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Paper Tree
Category: Shopping Arts & Crafts Art Supplies Art Supplies [Edit]
1743 Buchanan St(between Post St & Sutter St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
Neighbourhoods: Japantown, Lower Pac Heights, Pacific Heights
(415) 921-7100
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 5:30 pm
Sat 10 am - 4 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
Margaux H. said: "Sometimes you got to see for yourself! I like many people take to heart people's reviews on things and I must say at first I was hesitant to come to this shop but now that I have several times I totally feel the need to speak up! I…" read more »
39 reviews for Paper Tree
Review Highlights
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"A must go place for anyone interested in origami." In 28 reviews -
"...tradition of 1001 folded cranes into a beautiful piece of..." In 4 reviews -
"Highly recommended for those who love stationary." In 11 reviews
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39 reviews in English
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Review from Jason S.
San Jose, CA
5/17/2012
Sweet and charming mom and pop shop with an amazing and extensive array of paper.
- Unique stationary
- Flashy greeting cards
- Books on paper designs
- Books on historic Asian art patterns
- Huge assortment of origami paper
- Also huge assortment of textured paper
- Fun postcards
You will have to check your bags at the counter, but the people who own the shop are incredible nice. -
Review from Anne K.
San Francisco, CA
4/20/2012
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. -
Review from Rinky N.
East Bay
Updated - 3/11/2012
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!Listed in: Things or Places I love that…, Places I would love to have…, I love GOODIE BAGS!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/2/2008
Danger! Danger! Danger!
You can not go to this store without buying something!
I had a gals day out… Read more »
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Review from Jose T.
Chandler, AZ
3/10/2012
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. -
Review from Lisa G.
Woodbridge, CA
3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
This wonderful store in Japantown has beautiful papers. Great selection. Owners are so friendly- a family : daughter, mom, dad, dogs(in back). The daughter is an amazing origami artist. If you love paper, you must check it out!
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Review from Sarah C.
10/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Berna T.
3/18/2008
I was in search of a Girl's Day/Birthday card for my sister Lori, and I stumbled upon this crowded little paper store that was stockpiled with beautiful specialty papers and other assorted goodies. They have great handmade cards and an incredible selection of origami paper & instructional books. Take your time browsing, since it's a bit all-over-the-place in terms of organization - plus, there is so much to see. The ladies who work there are extremely friendly and helpful.
Places like this almost (ALMOST) make me want to attempt a 1,000 paper crane project. (But knowing me I'd get bored after the first 100 and then I'd have to go and hang my head in shame.) -
Review from mokirobinson m.
Oakland, CA
3/7/2006
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. -
Review from Manabu M.
10/27/2009
This is a "wonderful" origami store in Japantown.
When my best friend found out that he had a cancer, I decided to fold one thousand origami cranes for him.
I talked to a young lady at this store about the cranes and she kindly gave me nice advise for my project.
Since my best friend decided to go to a hospice, I was sort of freaked out just worrying if I could not finish folding one thousand cranes before his death or not. (although I did not wish him to pass away but let's face it, he was at the hospice.) Thanks to her advise, I finished the project in 2 months.
Well, he's gone to the heaven but he told me that he would cherish those cranes forever.
Now, I fold origami cranes to wish my customers' health and good luck.
I just love this place. -
Review from Nobu K.
San Francisco, CA
11/18/2006
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.Listed in: Japan Town!
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Review from miriam b.
San Francisco, CA
11/18/2006
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-a thong-amongstslacksters.
Still, love Kinokuniya for glorious paper and stationary, though. -
Review from Jenny K.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2008
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. -
Review from Michael K.
Rosemead, CA
2/8/2010 8 photos
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! -
Review from Yan M.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2007
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! -
Review from Christy M.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2009
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! :) -
Review from Wendy H.
8/9/2006
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. -
Review from Gladys c.
Los Angeles, CA
12/17/2006
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! -
Review from Sarcastic T.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2009
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. -
Review from umeboshi l.
San Francisco, CA
12/29/2007
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. -
Review from Jim C.
Charleston, SC
4/27/2008
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. -
Review from Jess Q.
San Carlos, CA
7/20/2008
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...)Listed in: Japantown, SF
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Review from Keit K.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2010
Lots of little things to buy in here.
Origami stuff is all I've ever bought here.
Decent to pricey here. -
Review from Herminia I.
Chicago, IL
9/29/2010
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. -
Review from charlotte c.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2008
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.
Listed in: Artsy Craftsy
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Review from shannon c.
San Jose, CA
4/22/2008
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.
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Review from Stella Y.
8/22/2008
I love the paper and stationary from here. I'm a paper junkie. Friendly staff and lovely products.
