Origami Kaikan Tokyo – One of My Favorite Places for Paper, Inspiration & Calm

If you love origami or anything about Japanese culture, I think you’d really enjoy Origami Kaikan in Tokyo. It’s one of those places I keep going back to—part shop, part gallery, and part quiet escape.

I usually stop by to pick up beautiful washi paper (some you can’t find anywhere else), and I always leave feeling inspired. You can sometimes catch a paper-making demo, see seasonal origami displays, and if you're lucky, join a quick workshop led by the director—an origami master who’s as kind as he is talented.

One piece that always amazes me is a model called Renzuru—a complex fold where multiple cranes are made from a single sheet of paper, all still connected. It’s incredibly intricate, and very few people can fold it well. Seeing it up close is a reminder of how deep and beautiful origami can be.

I’ve even taken on the Renzuru challenge myself! You can check it out on my Instagram. Let me know if you’ve ever tried folding one too—I’d love to hear your story.

It’s a small, cozy place—but full of creativity and care. Perfect for anyone who folds, collects, or just loves the quiet magic of paper.