The Best Stationery for Tomoe River Paper Planners (Beginner Guide)
Tomoe River Paper (TRP) is beloved for a reason: it’s thin, smooth, fountain-pen friendly, and incredibly satisfying to write on. But if you’re new to TRP planners, it can also feel a little intimidating. Smudging, ghosting, bleeding… the tools you choose really matter.
If I were just starting out with Tomoe River Paper planners, these are the stationery items I’d buy first — whether you’re using a Hobonichi, Sterling Ink, or a Tiny Grids planner.
1. Fast-Dry Gel Pens (Non-Negotiable)
TRP is smooth, which also means ink takes a bit longer to dry. Fast-dry gel pens are essential if you don’t want smears everywhere.
My go-tos:
Fast-dry ink is the tradeoff we make for super-smooth paper — and it’s worth it. :P
2. Index Clips (A Total Lifesaver)
If you flip between monthly, weekly, and daily pages often, index clips will change your life.
Recommendation:
They make it easy to jump between sections without bending pages or losing your place. Clean, functional, and surprisingly satisfying to use.
3. Brush Pens (For Headers & Emphasis)
Brush pens are perfect for adding visual variety and making key words stand out without overwhelming the page.
Recommendation:
- Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens (Hard + Soft)
I recommend getting both tips — they’re great for different header sizes and moods.
4. Water-Based Highlighters (TRP-Friendly)
Not all highlighters work well on Tomoe River Paper. Water-based options are designed to minimize bleeding and ghosting.
Favorites:
- Zebra Mildliner (gentle and neutral set)
- Tombow Dual Brush Pens (water-based, Desert Flora set)
5. Grid Washi Tapes (Classic for a Reason)
Grid washi tapes are hands-down one of the most versatile supplies you can own.
They:
- Collage perfectly with almost all sticker styles
- Work for section dividers, accents, or corrections
- Go with literally everything
Affordable, functional, and timeless.
6. A Beginner Fountain Pen
Fountain pens and Tomoe River Paper are a perfect match — this is where TRP really shines.
If you’re curious but not ready to commit, start with an affordable option to see if fountain pens are your thing.
Beginner recommendation:
- Hong Dian C3 (EF nib) for only $16.98. Smooth, reliable, and budget-friendly.
7. Stickers That Spark Joy ✨
Last but not least: stickers.
They’re not essential — but they make planning more fun, and that matters. I always choose quality over quantity. Most importantly, they spark joy in you!
(Yes, Tiny Grids stickers are made with TRP planners in mind 😉)
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to Tomoe River Paper, you don’t need everything. Start with tools that respect the paper, reduce frustration, and help you enjoy the process.
If you found this helpful, feel free to save it or share it with a planner friend who’s just getting started 💙.
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