Vicky, the owner, was on a post-prison Martha Stewart show! They are the only place I can find that makes copies in this area. They also have about 1,000 origami how-to books. read more

GOOD PRICES, GREAT SELECTION, AMAZINGLY FRIENDLY SERVICE (Skip the mall stationery store...come here for small town cozy experience) This place makes you feel like you've stepped into Mayberry in Japan. Not only do they have a great selection of paper goods and Japanese chotzkes, but their prices are super reasonable. Much better than the stationery store in the mall next to Kinokuniya Bookstore. The best thing about this place are the owners, Vicki, Linda and their dad. They are super friendly, and have that "we care about our customers like they're family" kind of feel. So refreshing and makes me nostalgic for the good ole days! read more

I just love this place. I have just gone there for browsing. When I walk in there 1st time, 28 years ago, J-town was more J-town. Old Authentic J-town. I think this place is original J-town store still going strong with Benkyo-do right next door. I just give my respect. read more

Did you know that this is the place to make photocopies in J-town? Don't go to Kinko's because it is gonna cost an arm, a leg, and your brain cells and frustration at the non-customer service. Nobu Mihara has been running this place since the late 60s and they probably will have Vicky run it with her garnered fame with origami on Martha Stewart, etc. Not the most organized store and the Mihara's will put your document on the copy machine and it's not private love letters that should be reviewed by them for J-town gossip news, but hey gotta love that it is not a Officemaxigalorioussuckholeindapocketnon-service-athong-amongstslacksters. Still, love Kinokuniya for glorious paper and stationary, though. read more

My fave store in Japantown! The owners are ace and super into paper crafts. They have sumi brushes including the ones that are a few together. 3-10 sumi brushes in various widths. Perfect for ceramics and large areas. They have cute stationary, fun little bits, interesting math books re: the science behind paper folding. There is stuff for scrapbooking, paper curling, and more. Awesome specimens to look at. 500+ fold wall-e! Paper sculptures made from 1 sheet of folder paper. It's mind boggling g and amazingly cool. Part of my top 10 SF haunts. The Thai place down the street "jitlada" is a great place to go if you need a snack. read more

Paper Tree - Wall-e over 500 folds! - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

I can't tell you how impressed I am with Linda and the Paper Tree. After writing a cold email to their website asking about a service not mentioned on their website Linda was not only quick to respond but very enthusiastic about the idea. This was not just another job for Linda, she wanted to know details to help her complete the task I asked. There was the genuine interest in not only making this idea work but making it amazing. The final product was everything I was asking for and more. Five points for five stars - Customer Service - Actually caring about what the customer wants - Going above and beyond what is asked - Setting accurate time expectations - Affordability read more

My friend Katie F. needed to buy a present for her "niece" (not by blood, by friendship), a precocious 8 year old. We figured no ordinary present would do, so we stopped by the Japanese stationary shop Paper Tree. When we walked in on a cold drizzly Thursday afternoon, there were only a few other people there but I blame it on the weather (and weekday). This small shop is packed with old fashioned Japanese toys (paper blow up balls anyone), erasers in the shapes of hamsters, VW bugs with surfboards, pandas, different piece of sushi, and even lobster on a bed of lettuce haha. Katie picked up a great little Buddha Board- paintbrush+water=eight year old zen moments (until the water evaporates leaving a clean slate once again). This place was a little piece of Japan, right down to the warm and friendly customer service. Just what I needed after braving the rain! :) read more

This little store is so charming! My friends and I came in here after having lunch in the area and we were amazed by the various origami pieces displayed around the store. I used to love doing origami when I was younger, so I was very much in awe of the skillfully crafted paper animals and characters that the store had. Aside from the works of art on display, the store also has a huge variety of origami paper and some other craft supplies at fairly reasonable prices. They have paper of all textures, colors, and patterns. I got a little set of paper for folding stars for around $2! The clerk behind the counter was an older man who was very kind and courteous. He explained some of the origami art displays around the store to us and you can just immediately sense his enthusiasm about the craft. All in all, I say come here for your origami supplies! I feel like it's important to support good local business and this is a place that seems like it really understands what it's doing and will treat its customers well! read more