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Review from Valerie F.
Cupertino, CA
11/10/2006
Paper Tree has an amazing selection of origami papers, books on related subjects, and some office supplies as well. I come for the origami papers, and the selection is really good. Some are a bit pricey, but I think it's worth it. The owner knows her stuff too, so if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
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Review from Kris L.
4/12/2009
Really cool store for people interested in origami. I used to be really into origami and would be folding paper all the time. I stopped by yesterday during the Cherry Blossom Festival and they were having this really cool origami exhibit! They had an origami Wall-E, dragons, the neko bus from Tonari no Totoro. It was super cool. No pictures allowed, so you should definitely make a trip there just to see the nifty origami exhibit.
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Review from Arwen O.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2005
Not only do they have every notebook, pen and eraser set you can imagine (sushi? strawberries? paper cranes?), they have shelves of beautiful origami paper, and an amazing selection of books on origami, paper airplanes, bookmaking, kimono fabric, classic japanese design, and even structural polyhedra. Best of all, they were selling vintage copies of "Dennis the Menace and the Cherry Blossom Festival," in honor of said festival. The woman at the cash register told us that she was the model for the girl in the comic who teaches Dennis origami! (Can you tell it's a family-run store?) Highly recommended for those who love stationary.
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Review from Cathy H.
San Francisco, CA
6/21/2006
Asian stationary one-stop shop! Wide selection of inexpensive mizuhiki supplies in bulk.
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Review from Judy L.
San Francisco, CA
10/28/2007
Origami heaven! Lovely staff! In effort to help my family with making 1000 cranes for a friend's wedding, I called Paper Tree for help. They were able to help me choose the paper and even offered the service of framing the cranes into a picture. Also, if you buy 10 packs of origami, one comes for free!
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Review from Anna L.
Seattle, WA
11/7/2009
This store has some things that the other stationery stores in SF don't have - the good airmail envelopes, really good Japanese paper, and my favorite thing is that they let you browse without following you around. It is nice to be able to browse and shop without someone hanging over you and this store is a special treat.
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Review from Smooth R.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2008
This place made Japan Town history. Serving the Japanese Community since I was a young boy. They have origami paper. They offer copying but they do it for you. Not self serve. Almost like staples but not to be compared to Office Depot. I just want to let people know what to look for. Generally small office/ school/ special project supply source. Not selling small desk or cabinets.
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Review from Lainey H.
San Francisco, CA
10/6/2008
When I walked in the door, I saw and felt the presence of warmness. From the way the old man looked and smiled at me, to how I heard the ladies assisting other customers. I didn't thoroughly inspect the store, but I skimmed from here to there and finally landed on the section I was interested most in at the moment : origami. I know.. totally elementary school? Whatever. I had a hard time deciding, but finally settled on the LOVELY HEARTS GIFT SET. Yes, I already came home and messed with it for a while, and it was a tiny bit of a disappointment for $13. But that's okay. The man had a nice face and the store had a "sunny" feeling to it. I'll be back for other stuff =)
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Review from Derek D.
Baltimore, MD
7/14/2007
This is one of my favorite shops in Japantown, I usually go here before I travel home to get gifts for my family. I tend to pick up a few things for myself whenever I go as well. They have an excellent selection of books on origami and lots of folding paper of course, lots of post cards and stationary and even koi fish flags from small to very large.
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Review from Jean R.
La Canada Flintridge, CA
11/26/2008
Paper Tree is a small store with a good selection of origami paper and a bit of stationary. I come here purely for the cheaper solid color packs. They have pretty prints too, but they're much more expensive.
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Review from seven s.
Oakland, CA
3/29/2010
Went here today with my kids on a fieldtrip....WOW I could really spend all day here. Lovely people, family business. Amazing origami displays. Anything origami you will ever need in life, is here. Did I mention the people were nice here? I think this may be my family's new favorite J-town store. 10 stars.
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Review from F L.
San Francisco, CA
12/12/2009
I went there to get Christmas presents, in particular Buddha Boards. I found them and ended up buying a bunch or origami sets as presents. It's a fun place, they have a little origami exhibit with pretty impressive pieces. Very friendly and helpful!
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Review from Mai T.
Campbell, CA
9/19/2008
If you are looking for origami papers or just a paper junkie, come here! Vicky (owner) is super sweet and she even folded a paper crane for us. She has interesting tricks and tidbits on origami too (like all of these shortcuts and techniques). They have all kinds of things in the store that make you want to touch everything and the semi-cluttered stock in the small shop lends itself to a mom & pop atmosphere. They have a broad selection of origami paper colors and sizes. For a small fee, they can also custom cut your papers if you are looking for a specific size that they don't normally carry.
