MT (Masking Tape) Washi Tape
The brand that invented modern washi tape remains the gold standard. Unmatched paper quality, perfectly calibrated adhesive, and hundreds of designs across multiple product lines.
Browse MT Washi Tape on Amazon → Free US shipping on eligible orders *Price approximate at time of writing. Check retailer for current price.Washi tape is one of those products that seems unnecessary until you start using it — then it becomes indispensable. These decorative adhesive tapes, made from traditional Japanese washi (Japanese paper), have transformed how people decorate planners, journals, scrapbooks, and everything in between. The tape is repositionable, tears cleanly by hand, does not leave residue, and comes in thousands of designs ranging from minimalist geometric patterns to elaborate watercolor florals.
Living in Japan, we have access to washi tape selections that would make most craft stores weep with envy. Entire stores dedicated solely to washi tape exist in Tokyo and Osaka. We have tested and used tape from dozens of brands, and we have seen firsthand how the right washi tape can transform a plain planner page into something beautiful and functional.
This guide covers the 15 best washi tape brands for planners and journals, organized by style, quality, and best use case. Whether you are a minimalist planner looking for simple border tapes or a creative journaler who wants elaborate illustrated designs, there is a brand here for you.
Our Top Picks at a Glance:
- MT (Masking Tape) — Best Overall
- Bande — Best Peel-and-Stick Sticker Tape
- Classiky — Best for Minimalists
- Mark’s — Best Patterns
- Round Top — Best for Journaling
- BGM — Best Foil Tape
- Yohaku — Best Aesthetic
- Iroha — Best Seasonal Designs
- Mind Wave — Best Variety
- Aimez le Style — Best Slim Tapes
- Nichiban Petit Joie — Best Budget
- Maste — Best Write-On Tape
- Kitera — Best Specialty Tape
- 3Coins — Best Value Packs
- PINE BOOK — Best Die-Cut Tape
What Makes Washi Tape Special?
Before we dive into brands, it helps to understand what makes washi tape different from regular adhesive tape.
The paper. Authentic washi tape is made from Japanese paper — a semi-translucent, fibrous paper that tears cleanly by hand and has a subtle texture. This paper base gives washi tape its characteristic soft, matte appearance and its ability to be repositioned without damaging surfaces or leaving residue.
The adhesive. Washi tape uses a gentle adhesive that sticks firmly enough to stay in place but allows for repositioning within the first few minutes of application. After 24 hours, the bond strengthens, but the tape can still be peeled off most surfaces without damage. This makes it perfect for planners and journals where you might want to adjust placement.
The printing. Japanese manufacturers use high-quality printing techniques that produce crisp, vibrant designs on the semi-translucent paper base. Many brands use specialized processes — foil stamping, letterpress, watercolor-effect printing — that create designs impossible to achieve on regular tape.
1. MT (Masking Tape) — Best Overall
Approx. ~$4–8 per roll | Rating: 4.9/5
MT, made by Kamoi Kakoshi, is the brand that invented modern washi tape. In 2006, Kamoi — originally an industrial masking tape manufacturer — was approached by a group of enthusiastic customers who saw decorative potential in their plain masking tapes. Kamoi embraced the idea, launched the MT brand, and created an entirely new product category.
MT remains the gold standard for washi tape quality. The paper is consistently excellent — thin enough to be semi-translucent, strong enough to tear cleanly without fraying, and smooth enough for precise placement. The adhesive is perfectly calibrated: strong enough to hold on paper, gentle enough to reposition, and clean enough to remove without residue.
The design range is staggering. MT offers hundreds of designs across multiple sub-lines: MT Slim (3mm and 6mm widths for fine decorative work), MT Wide (wider tapes for borders and backgrounds), MT x Artist (collaborations with designers and illustrators), and seasonal limited editions that sell out quickly. The designs range from simple solid colors and stripes to complex patterns, florals, and artistic prints.
Best Uses
- Planner borders and dividers — the solid colors and stripes are perfect for creating clean visual sections
- Tab marking — fold a piece of MT tape over a page edge for a quick, attractive tab
- General decoration — the quality and variety make MT suitable for virtually any decorative application
2. Bande — Best Peel-and-Stick Sticker Tape
Approx. ~$6–10 per roll | Rating: 4.7/5
Bande represents a clever evolution of washi tape: each roll contains individual die-cut sticker designs arranged in tape format. You peel off individual stickers one at a time — flowers, leaves, animals, food, seasonal motifs — and place them wherever you want. It is the convenience of washi tape (roll format, easy dispensing) combined with the versatility of individual stickers.