Super nice couple that stayed open as we ran in just before closing. They had the squishies and spinners my daughter had been looking for. Prices were fair (I'd seen higher at the stores across the way in the Japan Mall). Better quality than what we'd seen in Chinatown. I know this is a fad but I really appreciate their patience because it made the trip extra special for my daughter. Needless to say the store had a ton of other items but we didn't want to take up extra time. read more

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

This is primarily an origami shop although there is a great selection of other Japanese craft books. The name might lead you to believe this is a paper store, but I found the selection of origami books to be the most outstanding feature of this store. The selection of advanced origami books is especially good, most stores tend to stock only beginner books, which is annoying when you already know how to make the crane, box, and so forth. Books from Robert Lang, John Montroll and other well known origami authors were on display, as well as rarer books in Japanese. They also carry books that focus on math and origami, which are great for absorbing kids in math lessons. Definitely worth a trip if you are an origami enthusiast. read more

I love any kind of paper store and Paper Tree is no exception. The owners asked us if she could help us find anything. I was just browsing. They have tons of paper, not just for origami. Most papers are from Japan, I think. I really like to browse their origami exhibit. Price wise, it's pretty competitive with all the online stores. I am not from SF and didn't know that they charge people for bags. I know they put out a sign but I didn't see it. It's only 10 cents, oh well. I really recommend to check out this unique store in Japantown. Don't forget to get some mochi from next door. read more

This is such a cute store and I love all their stuffs! They have the cutest sushi erasers, so finely crafted and I can't believe anyone would actually use it! I wished I was back in grade school and can show off some of these cute stationary! They have the nicest hand-crafted greeting cards, origami papers, rice papers, sushi magnets, just overall great lil knicks knacks and gifts. One shopper was hunting down storybooks for her lil nephew and they have a great selection that she was having a tough time to decide on one. The staff were ever so friendly and helpful. Loved it! read more

Some of the aisles are not accessible, but you can get a wheelchair into the store at least a little way. And if you're a fan of paper or origami, it may be worth it. They try to widen the aisles every so often, but it's a small space and there's a lot of stuff. If you specifically want to see something or need help finding paper or a book, just ask and they will fetch things for you. If you're interested in the art of origami, plan to kill a couple hours here. The exhibit of amazing original origami art alone is worth it. There's also books on origami and a huge selection of papers. This is absolutely a family business. Vicky is second-generation, and her parents still work there as well. Vicky's sister does paper importing. They're all friendly and helpful and knowledgeable. Vicky is famous in the origami world and even out of it - she's been on TV, crafts shows, and so on, and her work has been exhibited in major museums. Personally, I can fold a wobbly crane and that's about it. But I love good paper. This place has millions of kinds of washi, including gorgeous handmade stuff imported from Japan. I wanted some for our wedding invitations, and found exactly what we wanted here, with assistance from Vicky and a lot of sample books - she even gave me samples to take home to show the fiance when our first choice wasn't available. Vicky has been super helpful and cheerful and just all-around amazing helping me with the wedding papers, which is all the more amazing when I tell you that I came in for some of this stuff smack in the middle of the Cherry Blossom Festival when everyone in Nihonmachi is crazy busy. And then there's the mizuhiki - Japanese art strings of paper traditionally tied in pretty knots around envelopes or made into artistic embellishments. Vicky was super patient with my ignoramus questions about how best to use them and if there were any ways I should NOT tie them - I'd been told there was a "funeral knot" only used on funeral envelopes and that this was a very tacky idea for wedding invitations, but nobody seemed to know what that knot was. She explained the finer details and reassured me. For people even more fumble-fingered than I am, you can order origami works done for you - people often request cranes for weddings or the like. Order well in advance though! For kids, there's origami books, fold-and-cut paper critters, and a few small toys and project books. Don't send small kids in here unsupervised though. read more

