Paper Tree is a family owned arts and crafts store that specializes in origami paper and the store is located in Japan Center in San Francisco's Japantown. The store was founded in 1968 and is the second oldest business in Japantown. Currently the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the original co-founder, Nobuo Mihara, continue to run the store. [Parking]: There are two parking garages within a few blocks away from the store - The Main Garage (1610 Geary Boulevard) and The Fillmore Annex Garage (1650 Fillmore Street). Parking rate = $5 per hour from 12 PM to 6 PM and $3 per hour outside of those hours. I got lucky and was able to find metered parking spots near the intersection of Buchanan St and Sutter St (free on Sunday). [What to Expect]: The store has a really large selection of origami paper. In addition, it also carries 3D / 2D stickers, classic Japanese art prints, noshi envelopes, handcrafted pressed-flower cards, adult anime T-shirts, coloring / origami books, socks, stationery, fabrics for furoshiki, etc. There is also a sign stating "Beware of the Dog" with Moira (a 2-year old Irish Wolfhound) hanging out at the store. [Conclusion]: I am not sure if this shop is worth driving out of the way just to check it out unless you are a passionate origami enthusiast, but it is worth stopping by if you are already in San Francisco's Japantown. P.S. - Paper Tree used to have a sister store in Berkeley called Miki's Paper which focused on paper gallery and Japanese papers, but the shop closed after COVID. read more

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San Francisco is a city full of twist and turns like Lombard street . The crookedest street in world of course is in Vermont ( not the state) street in San Francisco. When it comes to art work in the city some art creations comes in a variety of shapes and forms and have so many multidimensional twists. Hand made art can be explored in different neighborhoods in San Francisco through canvases in the galleries and murals on the walls of the city streets. In Japantown there is a place where art is made on paper and with paper and you can create almost any work of art from plants , flowers and also animals like birds and tigers through the art of origami. This place is located on Buchanan Mall in Japantown in San Francisco and it's called Paper Tree. On a Spring stroll around Japantown in San Francisco there is a place to not only learn about the art of origami but also get the art supplies like origami paper to make the pieces of art. You will find inside lots books about origami along with displays of some of the most amazing art work. Komo was very helpful and gave me a lesson about the origami art sculptures displayed inside Paper Tree. This place is so inspirational origami will become my new hobby. In the month of August every year Paper Tree host the Origami Palooza in San Francisco Japantown. Paper Tree have classes to teach and "train " how to make an origami "Crane" and you can also take flight and make a "paper plane "origami is a fun hobby to stay focus and self "entertain" Come to Paper Tree and book a "session" to learn origami and make paper shapes in the third "dimension "and create animals and plants and your own character "invention "and late August in Japantown they host Origami Palooza an origami "convention" read more

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I have no skill whatsoever in origami. The most advanced thing I know how to fold is probably the standard crane and little jumping frog. Regardless, this is a must if you're in SF Japantown for the first time and definitely if you're interested in papercraft. SUPER impressive display of origami that they have here. Things are folded and tucked in such unique ways that I would have never thought of to create so many of their cool crafts. This includes various animals, dinosaurs, references to pop media (Star Wars, Disney, Ghibli, etc.), plants, and much more. Pretty amazing if you ask me. Their shop dog is also impressively large and also really chill. Fun to see 'em wandering around and just hanging out. They seem to also have community events and classes, including free online ones. I'd definitely check out their website and social media accounts for information, but I always LOVE when businesses foster community and build towards hobbies. They also have private classes and they also do events for corpos or birthdays which is pretty neat. HUGE variety of different papers of all prints, patterns and textures, along with guide books, along with various gifts and art supplies and tools. Prices vary based on what you're getting, but seems quite affordable if you're just getting into the craft and pretty reasonable if you're finding fancier imported paper that'd be difficult finding elsewhere. Staff were friendly and ready to answer any questions that we had. If you have a crafty and artistic side, another reason to visit as well! read more

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Well, I finally bought something here but not what you think. Origami has eluded me my whole life, but I have a faint memory of coming here with my mom when I was knee-high to a man. Yes, this shop has been around since 1968. She was into paper folding but not me. I couldn't fold a crane if you paid me, but they sell more than paper. I saw erasers, socks, and chopsticks among other collectibles. High quality merchandise for sure. What drew me though was a T-shirt where Totoro was destroying the Golden Gate Bridge (Photo 5). I just found it amusing because Totoro is such a cuddly Studio Ghibli creation that the violent take was downright revolutionary. Plus you have to give credit to a store that has lasted over half of a century without compromising its mission or product line. RELATED - Exploring Japantown? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/VXBV7CAzhK read more

