Introduction
Washi tape, a decorative masking tape made from traditional Japanese paper, has become a beloved material for art journaling, scrapbooking, and crafting worldwide. Renowned for its unique textures, vibrant patterns, and easy-to-tear yet durable quality, Japanese washi tape offers a special dimension to creative projects. This list highlights the top 8 washi tape designs from authentic Japanese brands and manufacturers, focusing on craftsmanship, originality, and cultural authenticity. Each selection has been evaluated for design uniqueness, production quality, and price range to help nature lovers and stationery fans find the perfect washi tape to brighten their journals and scrapbooks. These tapes are perfect for adding a touch of nature to memory keeping.
1. MT Masking Tape – Classic Floral Series
MT Masking Tape is arguably the most iconic washi tape brand originating from Kyoto, Japan. Their Classic Floral Series features delicate cherry blossoms, peonies, and chrysanthemums rendered in soft pastel hues. What makes this series special is the meticulous attention to detail and the use of traditional Japanese motifs that connect users to the culture behind the craft. The tape is made from 100% natural fibers, providing a semi-transparent finish that layers beautifully on journal pages without overpowering other elements.
Prices typically range from $5 to $7 for a 10-meter roll, making it affordable for both beginners and seasoned scrapbookers. Collectors appreciate MT for its limited edition seasonal prints, which elevate any art journal with a touch of Japanese elegance.
2. Kamoi Kakoshi – Original Pattern Collection
Kamoi Kakoshi, the manufacturer behind MT Tape, also offers an Original Pattern Collection that is less known internationally but equally impressive. These tapes feature abstract geometric shapes and modern color palettes inspired by contemporary Japanese design. The subtle interplay of matte and glossy finishes on the tape surface adds a tactile dimension, perfect for layering and creating depth in art journals.
Prices are slightly higher, around $6 to $8 per 10-meter roll, reflecting the premium production quality. Crafters who enjoy minimalist aesthetics will find this collection particularly appealing, as it blends simplicity with sophistication.
3. King Jim – Zenshin Washi Tape Series
King Jim is a reputable Japanese stationery brand known for practical and artistic products. Their Zenshin Washi Tape Series stands out for its hand-drawn illustrations inspired by nature, including mountains, rivers, and flora native to Japan. This is perfect for nature lovers who want to integrate a natural vibe into their scrapbooks and journals, capturing the essence of Japanese landscapes.
Each roll is about 15mm wide and 7 meters long, priced around $4 to $6, making it a budget-friendly option with a strong cultural connection and artistic flair.
4. Kamio Japan – Kawaii Animal Washi Tape
Kamio Japan’s Kawaii Animal Washi Tape taps into the globally popular “kawaii” aesthetic, featuring adorable animals such as foxes, cranes, and tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs). The design is playful yet rooted in traditional folklore, bridging contemporary cuteness with cultural storytelling. The bright, cheerful colors and whimsical patterns make this tape a favorite for scrapbooking pages dedicated to travel, nature, or family memories.
Expect prices between $3 and $5 per roll, making it accessible for casual crafters and kids alike.
5. Mind Wave – Seasonal Nature Series
Mind Wave is a Japanese company known for beautifully themed stationery. Their Seasonal Nature Series washi tapes showcase the changing seasons of Japan, including autumn maple leaves, spring sakura petals, and snowy winter scenes. The designs are intricately detailed and vibrant, perfect for marking seasonal changes in art journals or creating themed scrapbook pages.
Looking for Sakura petals?
This series is priced around $5 to $7 per 10-meter roll, offering excellent value for high-quality, seasonally inspired visuals that resonate with nature enthusiasts.
6. Plus Corporation – Colorful Traditional Patterns
Plus Corporation is a Japanese stationery maker that produces washi tape featuring traditional patterns such as Asanoha (hemp leaf), Seigaiha (waves), and Kikkō (turtle shell). These patterns are deeply symbolic in Japanese culture and add an authentic cultural element to your creative projects. The tapes are printed with vibrant pigments on semi-transparent washi paper, allowing for layering effects without losing the pattern’s integrity.
Prices range from $4 to $6 per roll, making them a reasonably priced way to incorporate Japanese heritage into your art journaling.
7. Midori – Traveler’s Notebook Washi Tape
Midori, famous for its Traveler’s Notebook series, offers washi tapes designed specifically to complement travel journals and scrapbooks. These tapes often feature maps, vintage postage stamps, and travel-themed icons rendered in muted, earthy tones. The subtle designs are perfect for travel journaling, evoking a sense of adventure and wanderlust inspired by Japanese craftsmanship.
Midori tapes tend to be a bit pricier, averaging $7 to $10 per 10-meter roll, but their compatibility with travel notebooks and superior adhesive quality make them a worthwhile investment.
Looking for Midori tapes tend?
8. Kamoi Kakoshi – Snow Peak Collaboration Washi Tape
Snow Peak, a Niigata-based Japanese outdoor brand renowned for premium camping gear, collaborated with Kamoi Kakoshi to produce exclusive washi tape designs that celebrate nature and the outdoors. These tapes feature minimalist mountain silhouettes, campfire icons, and forest motifs, perfectly suited for adventure seekers who want to bring their love of camping into their art journals and scrapbooks.
Looking for Snow Peak Collaboration?
Priced around $8 to $12 per roll, these limited-edition tapes combine Snow Peak’s outdoor ethos with Kamoi Kakoshi’s washi tape expertise, offering a unique collectible for both outdoor gear fans and stationery collectors.
Honorable Mentions
- Hightide – Retro Japanese Patterns: Known for nostalgic designs inspired by Showa-era Japan, priced around $5.
- Tombow – Botanical Washi Tapes: Featuring detailed plant illustrations, priced between $4 and $6.
- Yano Design – Minimalist Washi Tape: Focused on sleek, simple designs in monochrome palettes, priced $5–$7.
How to Choose the Best Washi Tape for Your Projects
When selecting washi tape for art journaling or scrapbooking, consider the following:
- Design Theme: Choose tapes that complement your journal’s theme—whether it’s nature, travel, or cultural motifs.
- Width and Length: Narrow tapes (5-15mm) are great for borders or accents; wider tapes (up to 30mm) can serve as backgrounds.
- Adhesive Strength: Japanese washi tapes typically have gentle adhesives that are removable without damage—ideal for repositioning.
- Transparency: Semi-transparent tapes allow layering without obscuring underlying details.
- Price and Availability: Authentic Japanese tapes range from $3 to $12; consider your budget and how often you’ll use them.
Conclusion
Japanese washi tapes offer an unparalleled blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, making them perfect for enhancing art journals and scrapbooks. From the iconic MT Masking Tape floral prints to Snow Peak’s outdoor-inspired collaborations, these top 8 designs provide a variety of styles to suit different tastes and projects. Whether you’re a creative soul looking to add a cultural touch to your pages, these authentic Japanese washi tapes bring beauty and functionality to your craft. Explore these options and find the perfect tape to inspire your next creative journey!