Close to Ikebukuro in Tokyo, Zoshigaya is a residential neighborhood that is lined with trees and many cafes, bookstores and lifestyle goods stores. An ideal place for a stroll and discover the quiet life of Tokyo. One of the places we love to shop for handmade Japanese souvenirs is Tabineko Zakkaten (旅猫雑貨店).
Tabineko Zakkaten is a lifestyle store that has goods ranging from toys to stationery from all over Japan.
Many traditional crafts in Japan are expensive. However, at Tabibeneko Zakkaten curates items are reasonably priced. Most of the items are traditional arts and crafts and have a deep history and meaning.
Curious to see what you can buy within your budget?
One of the most popular items here are these paper balloons. You can buy various shapes includes cats, carps and panda! Since it is light and eco-friendly, how about giving this as a gift to someone with a baby? You can also use these to decorate corners of your home.
Neko means cat in Japanese and since this store is called "Tabineko" (literally, traveling cat), you will find many products featuring cats.
Maneki Neko is probably the most famous cat in Japan and you can buy various types of Maneki Neko made from papier mache or ceramic here.
A piece combining Maneki Neko and another symbol of Japan, the Daruma.
Another unique piece that combines two cats!
You can also buy straps with the adorable cats!
An extremely unusual item, instead of a cat, you have a raccoon raising its paw!
Notebooks, cards, paper sets with Utagawa Hiroshige's cats created using the Ukiyo-e style.
You can also pick up thread-bound notebooks with gorgeous, traditional Japanese patterns. Each pattern has a meaning, which one would you pick?
You can also buy postcards with Japanese motifs and characters.
Kokeshi are handcrafted wooden dolls, check out these adorable paper clips featuring kokeshi.
You can also buy kokeshi inspired envelopes, post-its, magnets and tapes.
Wouldn't this Kokeshi and Daruma chopstick make for a perfect gift?
Some amazing wall clocks made using paper, ideal to pack in a suitcase and not adding much weight :)
So are you sold on visiting this cute store in Zoshigaya? The Kishibojin Shrine has a festival every October, so you can combine your visit.
Tabineko Zakkaten (旅猫雑貨店)
Address: 2-22-17 Zoshigaya, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Google MAP)
Opening hours: Wed - Fri 12:00-19:00; Weekends and Holidays: 11:00-18:00
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (Open on Mondays, in case of a national holiday)
Official website: http://www.tabineko.jp/Download the Ikidane Nippon App: iOS / Android
Tabineko Zakkaten is a lifestyle store that has goods ranging from toys to stationery from all over Japan.
You can also buy straps with the adorable cats!