The designs are beautifully detailed, with a watercolor-like quality that looks hand-painted. Bande specializes in botanical and natural themes — flowers, plants, fruits, and seasons — rendered with artistic sensitivity that elevates them beyond typical sticker products. Each roll contains approximately 200 stickers.
The stickers are repositionable and writable, meaning you can move them after initial placement and write on top of them with most pens. This makes Bande particularly useful in planners, where you might want to decorate a date or mark an event with a themed sticker.
Best Uses
- Date decoration in monthly and weekly planners
- Seasonal theming for journal pages
- Card-making and letter writing accents
- Scrapbooking and memory-keeping
3. Classiky — Best for Minimalists
Approx. ~$5–8 per roll | Rating: 4.6/5
Classiky takes a design approach that is the opposite of maximalist craft brands. Their tapes feature restrained, elegant designs — simple grids, delicate borders, vintage-inspired typography, and muted color palettes. If your aesthetic leans toward kanso (simplicity) and clean design rather than bright florals and cute characters, Classiky is your brand.
The print quality is exceptional. Classiky uses traditional printing methods that give their tapes a handcrafted, slightly textured quality. The designs look like they belong in a high-end stationery boutique (which, in Japan, is exactly where you find them). The tapes pair beautifully with notebooks like the Midori MD and planners with minimalist aesthetics.
Best Uses
- Functional planning — grid and line tapes work as actual planning tools
- Vintage-style journaling and scrapbooking
- Minimalist planner decoration that adds visual interest without clutter
4. Mark’s — Best Patterns
Approx. ~$4–7 per roll | Rating: 4.5/5
Mark’s Inc. produces some of the most consistently excellent pattern designs in the washi tape world. Their Maste and Maste Writable lines (covered separately below) focus on functional tapes, but the main Mark’s line offers decorative patterns that are sophisticated and versatile — geometric prints, animal motifs, vintage-inspired designs, and seasonal themes.
Mark’s tapes strike a balance between decorative and practical. The patterns are attractive without being overwhelming, which makes them suitable for professional planners and notebooks where cute characters might feel inappropriate. The quality is consistent, with clean printing and reliable adhesive.
Best Uses
- Professional planner decoration — patterns that look sophisticated rather than crafty
- Gift wrapping and card accents
- Notebook decoration for a polished look
5. Round Top — Best for Journaling
Approx. ~$5–9 per roll | Rating: 4.6/5
Round Top specializes in washi tape designed specifically for journaling and memory-keeping. Their Yano Design collaborations are particularly notable — these are illustrated tapes featuring detailed, story-like scenes: cafes, bookshops, gardens, travel destinations, and daily life vignettes. Each roll tells a visual story that adds narrative depth to journal pages.
The illustrations are charming and detailed, with a warm, hand-drawn quality. Round Top tapes are wider than average (typically 20-30mm), which gives the illustrations room to breathe. They look particularly stunning used as full-width borders or as focal elements on journal spreads.
Best Uses
- Creative journaling — scene-setting tapes that establish mood and theme
- Travel journals — destination-themed tapes for trip documentation
- Memory keeping — daily life scenes that capture ordinary moments
Check Round Top Washi Tape on Amazon
6. BGM — Best Foil Tape
Approx. ~$5–8 per roll | Rating: 4.5/5
BGM has carved out a niche as the premier foil washi tape brand. Their tapes feature metallic foil accents — gold, silver, rose gold, holographic — stamped onto washi paper in elegant designs. The foil catches the light and adds a premium, eye-catching quality that standard printed tapes cannot match.
The foil application is precise and durable. It does not flake or peel under normal handling, and it remains shiny and intact over time. BGM offers foil designs in a wide range of themes — florals, constellations, geometric patterns, text, and seasonal motifs.
Best Uses
- Special occasion planning — adding a touch of luxury to important dates
- Gift and card decoration — foil accents elevate handmade items
- Journal title pages and section dividers
7. Yohaku — Best Aesthetic
Approx. ~$6–9 per roll | Rating: 4.7/5
Yohaku is a relatively newer brand that has quickly gained a devoted following in the journaling community. The name yohaku means “margin” or “white space” in Japanese, and the brand’s design philosophy reflects this: muted colors, abundant negative space, and an emphasis on understated beauty. Their tapes feature delicate watercolor washes, botanical sketches, vintage postmark designs, and soft typographic elements.
