Hey FPNers,

So, I'll be in Tokyo for a month starting in early July, and I'm really excited to take advantage of some of the pen options there. I'm sure this has been discussed on other topics, but the search function didn't bring up too much. I think I'd like to buy at least a Pilot Prera and Namiki Vanishing Point while I'm there, but I was wondering a few things:

What are the prices like on these and other comparable pens in Tokyo? I'm a starving student, so if you know where I can get the best deal, I'd be very appreciative! Also, are there any other models/brands in particular (cheap, at least under $50) I should take a look at while I'm there?

Thanks so much, you guys are really experts compared to me

Hi,

Most stores sell at full retail, so you would have to find something with a lower price to start. What is your limit in 円? I can give some suggestions.

プラチナとセーラーとパイロット are all good brands. シャープペンが好きですか? There are often plenty of nice ones in Japan.

Dillon

Throughout the FPN archives you will find many posts outlining what to see and do in Tokyo with regard to pens. Just do the pen tours described on Russ Stutler's pages and you will have accomplished a lot.

Do not expect to find any super bargains as almost all prices are list prices. What I would look for are special or limited editions not available overseas. These cost money and fifty buck is not going to take you far. You might blow it just on travel taking the pen tour. The time it takes to do such a tour should be taken into consideration as well.

My suggestion is that if you are looking for a new pen, stick to Itoya on the Ginza, as they will have the largest selection of new pens. Go to Pilot Pen Station first, stop off at Euro-Box (mostly vintage) as it is on the way, and then to Itoya. From there, take the train to to Shosaikan and call it a day. You can also visit Maruzen, which is just to the northwest of Tokyo Station, before Pilot Pen. the walk is not that bad and you can see what they have in pen books too. While on the Ginza check out the small shops. Window shopping is okay. Check out some of the pen areas in big department stores. This trip will take you all day.

I agree with Dillo and Stan about the price being at full retail. But often Japanese stores have "Special Edition" pens (often special colors of existing model) made for their stores, often sold at the same price as regular models.

VP's (called Pilot "Capless") with gold nib cost more in Japan at 15000 yen plus 5% tax. But they have steel nib model that is sold for 10000 yen, including yellow color one. If you want a gold nib it's relatively inexpensive to buy just the nib unit in the U.S. (nib units are not sold separately in Japan).

Prera costs 3000 yen plus tax. It might be difficult to find M nib in B&M stores.

There was a change in regulation last year in Japan and now retailers have to display the price including the 5% tax on all goods, so you don't have to think about how much extra for tax.

By no means you should go to stores for the experience and to see what are available, but if you are going to be there for a month you might be able to order pen online. Most online stores accept money sent from convenience stores, post offices, or banks. Also COD is often available for a small fee, and delivery is usually VERY quick.

Just the same as in Taiwan! All retailers add the tax in.

Dillon

I've never heard of this brand. Do they sell in the US too?





That's really useful to know, thanks!

Hi,

It's not a brand actually. I was asking if you liked mechanical pencils. Japan has a lot of really nice ones from all sorts of brands. I really like the Pilot ones so I have a lot. I think the Pilot ones could pretty much last forever. They are made well

Dillon

Clearly I should have reviewed this topic before I posted my clone of it. Sorry for the redundancy, folks.

Stan, that sounds like a great day. I think I'll follow that itinerary early on in my own trip.

I don't want to hijack this thread, but....actually, never mind, I won't hijack this one, I'll start another.

--Breck

I will eagerly follow this thread to see how the trip goes!

Doesn't Japan have flea markets? Would those be a good place to hunt for pens?

Wow, I'd never read that term anywhere before, thank you for educating me! (Here I was thinking, "Sharp pen? What?" )



I'd be interested in checking out the flea markets in Tokyo, wherever they are (armed with a Suica card, I'm good to go!). Is there any sort of haggling involved at one? I somehow can't imagine Japanese people trying to argue over prices, but hey, you never know.

The term "Sharp pencil" (often shortened to 'sharpen') cane from Sharp electronics company, because they manufactured first mechanical pencil in Japan. There were replica if the pencil on market recently. I have to find a link later

EDIT:

Sharp corporate history (in Japanese) - it says they got a patent in the U.S. in 1926.

Recently Platinum made replicas of the pencil.

http://www.kubobun.com/shopping/hikkigu/kuridashi.htm

I SO want to go. Whether there is haggling or not!

Well, I just thought I'd post an update.

My first whole day in Tokyo, and I've already bought a pen

I got the Pilot Capless Decimo in Pearl White with a F nib, and I'm so far pretty happy with it. For some reason the Aurora Black I put in it is showing very pale, almost green-y... I know the F nib is like a Western EF, but Aurora is my wettest ink and it's not looking too great at the moment. Any similar problems with other people's Decimos?

The pen was full retail (I assume) at Ito-ya, but then I also found an amazing leather two-pen case in turquoise for ¥1000, which is slightly less than $10! I'm planning on going back to get more of these wonderful cases!