Wrapping Paper That’s Too Nice For Any Present

There’s one problem with shopping at the chiyogami store in Yanaka – in a matter of  minutes, my shopping basket was stacked with ten times the number of sheets I came for, and all of them were whispering, “Frame me!” Even though the paper isn’t expensive, I knew when I got home I wouldn’t be able to bear cutting up and sticking a piece of tape on any of them. In fact, I wasn’t sure I could give them away.

This store’s designs are so wonderful, Van Gogh immortalized one of them in a painting. If you ask, the cashier will show you a book with a picture of the painting, and sure enough, the paper in the background is recognizable as one that they still sell in the store today! I guess Van Gogh had the same problem.

If you’d like to go to the Isetatsu chiyogami store the next time you’re in Tokyo, here’s a map. And for other great things to do in that neighborhood, visit the Yanaka page on my website, The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had.

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The Last Tea Bowl Thief was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for
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“A fascinating mix of history and mystery.” —Booklist

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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had