Great store for Totoro merchandise, origami paper, and art supplies! They also have washi paper with beautiful designs, as well as tiny sheets of origami paper in all sorts of colours, sheens (metallic), and patterns. They definitely have a wide selection of origami paper in terms of size and patterns. The pricing is a bit expensive for some items but fairly reasonable for the pens and origami paper. The people who work here are very sweet, friendly, and helpful. One more thing -- they have a great selection of origami books. I saw a hilarious book on knitted meerkats (it was funny at the time because it just seemed so random and out-of-place). They have a lot of Totoro merch but it was way out of my price range, unfortunately. Be sure to stop by if you are hungry for some Totoro, washi paper, origami paper, pens, or even oil pastels! read more

Paper Tree is one of the only stores left in the U.S. to carry traditional Japanese paper products. The staff are very helpful and polite. Highly recommend to anyone looking for paper craft supplies. read more

Great place and service. We needed gold markers and tried out a similar kind but the tips were actually different that won't be expected. Chisel versus the other type. There wasn't a tester at the time I bought them which is why we got the wrong ones but I was able to return all the pens I bought including the open ones. Make sure to check what type it is but would go back for other supplies I needed. read more

Amazing staff, and an extremely helpful and welcoming shopkeeper! I came here on a Sunday afternoon, and was just browsing around, and ended up getting some Autumn themed letter paper from Japan. This store offers a unique array of stationary materials, focusing on mostly origami paper. The best part is, they have many items that you probably won't find in Maido or Kinokuniya. Thank you for all your help! read more

Paper Tree - Already putting my new letter paper to good use :) - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is my go-to store for all things origami. They have the largest selection of paper and if I'm hitting a mental block, they've also got a wide selection of books. The Mihara's are so friendly and helpful. I went in there to buy some paper for a calligraphy project and had no clue what I was looking for, but Vicky was able to help me find the perfect thing. I must say my project turned out looking FAN-tastic! They've also got a cute little array of gift items (the sword paper cuttters are favorites of mine...) read more

Fun little store. Even though I have never seemed to be able to do origami, I had to stop in after I stumbled upon this place in Japantown. I ended up getting these super cute place markers for grad school (random animals on post it paper) and a kids' origami pack. The pack had 12 pre-printed papers of animals (cat, dog, rabbit) with fold lines and numbers as well as easy instructions. I was ale to do it! I plan to use these with the kids I work with. Oh and my favorite part was the Buddha board display sign "3 stroke limit per person" hahahah read more

Are you gah-gah for paper? Are you indecisive as all hell like I am? I highly suggest that you allot yourself a decent chunk of time so you can pick up and examine every piece of gorgeous paper, informative books and cutesy stationary items. This isn't a huge space, but there is certainly a lot packed into it. The nice man at the register was so friendly and cute. Most importantly, he was patient ... even though I kept get distracted by all the little things around the register while he was ringing me up. read more

Totally in love. I am not talented in the arts and crafts area, but I wish I was and I love paper, and stickers, and stamps and ribbon and. . . I managed to buy some stuff here for who knows what, but I'll figure it out. Just too cool! The origami gallery is pretty amazing to see. read more

Seriously, what's not to like about this store? First of all, the customer service is excellent. The guy that works there is very helpful and friendly. They have origami supplies for every level of paper folder. My wife is very into origami. I am not good at it at all. She buys supplies there. I ended up with a book of glue-together paper monsters. I was very happy with my purchase, and so was she. My family was amazed at the origami pieces that they had displayed there. They have some mind-blowing stuff. Unfortunately, they do not allow you to take pictures in the store, so we respected their wishes. Nevertheless, the exhibits they have there is intensely inspiring. They really display the great reaches of the human imagination. Even if I wasn't in the market for origami supplies, I'd go there just to see their displays. You don't have to be into origami to appreciate it. read more