Yohaku tapes are particularly popular among journalers who practice a muted tone aesthetic — subdued colors, natural textures, and a vintage-inspired feel. The tapes complement earth-toned and neutral journal setups beautifully.
Best Uses
- Aesthetic journaling in muted and vintage styles
- Decorative layering — the semi-translucent paper allows layering tapes for complex effects
- Daily journal decoration that enhances without overwhelming
8-10. Iroha, Mind Wave, and Aimez le Style
8. Iroha — Best Seasonal Designs
Approx. ~$4–7 per roll | Rating: 4.4/5
Iroha excels at seasonal and cultural designs — cherry blossoms for spring, fireworks for summer, autumn leaves, and winter snowscapes. If you change your planner decoration with the seasons (and many Japanese planner users do), Iroha’s seasonal collections are essential.
9. Mind Wave — Best Variety
Approx. ~$3–6 per roll | Rating: 4.3/5
Mind Wave produces an enormous range of tape designs across every theme imaginable — food, animals, space, holidays, daily life, travel, and more. The quality is consistently good (not quite MT-level, but excellent for the price), and the variety ensures you can find a design for any occasion or interest.
10. Aimez le Style — Best Slim Tapes
Approx. ~$4–6 per roll | Rating: 4.4/5
Aimez le Style specializes in slim-width tapes (typically 15mm or less) with delicate, detailed designs. Their tapes are ideal for fine decorative work — borders within weekly planner columns, line accents in daily pages, and subtle decorative touches that do not overwhelm small spaces.
Check Washi Tape Collections on Amazon
11-15. Budget and Specialty Picks
11. Nichiban Petit Joie — Best Budget
Approx. ~$2–4 per roll | Rating: 4.2/5
Nichiban is better known as a medical tape and packaging tape manufacturer, but their Petit Joie washi tape line offers excellent quality at the lowest prices in our list. The designs are simple but cheerful, and the adhesive quality is reliable.
12. Maste — Best Write-On Tape
Approx. ~$4–6 per roll | Rating: 4.5/5
Maste (by Mark’s Inc.) is specifically designed for writing on — the paper surface accepts pen, pencil, and marker ink without feathering or bleeding. This makes Maste ideal for functional planning: use it to create color-coded labels, custom tabs, and writable dividers in your planner.
13. Kitera — Best Specialty Tape
Approx. ~$5–8 per roll | Rating: 4.3/5
Kitera produces specialty tapes including ruler tapes (with printed measurement markings), timeline tapes (with printed time blocks), and planner-specific tapes (with pre-printed checkboxes and headers). These functional tapes add real utility to planners and journals.
14. 3Coins — Best Value Packs
Approx. ~$3–5 per multi-pack | Rating: 4.1/5
3Coins (a Japanese variety store brand) offers multi-packs of washi tape at remarkable value. The designs are trendy and appealing, and while the quality is a step below premium brands, the value proposition is unbeatable for beginners building a collection.
15. PINE BOOK — Best Die-Cut Tape
Approx. ~$5–7 per roll | Rating: 4.4/5
PINE BOOK’s die-cut tapes feature individual shapes — speech bubbles, arrows, circles, tags — arranged in tape format. Peel off a pre-cut shape, stick it in your planner, and write on it. They combine the functionality of stickers with the convenience of tape format.
How to Use Washi Tape in Planners
Functional Uses
- Section dividers: Run a strip of tape across the top or bottom of a section to visually separate areas.
- Color-coded tabs: Fold tape over page edges to create category tabs.
- Date highlighting: Use a strip of tape behind or below important dates to make them stand out.
- Error correction: Cover mistakes by placing tape over them and writing on the tape surface (works best with writable tapes like Maste).
- Custom headers: Create labeled headers by writing on tape strips.
Decorative Uses
- Page borders: Frame pages with tape for a polished, finished look.
- Background patterns: Layer multiple tapes to create textured backgrounds.
- Photo mounting: Use tape to mount photos and ephemera in journals.
- Accent elements: Small pieces of tape used as decorative touches throughout a spread.
Tips for Best Results
- Tear, do not cut. Washi tape tears cleanly by hand with an attractive irregular edge. Scissors create a too-clean edge that can look clinical.