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Thank you for yet another year of gift-wrapping artistry (paper complements gifts inside) from Linda, CJ, Hitomi, and Komo, under the watchful supervision of taskmaster Moira. Always so happy with my experience with this wonderful store and superlative staff! read more

Paper Tree - Sample of gifts wrapped at Paper Tree. - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Some of the stationary was more expensive than others but not by much. They have some unique stuff like furoshiki and the dog. Nice variety and sweet employees read more

Paper Tree - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

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What a cool place to explore! The staff was super friendly and the origami exhibits all around were incredible to look at. My partner got a lovely set of cards in a Japanese traditional art print. read more

Paper Tree - Super cool origami display! - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

A great place to check out if like furoshiki, origami or Irish wolfhounds. Staff were all super friendly and helpful. They have a huge selection of origami paper. Also have an origami exhibit. They have a fabric section for furoshiki. And many cards and other unique gifts. read more

Lovely shop filled with nice origami paper, paper balls, small tiny ceramic figurines, special paper for special occasions, and many other neat items that reminded me parts of my childhood. They had these koi fish flags I've been meaning to try to find in multiple sizes. I will come back for the other colors some day. These flags were raised for Boy's Day, a Japanese Holiday. Very kind staff and store guard dog. read more

Marvelous place! If you can't go to Japan but want a small glimpse of their exquisite culture and the beauty of paper art, this is the place! PAPER PAPER PAPER! They have every kind of decorative papers from beautiful cards, to envelopes, wrapping papers, to origami materials. Also on display are some amazing works of origami. A great place to browse and enjoy beautiful paper works! read more

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I found them a few years ago while I was on vacation. Excellent customer service and a very nice selection of papers. At the time I went there, they had many models folded on display which adds a very nice touch to the ambiance. Just recently, I ordered a small amount of paper, around 15 sheets, ranging from 12 to 24 inches. The sheets of kozo and unryu I bought are amazing to fold with, and I also ordered a few sheets of tissue foil, which fold super crisp. Absolutely gorgeous paper. The shipping online does seem expensive at first, but they ship the rolled up papers in a strong tube with crumpled tissue paper on the ends to help protect the papers edges. Unfortunately, USPS can be sloppy with how they handle things, and it did come with a small dent in the tube. Regardless, the paper is virtually unscathed. Once treated, the imperfections disappear. Will 100% be buying from here again! read more

Every time I have gone to Japantown I have wanted to go to Paper Tree but hadn't had a chance. This time we went in and what a lovely surprise! My intention was to browse, but how could I resist a Godzilla t-shirt? Or a Japanese "Jaws" tee? It is awesome!! I also got a couple of unique and gorgeous gifts for my friends at home. The paper goods are endless, and high quality. The service was wonderful, they were very helpful and even let me try on the t-shirt to make sure I was purchasing the right size. They are very good about explaining the significance and process of making Japanese paper and have an extensive collection of mind-blowingly complex origami figures. Loved it here, it is a must-see! read more

Reserved for the super kool and the young at heart. When art mixes with real life and lightens your life and makes life just wonderful without asking for anything in return. Simply superlative from Hector & his grey-hound furry dog that never barks or jumps on you but simply welcomes you. and sweetly greets you at the door and looks forward to your return and remembers everybody. I celebrate the owner too- Linda a true artist who makes Origami wedding dress with matching shoes- check out all the incredibly intricate one of the kind orgami throughout the store- original art to be found here!! read more

My favorite place in San Francisco. Excellent customer service. Store carries a great variety of items for origami and other crafts. They also offer cutting services for all kind of papers which is convenient and reduce time when starting a project. read more

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I go to Japan Town on a regular basis and never knew this store existed. I was scouring the internet for large (like 9in x 9in) yellow origami paper and after striking out on Amazon and some other places, luckily stumbled upon Paper Tree's website. After discovering that they were in SF, I called the store inquiring about inventory (they were out of the size I wanted online) The lovely staff member I spoke with on the phone said they were indeed out, however they have the large size, and they were going to be able to cut it to the size I wanted for a small cutting fee. They cut my paper to size and held it for me for a week (when it was convenient for me to head into the city). Traffic was awful and I called the store to let them know I was running late and she told me it was no problem and was waiting for me past closing time so I could pick up my order. The store has a huge array of origami books and paper and even socks and other fun stuff. Prices are extremely reasonable (the paper for quantity and quality was way better than what is offered on Amazon) and the staff is just super amazing. I highly recommend coming here for all your origami needs. read more

I love this place. I go every time I go to japan town. They offer so many different types of paper. They have lots of origami paper and books. What I love is the displayed of origami art experts. It shows you that you can go beyond the basis. read more

