentic, elegant Japanese decorative art form that creates stunning bookmarks, greeting card accents, and jewelry.
- Price expectation: Cord bundles and starter kits ~¥380 to ¥1,200.
Payment & practical info
- Accepted Payment Modes: Cash (JPY), major global credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, UnionPay), transit IC cards, e-Money, and mobile QR payments.
- Tax-Free Refund Rules (from November 1, 2026; authorized branches only):
- For eligible visitors at an individually authorized branch, the minimum is ¥5,000 excluding tax in aggregate at the same shop on the same day. Check that branch’s current participation before relying on a refund.
- Pay the full tax-inclusive price; if the branch participates, have the purchase electronically registered. Complete Customs export verification within 90 days; for checked goods that need inspection, do this before baggage drop. The seller/refund provider returns the tax by the method registered at purchase.
- All goods covered by a registered tax-free purchase must be exported; items used or consumed in Japan do not qualify for a refund. The former “general goods” and “consumables” statutory classifications no longer apply. Customs can require an actual goods inspection.
- Operating Hours: Asakusabashi Monday–Saturday 9:30 AM–7:00 PM; Sundays/holidays 10:00 AM–5:30 PM, irregular closures. The 7F showroom closes at 5:30 PM.
Good to know / Common mistakes
1. Different Weekday and Sunday Closing Times
The Asakusabashi Main Store closes at 7:00 PM Monday–Saturday and 5:30 PM on Sundays and holidays, with irregular closures. The 7F showroom operates 10:00 AM–5:30 PM. Check the current calendar before travelling, especially on Sundays.
2. Exploring Asakusabashi's Crafting Neighborhood
Asakusabashi is Tokyo's historic bead, leather, and crafting wholesale district. Combine your visit to Shimojima with neighboring shops specializing in leatherworking, glass beads, and traditional Japanese doll-making supplies.
3. Promotional Discount Coupons
Promotional discount coupons may be distributed during specific promotional campaigns or retail trade fairs. Terms, validity periods, exclusions, and minimum purchase conditions apply. Check the official Shimojima website or service counter for details.
FAQ
Q1: Is the Asakusabashi Main Store close to the train station?
Yes. The Asakusabashi Main Store is located less than a 1-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Asakusabashi Station (Sobu Line) or the A4 Exit of Asakusabashi Station on the Toei Asakusa Subway Line.
Q2: Do I need to be a business owner or have a membership card to shop at Shimojima?
No. While Shimojima serves corporate clients and restaurants, all stores are completely open to individual retail shoppers and international tourists without any membership cards or business licenses.
Q3: How do I receive my consumption tax refund under the 2026 airport customs system?
If the particular branch is an authorized tax-free shop and your purchase qualifies, pay the tax-inclusive price and have your passport and purchase recorded there. Within 90 days, complete Japan Customs departure verification (before baggage drop if Customs inspection of checked goods is needed). The retailer or refund provider, not Customs, refunds the tax using the method registered at purchase. Verify branch participation before buying.
Sources
- Shimojima Co., Ltd. Official Corporate Portal (Verified: 2026-11-12)
- Shimojima Asakusabashi Official Floor and Opening Hours (Verified: 2026-11-13)
- Japan Customs Departure Tax-Free Regulations (Verified: 2026-11-12)