- Layer semi-transparent tapes for complex color effects. The semi-translucent nature of washi paper means layered tapes blend rather than cover.
- Store rolls vertically in a container to prevent the ends from drying out and to see all your designs at a glance.
- Buy one roll before committing to sets. Colors can look different in person than online. Start with a single roll to test the brand’s quality and color accuracy.
For more washi tape inspiration, see our Washi Tape Ideas article.
Japan has entire stores dedicated exclusively to washi tape. The most famous is the MT Factory Tour, held annually in different cities, where Kamoi Kakoshi opens its doors for visitors to see how tape is made and buy exclusive, event-only rolls. In everyday shopping, the Loft and Tokyu Hands department stores carry hundreds of rolls organized by brand and theme, and staff regularly create sample displays showing how to use each tape. For the most jaw-dropping selection, visit the R Store in Tokyo’s Koenji neighborhood or the stationery floor of Itoya in Ginza, where seasonal and limited-edition rolls rotate monthly. Many of these limited releases never make it to international retailers.
Washi Tape Storage Solutions
As your collection grows (and it will), organization becomes important. Here are our recommended storage methods:
Muji acrylic drawers — Clear drawers that let you see your collection at a glance. Stack multiple drawers for a growing collection.
Hanging shoe organizers — An unexpected but excellent solution. Each pocket holds several rolls, and hanging the organizer on a door keeps your collection visible and accessible.
Dedicated tape dispensers — Brands like MT offer desktop dispensers that hold multiple rolls for easy access during crafting sessions.
Travel cases — Small zippered cases or pouches that hold a curated selection of rolls for crafting on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between washi tape and regular masking tape?
Washi tape is made from Japanese washi paper, which is thinner, more translucent, and more flexible than standard masking tape paper. The adhesive is gentler, allowing repositioning and removal without residue. Standard masking tape is thicker, more opaque, and uses a stronger adhesive designed for painting and construction.
Does washi tape damage planner pages?
Generally, no. Washi tape’s gentle adhesive is specifically designed to be removable without damaging paper. However, very thin papers (like Tomoe River at 52gsm) can occasionally tear if you remove tape roughly. Peel slowly and at a low angle to minimize risk on delicate pages.
How long does washi tape stay stuck?
Washi tape adheres well for years under normal conditions. In planners that are stored indoors, tape applied years ago remains firmly in place. Extreme humidity or heat can weaken the adhesive over time, but this is rarely an issue for planners and journals stored at room temperature.
Is there a difference between cheap and expensive washi tape?
Yes. Premium brands (MT, Bande, Yohaku) use higher-quality paper that tears more cleanly, adhesive that repositions more reliably, and printing techniques that produce crisper designs. Cheaper tapes may use synthetic materials labeled as “washi-style” that do not have the same tear quality or adhesive properties. The difference is noticeable.
Can I write on washi tape?
Most washi tapes accept pen, pencil, and marker ink, but the results vary by brand and ink type. Dedicated writable tapes (like Maste) are specifically formulated for writing. Standard decorative tapes generally accept pencil and ballpoint ink but may resist gel pen and fountain pen ink. Test before writing on decorative tapes in your planner.
How do I start a washi tape collection without overspending?
Start with one roll of MT in a solid color and one roll in a pattern you love. Use them in your planner for a month. If you enjoy the process, add 2-3 more rolls. Resist the urge to buy large sets at the beginning — you will develop preferences for specific widths, colors, and brands through use, and your purchases will be more targeted. Budget $10-15 per month for tape, and your collection will grow naturally.
Final Verdict
Washi tape is one of those stationery products that perfectly embodies the Japanese approach to everyday objects: take something functional, make it beautiful, and elevate it to an art form. The best Japanese washi tape brands — MT, Bande, Yohaku, Classiky — produce tapes that genuinely enhance the planning and journaling experience.
Our top recommendation is MT for its unmatched combination of quality, variety, and value. For creative journalers, Bande and Round Top offer designs that tell stories and add depth to pages. And for minimalists, Classiky proves that restraint can be as beautiful as abundance.
Start with one roll. We dare you to stop at one.
Check MT Washi Tape on Amazon | Check Bande Washi Tape on Amazon
For more journaling content, see our Washi Tape Ideas, How to Start Bullet Journaling, and Best Washi Tape Brands.