Paper Tree - Amazing art - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

A worthy place to visit especially if you are an origami enthusiast. They have a gallery of world class origami from dragons to ethereal trees, frogs on a plant and an abstract picture of Bruce Lee. What blew my brain off is one intricately scaly dragon that was folded from one paper without cuts. I am like; "Wait...what?!?!?" * jaw dropped. The store also has various kinds of paper materials from painting, folding and those buddha boards which my daughter explained to me teaches one of self expression and letting go. (Very zen like) There are intricate designs from their wrappers which looks high quality. I remember buying those handmade papers in the 90's with flowers on them. But these are vibrantly colored and very exquisitely patterned. You can also get the gel pens cheaper here than at the art store that my daughter goes to. To top it off, our yelp check-in got honored and we got a mini folding paper. Sooo cool! read more

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Linda- thanks for the help. The piece works great in our bedroom! Look forward to working with you in the future. read more

Paper Tree - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is such a cute origami and sticker shop tucked in Japantown. I bought two books of stickers from here for my class and my student loved it. I'm so glad I stumbled across this shop. I would recommend checking this place out if you need any origami supplies or stickers. read more

My visit to Paper Tree made my entire day. Their passion for...and knowledge of paper is amazing. Answered all my questions with more care & detail than I could have possibly hoped for. Love my purchases. This is a really happy place. read more

Amazing shop that provides all that you need to dive into the art of origami! The staff was kind and provided so much information regarding the various products offered. They also have free online classes and beautiful and museum quality pieces on display. read more

Paper Tree - A dragon made with one piece of paper and no cutting. - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

I recently hired Linda Mihara, Origami Master, and owner of Paper Tree-The Origami Store in San Francisco to teach making some basic paper folding objects at a local private birthday party I hosted. We decided upfront on a theme which was creating objects to decorate the home, tree, or presents, for the upcoming holidays. Included were ornaments, mantel pieces, and Star of Davids. She came equipped with papers, instructions, and examples. She was a delight and so patient. The capabilities of the attendees were quite a range, but not one of them felt excluded from being heard or came home empty-handed. She was a delight, cheerful and welcoming. I highly recommend Linda as a teacher of the art of origami as a party, icebreaker, or team-building activity. read more

I visited Paper Tree after passing their window & saw a large amount of Totoro items on display. I was looking for Totoro items for my nieces who live in NYC and bought stuffed animals, coin purses, ceramic cups with silicone lids for hot beverages, socks, pens and key chains. Prices are very reasonable, much less expensive than any store in Japan Center or Japanese accessory store in my current location of Honolulu. They also sell a huge variety of origami paper and cards. The store owner is super nice and helpful too. She told me that it's a family run business for the past 50 years. Thank you Paper Tree! My nieces will be very happy with their Totoro accessories. read more

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Small cute store to get stationary and plushies, there was some trinkets as well. The lady there was super nice, but I felt weird when I pulled out my phone to check in. Then I found out your not supposed to take pictures in this store which is fine, but I felt like she kept watching me to make sure I wasn't. Plushies are super over priced though, but so dang cute. I saw a molang in a cat costume plushie for $60. Not even that big. But I did get a little charm for my phone for $1.×× and some Washi tapes. read more

This is a super cute origami and paper shop! We stumbled upon it as we were walking around Japantown. The staff are all very friendly, welcoming, and helpful. They have some items on display that are handmade by local artists. Worth a stop! read more

Pretty neat store for nick-knacks and all things origami. They also currently have exhibits of amazing origami people (I've included some pictures). The people seemed really nice talking to them (Grandson and grandfather), said they have been there for 40 years and family lived in the area for around 100 years. They also told me a lil bit about the history of the area. Great place for presents! read more

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Everything origami! They have specially printed Japanese paper for all purposes. Books to teach origami. Packs of origami paper in all sizes. Very impressive authentic shop. read more

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Beautiful selection of paper at great prices, very fast shipping (buying from the Bay), and absolutely great customer service. My packages was wrapped neatly and we'll protected in a shipping box. I'm very satisfied with my order and my experience with this business, in person and online. I will definitely be ordering again. Thank you so much, Paper Tree! read more

Paper Tree - Opened package with paper rolled and wrapped neatly in tissue paper and in waterproof paper. - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I travelled from Berkeley to successfully search out some beautiful paper to cover a window and was super-impressed with, and appreciative of, the service that I received from a young man in the store. He pulled out several papers that weren't on display and also advised me on adhesives. I wish I had learned his name so that I could insert it here. A beautiful store with wonderful service! Thank you! read more

