Au Papier Japonais is a shrine to traditional Japanese paper and craftsmanship, quietly holding court in the Mile End for decades. The shop specializes in washi, a type of handmade Japanese paper, with over 800 varieties lining the shelves in a dizzying array of textures and patterns. The collection doesn’t stop there: you’ll also find specialty papers from around the world, Rhodia notebooks, letter-writing sets, calligraphy tools, and sleek office supplies. Beyond paper, there are tea cups, bento boxes, and small decorative objects—each item carefully curated with a strong thread of Japanese design. When workshops are running, they dig into the art of origami, bookbinding, and calligraphy. Whether you’re shopping for a one-of-a-kind gift or looking to reconnect with the tactile, analogue world, this place offers a quiet kind of magic you won’t find anywhere else.