My TN Debut at Traveler's Factory Kyoto

After attending the Stationery Girls' Expo yesterdayin Kyoto, I took the opportunity to visit Traveler's Factory Kyoto, the holy land of Traveler's Notebooks.

At my recent planner meetingI decided to use a Traveler's Notebook (TN) as my idea journal for 2023. It's a TN I've long admired. I could have bought it at a local stationery store or online, but since I was going to Kyoto anyway, I wanted to visit the shop in person.

Traveler's Factory (TF) is located in a building directly connected to Karasuma Oike Station, two stops from Kyoto Station. There was an escalator to the building right after I exited the ticket gate.

The building where TF is located is called ShinPuhKan, which is said to be a restoration of the former Kyoto Central Telephone Office. It was a wonderful, modern, and airy building with plenty of nature.

Now, into the shop.

The atmosphere inside the shop was a space thatwas packed with the worldview I've seen on their website. I wanted to stay there forever, too.

The staff were very kind, and I appreciated the welcoming atmosphere that made it easy to ask anything. I took advantage of the vibe and took my time choosing.
Because I was carrying an Isetan bag, a staff member asked me,"Are you perhaps coming from the Stationery Girls' Expo?"They mentioned they were participating as well. The world of stationery lovers is small, isn't it?

There was a large space provided for stamping, so I stamped my brand new TN.

Since I wanted my first TN to be the standard color, I didn't choose a limited edition cover, but I did buy the limited edition refill. I was drawn to the POP sign that said it uses Hosho-style paper, which is easy to write on even with a fountain pen.

And this is the TN.

I agonized until the very end between camel and brown.
Even though I just bought my first one, I already want a second, so I want the next one to be camel.
The size is regular. I want to churn out ideas, so I prioritized size over portability.

I bought a pen holder, but I'm afraid of leaving marks on the leather, so I haven't inserted a pen. If I ever take it out with me, I might use a pencil?

I had heard beforehand that the TN is a notebook that is easy to keep closed while writing, so I intended to buy a brass clip from TF... but I completely forgot to buy one. I'll use a different clip as a substitute.

This is my first time using authentic leather goods, and probably my first time using a notebook other than a standard bound planner. Since opening it, I've been touching it with great care.
It has a unique scent, and it's a lovely one. I find myself sniffing it. (I know that sounds like I'm a weirdo.)

Right now, I have three refills held together with a connecting band. The first is my 2023 diary, the second is a grid refill, and the third is the blank refill that came with it.
The thickness is 2.3 cm with the refills connected by the band.

I'm so happy to discover that the regular size fits perfectly in the side pocket of my favorite backpack.

I love it so much that I can't wait to start using it right now.Therefore, instead of waiting until January when the diary starts, I'm going to start using it now, at least for my notes! I had planned to use a Rollbahn until the end of the year, but I've surrendered to the TN.
I hope to write about my experience using it over time and any customizations I make on note. To all fellow TN enthusiasts, let's chat in the comments!