Song Be Cafe Kamakura

I write about favourite stationery haunts but now it's time I mentioned somewhere different. I'm trying to get into the habit of archiving my discoveries and using my camera more specially while in Japan. I can't remember exactly when or how I discovered Song Be but it's a firm favourite.

Song Be describes itself (if Google translate can be trusted) as having a rustic old Asian furniture and with the warmth of wood and cloth. This is certainly true the interior has a strong Vietnamese theme as does the menu but along with some Thai dishes and, of course Japanese food.

The first time I went I was feeling a bit adventurous and tried something new; their Zenzai. I didn't like it but it's good to try something new every now and then. Song Be is tucked away but I located right next to the tracks of the JR Kamakura station. It's usually pretty quiet in the day and is a great place to relax and get a few letters written. I suspect it's probably busier during the evening.

There are selection of books, toy and knick knacks as well as local postcard, jewellery and other handmade wares available. There is lots information on local events and stores with lots of cute business cards and flyers as you enter I always take a few for my TN or my letters. Song Be is one my fav places whatever the weather to hang out in that isn't too far from home.

Uguisu

As I had to take a trip to  Roppongi I thought I'd do a quick Google search of anywhere worth checking out while I was in the area. I found Uguisu, a little shop in Roppongi in Azabudai. It's online shop (prices in dollars for thouse outside of Japan) and the blog are run by Hiki who opened the store last year. And as the website says Uguisu is  'A place to find unique and well designed quality Japanese stationery, paper items, kitchen linens, tableware, gift, craft & zakka. Shipped worldwide from Tokyo,'.

Hiki speaks English which was great for me so I was able to ask questions and not have try in my crappy Japanese (I know I should practice more). I had initially gone for myself but ended up buying a couple of Christmas gifts which is always good. I did have to restraint myself though, I really wanted to buy one these beautiful Furoshiki either for myself or my mum (but probably for me) as well as all the pretty paper goods.

I did pick a set of these lovely the air vases for my mum. I had previously seen them at a paper exhibition in Meguro in the summer and regretted not buying them then. I used to have a things for notebooks but now its all about paper bags and mini envelopes. The mini envelopes and paper dots I bought there I absolutely love and have started using on Christmas projects.

I will definitely be making a trip in the new year and will be an online buyer in the future when I 'm living in foreign parts again. Not bad for a last minute Google search eh?!?!

Onkochishin

Way back in May during Golden Week, I found a great little shop in Ofuna not far from the station. It was a very lucky find whilst out and about and since its discovery I have been a regular. ‘Onkochishin’ is a gorgeous shop selling retro furniture and antiques. Filled with not just with Japanese but Western items some of its furniture has been upcycled rather than restored and turned into something absolutely beautiful and new. Onkochishin means Respect the Past, Create the New so a very fitting name for the shop. As motto it is one I like on a personal level and try to live by.

There is the usual mixture of toys, tea sets,  fabric, tables, chairs, pottery, jewellery, books, magazines and my one of my particular favourites; typewriters which I drool over each visit. However, my favourite thing about Onkochishin are the vintage postcards which are a sold at 50¥ each. Not only within my budget but suits me and my paper/postal fixation. I coud spend all day going through their postcard collection. Ninety percent of the postcards are Japanese but there are some international (I found a great on Windsor Castle on my visit trip). They also span decades as well as countries and there are few that are used. So great examples of old, Japanese and foreign stamps and postmarks can be found if you take the time to look. I love finding postcards sent from overseas written in kana with foreign stamps.

Needles to say if I was staying permanently in Japan or had money to burn my purchases would be a lot more than postcards. For now I’m happy with my vintage postcard collection and the few small Christmas gifts I’ve found. An added bonus is that the staff are always really warm and welcoming. I’m always provided with a seat so I can settle down and go through the postcards properly and comfortably. The last few visits I’ve even been given a cup of tea. Onkochishin is definitely one of my favourite haunts and I would strongly recommend it to anyone in the Ofuna area.

Yohira

So after a little research Thursday I found myself in Hase (more about the trip in a future post). I was in search of a well-known paper shop called 'Yohira'. I found out about the shop on a site called ‘Upon a Fold’. I have to check other shop they mentioned Cloud Bldg they have moved and changed their web address since the blog post so it took me a little time to find it (damn my limited Japanese!). I will check them out when I next go to Kamakura.

Yohira did not disappoint though I wish I'd gone into the main stationery shop first. They have two shops side by side, paper goods and then one purely for stationery. I spent more than I liked in each but would have preferred to use some of the more in the stationery shop. But picked up some pretty washi stitched postcards, paper and and letter sets. 

I was spoiled the choice and if I had more money I would've bought a lot more than I did. I'm happy with the things I picked up. After I went to Hase-dara I'll write about that later, I managed to pick up a few little souvenirs which will be great envelope fillers. But below are my new purchases.

Outside display

 

Paper goodies

Beautiful patterns

I love the stitching on these postcards so cute!

The paper is so thick and lush!

You don't know how much I love theses!

Blotting paper, postcards, paper (for new envelopes!) and bookmarks