I popped in here during a quick detour in to Japantown to be greeted by the sweetest and most friendly woman who owns this business named Linda. Inside is a mini-museum of origami artwork- from Dresses and Heels, a remarkable Dragon, to Wall-E. This is definitely a must stop! read more

Wow!!! What cool spot - a visit here really makes you appreciate the art of Origami. Linda and her family are very helpful and have some amazing pieces on display inside the store. Call or stop by for cool anniversary/birthday gifts Cheers! Tuxedo Cat Anniversary (Nick) read more

Super cute paper shop! The paper you can use for arts and crafts or for decor. There are large washi paper and small origami paper (with origami displays). Like a Paper Source, there are also lots of cards and books. More importantly, there is a selection of the most adorable Japanese stuffed animals! It is pricey though :( read more

Looking for a particular color for origami paper this is the place! Great service as well. I recently bought origami paper (50 pieces) from amazon in a certain shade and needless to say it was the wrong shade and delayed shipping. I searched different stores in San Jose to find the color as timing was also the essence and since I work in Mountain View sometimes it would be along my way. I found nothing to my dismay. I searched for origami paper on google search engine and found this store. I called them up and they had the color I was looking for, my heart skipped a beat. They offered to mail it. The package was for 100 pieces for the same price I bought for 50pieces in amazon, it's a steal. Since I knew I was not going to make it on time to the store I had one of my good friends pick it up, I paid for it over the phone another plus. I met up with my friend that night; two for one deal since I love having dinner with her and this was just the excuse I needed. I looked at paper and it was EXACTLY what I had in mind. If I didn't need it immediately I would have it shipped. I will definitely do business here again. No more searching and no amazon for my origami paper search. Thank you paper tree! read more

Just celebrated my daughter's 6th birthday with an origami class. She had so much fun making a butterfly, heart, house, and a cup. Such an adorable local shop. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable, and patient with instructing both my 6 and 12 year old. Definitely will continue in supporting this local gem. read more

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

What a fun family-owned store! It's filled with all kinds of origami and stationary. I personally like the variety of sushi erasers and magnets. The best are the paper wallets for $3. They are super unique, lasts a long time and make great gifts. The owner was featured on Martha Stewart's show - random fun fact! read more

Nob, Shiz, Vicky & Linda are great community people that have kept their store open since the 60's. I love them all and love the store. Yeah it's a bit unorganized, but that's the fun part. You never know what you'll find. A must go place for anyone interested in origami. Plus where else can you get expert advice like Vicky and Linda's. read more

My mom and wife shopped while I sat on a bench outside the store stuffing myself with fresh mochi from next door. After 30 mins, I decided to look in and see what they were up to. To my suprise, it was not your ordinary paper store. This store has an amazing selection of origami paper, related books, and knick knack of all types. I ended up buying a couple of books, some things for my office, and small gifts. Wife and mom loaded up on origami papers, stationary and plenty of take home trinkets. The family that owns this store are great. They have a dog named Fidel who looks exactly like our dog, just a little older. read more

Great family-run business with extraordinary customer service. Needed to replace the paper on my tonsu sliding doors. From the moment of the phone call to check on what supplies they carried, to the moment I left the store after coming in and purchasing what I needed, I found Linda to be incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. She walked me through the process of replacing the paper and then scoured the store for the perfect paper that would match the design of the tonsu and living room where it is placed. The shop is lovely with an origami sculpture and many origami supplies and books. It's a treasure. read more

Lots of little things to buy in here. Origami stuff is all I've ever bought here. Decent to pricey here. read more

This store is amazing. The staff is kind, generous, and knowledgeable. I have frequented this store many times in the past because they are among the most affordable. I found a large pack of origami paper at this store that cost twice as much at stores nearby. Of course, there is more expensive, higher-end paper products, if that is what you are in the market for. They also have a selection of cute Japan-centered objects (e.g.--Totoro, etc.) At any rate, the last time I went in to buy origami to use in my classroom, I mentioned to Linda (the owner) that I teach my first graders about Japan and origami and she invited us in for a visit. When we came to visit, she showed the children some of the amazing origami models and then took the time to teach them a simple model. The kids were fascinated and truly appreciative! It didn't end there because when I stopped by to drop off a thank you card we made, Linda was through the roof with genuine excitement. This store is a treasure (and incidentally, a pretty historical spot!) Stop by if you are in the neighborhood! read more

