Discovering Sakura Atelier: A Japanese stationery store in Montreal with a twist

I was searching for a Japanese stationery store in Montreal when I came across Sakura Atelier. It looked promising—stocked with pens, notebooks, and stickers from my favourite Japanese brands. But when I arrived and peeked through the window, I saw something unexpected.

Mannequins dressed in J-fashion, stuffed animals, and accessories filled the space. I quickly realized this shop was more than just stationery.

First impressions of Sakura Atelier

Sakura Atelier is a small boutique, but it’s packed with personality. As soon as I stepped inside, I was surrounded by plush toys, keychains, earrings, and stylish Japanese fashion pieces.

The atmosphere was undeniably cute—perfect for anime lovers, kawaii enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to Japanese pop culture.

I came for the Japanese stationery, but honestly, the selection was underwhelming. While they carried some pens, stickers, and notebooks, the variety wasn’t as extensive as I had hoped. If you’re searching for a true stationery haven, this might not be the best spot. Their selection felt more like what you’d find on Temu rather than a specialized stationery boutique.

What I bought instead

Although I left without stationery, I didn’t leave empty-handed. A capybara plush pencil case immediately caught my eye—it was too cute to resist! I also picked up a pair of bao/dumpling earrings, a charming and unique accessory.

I even tried on a plaid J-fashion skirt. It was stylish and fit well, but I couldn’t picture myself wearing it regularly, so I left it behind. Still, it was fun to explore a different side of Japanese fashion in person.

Is Sakura Atelier worth visiting?

If you’re looking for a Japanese stationery store in Montreal, this might not be the best place for a huge selection. But if you love cute accessories, plushies, and anime-inspired fashion, Sakura Atelier is worth checking out.

The shop feels like stepping into a slice of Harajuku—colourful, playful, and full of surprises. While I was hoping for a better stationery selection, I still enjoyed browsing and discovering unique finds.

Final thoughts

Sakura Atelier is a fun stop for anyone who loves Japanese pop culture. While it didn’t satisfy my stationery cravings, it made up for it with its adorable plushies, trendy J-fashion, and cute accessories. If you’re in Montreal and looking for something unique, it’s wmorth a visit—just go in with the right expectations!

Have you visited Sakura Atelier or found a great Japanese stationery store in Montreal? Let me know in the comments!