Do you love origami? Do you love washi (Japanese paper)? Then you'll dig this spot. This unassuming little shop in the cobblestone plaza area of J-Town has the best assortment of origami I've ever encountered. Even origami squares that are one inch across for that special gnome origami affecionado in your life. They also sell other gift-y items like those kawaii Japanese erasers and other Japanese omiyage (gifts). I bought a children's book on the kappa - a mythical water-dwelling beast that has been rumored to lure children to their watery grave. But of course in true Japanese illustration, it is very cute and smiley. Hey, even if you don't have enough spatial skills to fold a paper airplane, you should still check out this shop. They currently have an origami exhibit that will amaze you. Dragons, creatures and the like come to life out of a flat piece of paper. Also my aunt sells her beautiful handmade cards here. Check out Donna Ueda Creations - they are truly one of a kind creations! read more

Thank you Paper Tree for offering to mail us paper for all our happy origami folding activities! Our order was placed on Tuesday night. It was shipped the following morning and arrived this afternoon in a USPS Priority cardboard mailer. My son held his breath as he opened the box, then breathed a huge sigh of relief when he saw the stacks of papers were carefully wrapped in packing paper and bubble wrap. Everything remained flat and no corners were bent - a true testament to the care you put into ensuring your products arrive in perfect condition. We always visit your store when we visit San Francisco. We cannot wait to return to see you all again. Be safe, stay healthy. read more

The short: Charming and cute paper shop Large sized washi paper of all sorts of colors and patterns lightly hang in racks on the front of the store. I asked what people buy them for: some people buy them to hang up as decorations and others use them for craft projects. Throughout the store are lots of origami paper selections, origami displays, cards, and how-to books. They also have a section of cute Japanese toys and knick knacks. I ended up buying this cute little hamster holding a sunflower seed for my friend. The lady helping me out was so friendly and helpful. I am so eager to go back to explore more of their paper products! read more

Paper Tree - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

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What an amazing origami store, great selection of papers and very helpful staff

All the japanese craft supplies contained in one store! They have origami papers galore plus the mizhuhiki paper cords (way cheaper than what Flax was charging!). They also sell Shikishi boards. These are used for calligraphy but you can draw on it or paste your origami onto these. Some boards come w/ a pretty string or framed with gold paper so you can instantly hang your art. Their prices are cheaper than Kinokuniya's. read more

Only place in the area that sells origami paper. That is paper from JAPAN! You heard me! All the way from JAPAN! I like all the displays they have of fancy origami stuff. The owner I believe decorates the Christmas tree in City Hall. I look forward to Dec so I can go see it. read more

Great selection of crafting goods, oragami paper , stationary, cards and books. Worth checking out for activities for couples and kids, easy place to g eat unique gifts !! The staff is very kind and knowledgeable, and even gave us some recommendations on where to go eat while visiting Japan town !! Worth checking out This store is on a street with a great variety of restaurants bars and shops, come check it out! read more

A stationery and paper lovers dream! I arranged an origami class for my 10 year old niece and she had a great time learning about origami from Linda. Linda is the owner and the business is family owned. She's a fantastic teacher for all ages. The shop is beautiful and the service was excellent. I messaged the shop through Yelp and she was very responsive. We will definitely be back for more lessons and shopping! read more

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My 14 year old son was interested in making paper cranes that connect. I think it is the Renzuru method? He is on the shy side but the owner was very patient to explain what paper to use, how to cut the paper, and how to assemble. She also mentioned that she teaches classes that are in store and online. The classes range from beginners to more advanced. They sell origami online which is a plus since we live a few hours away. We can't thank Linda enough for the time she spent with us. read more

I stopped by this quaint store on my trip to the west coast. Pretty soon I realized that the store is quite literally a goldmine of difficult to obtain and beautiful papers. As if that wasn't enough, the store has on display models by some of the most important names in modern origami. I literally could not believe that pieces designed and folded by the very same people I idolized as a child are out there in those display cases. If origami was more mainstream, some of these pieces could be in museums. Thank you so much to the Mihara family for keeping this store going for so long and having such a deep connection to the origami community. Please visit them if you get the chance. read more

This place still spells D-A-N-G-E-R to me! Despite it's small size it is filled with so many things I love----greeting cards (traditional Japanese cards,cards for all occasions) , tons of origami paper and origami books, miniature obento boxes of plastic food, cute cute cute animal umbrellas, koi noburi in all sizes, paper blow up balls, and much much more. I ended up buying a couple of those mini obento boxes for an ofrenda I'm making, some origami paper and a baby lion umbrella. There is also an ongoing origami exhibit with mind blowing figures--dinosaurs, lobster, beetle, birds that are beyond awesome! This is a wonderful family-owned store that has been around for decades. I am happy to support this warm, friendly store! read more