I'd recommend coming here just to look at the origami art in the window - it's outright IMPRESSIVE. I honestly had no idea that origami could get so complicated. If you need paper for your art projects, this is your store! read more

When my father was in the Army and stationed in Japan, he worked with a number of folks, some of them Japanese. One of them was the (lady) owner of this store! My parents and the owners have known each other since the mid 50s! I was fortunate to come here with my parents and it was nice to see them catch up. As the title implies, the paper in this stationary shop is king. High quality products. To see the origami on display was amazing. This is a charming place. Don't miss it. If you go to JapanTown, it is easy to stay within the Plaza. Head outside and head to a number of shops and restaurants outside. This is one of them. read more

It was fate that brought me into the Paper Tree, 2,000 miles away from home. Several months before my wedding, my Japanese-American mother-in-law informed my fiancé and I that we needed to really get started on folding our 1001 paper cranes for our wedding. The idea of learning how to fold and actually folding 1001 origami cranes definitely lit a fire under our behinds and we began searching for paper and ways to display the cranes. After contacting a paper crane artist in Hawaii, she sent me on a mission to find 3 inch, blue origami paper (which i eventually discovered was non-existent). I got on Google and called every origami store in the country looking for this specific size. Luckily when i called the Paper Tree, a lovely lady (Linda) answered the phone and tried to help track down this specific paper size. After contacting her manufacturer, she told me that while they didn't carry that size she could have them custom make me that size. Unsure on whether i wanted to go through that trouble, Linda informed me that she was also an origami artist. Not only could she put together our picture using the 3.5 inch paper that her store sold, but she could also assemble the piece sooner than the artist i originally contacted. We ended up calling each other back and forth and discussing my fiance's family's history with her and the history of the Japanese community in SF. Now it just so happened, that the fiance's family was planning a weekend trip to SF to visit an aunt. When i told Linda of my upcoming trip and the location of our hotel, she informed me that we were actually going to be staying across the street from her shop! If that's not fate, than i don't know what else is. We paid her a visit on our first full day, and she truly was as sweet and beautiful in person as she was on the phone. The shop is super cute with tons of nice gifts and paper goods. After shipping her our folded cranes, Linda had our piece back to us two weeks before our wedding, and it was beautiful. She even included a poem on the back for us. I was so amazed at how she transformed a cultural tradition of 1001 folded cranes into a beautiful piece of art. Now every time i look up at my framed cranes, i think of all the amazing people who helped us, including Linda, and the wish of a beautiful marriage coming true. read more

Excellent specialty store for all things origami. I've folded for over a decade and typically produce 10+ hour ultra-complex projects; this store has the best paper and books for someone at that level as well as all the beginning and intermediate steps along the way. Truly the best for what they offer, and even well priced! read more

I love the paper and stationary from here. I'm a paper junkie. Friendly staff and lovely products.

I fell in love with paper stores in Paris and until now America has disappointed me. I don't use specialty paper. I have no need for a good paper store because I don't do paper-related crafts. But I like to browse, and oh, what a delight Paper Tree was to browse! Lots of perfect, affordable gifts, small cookbooks, attractive notebooks, and, of course, pretty pieces of paper for all your folding needs. It smells nice, too. read more

Come for the origami paper and books, stay for the tchotchkes ! My friend Adam found the origami book of his childhood here, and was so excited to see it again, I thought he was going to explode with happiness. I was just as excited when I found little Japanese nesting dolls-the predecessor to the more infamous Russian matryoshkas-in the shape of little daruma. The tiniest one is the cutest thing I've ever seen ! Luckily my carpal tunnel syndrome prevents me from getting addicted to origami again, but I will be back for some of the larger sheets of beautiful papers. read more