About
B-Side Label is a Japanese artist collective established in 2003 in Osaka, specializing in high-quality waterproof and UV-protected stickers with over 5,000 different designs and approximately 50 new designs released monthly. All stickers are manufactured in-house with waterproof construction and UV protective film coating, guaranteed to last 3+ years without peeling. ๐
Tokyo Locations:
Harajuku (Main Location)
Location: View on Google Maps
Address: 4-25-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
Hours: 12:00-20:00 daily (closed 3rd Wednesday; open if holiday falls on Wednesday)
Access:
- Meijijingลซ-mae Station (Chiyoda/Fukutoshin Lines): 242m walk
- Harajuku Station (Yamanote Line): 492m walk
- Omotesandล Station (Chiyoda/Ginza/Hanzomon Lines): 0.6km walk
Phone: 03-3478-7700
Shimokitazawa
Address: 2-36-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0031
Hours: 12:00-20:00 (closed Wednesdays; open if holiday falls on Wednesday)
Access: 3-7 minutes walk from Shimokitazawa Station
Kichijoji
Address: 1-16-11 Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-0003
Hours: 12:00-20:00 (closed 3rd Wednesday; open if holiday falls on Wednesday)
Cultural & Artistic Significance
B-Side Label represents a distinct approach to sticker cultureโpositioning stickers as durable art pieces rather than disposable decorations. The collective's emphasis on Japanese artist designs creates uniquely Japanese aesthetic sensibilities: attention to detail, harmonious color palettes, and themes drawing from nature, urban life, and cultural motifs. ๐
The waterproof and UV-protective construction allows stickers to function as long-term personal expression on items like water bottles, laptops, cars, bikes, and surfboards. This durability transforms stickers from temporary decorations into permanent artistic choices reflecting personal identity.
Founded in Osaka but maintaining flagship presence in Tokyo's creative districts (Harajuku, Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji), B-Side Label bridges regional artistic communities while maintaining consistent quality standards across locations.
The Shopping Experience
Overwhelming Design Selection
Over 5,000 different designs organized by theme, artist, and style create both opportunity and choice paralysis. Designs span categories including:
- Nature and wildlife
- Japanese cultural motifs
- Urban and street culture
- Abstract and geometric patterns
- Character and kawaii designs
- Seasonal and limited editions
With 50 new designs monthly, repeat visits reveal fresh inventory. The constant rotation rewards regular customers with evolving selections.
Friendly, Helpful Staff
Staff actively assist with design selection rather than passive retail service. They provide recommendations based on customer preferences, explain artist backgrounds, and suggest complementary designs. This engagement enhances the shopping experience beyond simple transactions. ๐
Free Stickers with Purchases
Complimentary stickers often included with purchases create bonus value and introduce customers to designs they might not have selected independently. This generosity builds brand loyalty and encourages exploration of the full design range. ๐
Budget-Friendly Pricing
Despite premium construction quality, pricing remains accessible ($ category), making B-Side Label stickers excellent souvenirs offering lasting value without significant expense. ๐
Product Features & Quality
Waterproof Construction
In-house manufacturing ensures consistent waterproof quality across all designs. Stickers withstand rain, dishwashers, and outdoor exposure without degradation.
UV Protective Film
UV coating prevents fading even with prolonged sun exposure. Stickers maintain color vibrancy on items like car windows, outdoor gear, and frequently-handled objects.
3+ Year Durability Guarantee
Manufacturer guarantee of 3+ years without peeling demonstrates confidence in construction quality. Many customers report stickers lasting significantly longer with proper application.
Suitable Applications
- Water bottles and thermoses
- Laptops and tablets
- Cars, motorcycles, and bicycles
- Surfboards and outdoor sports equipment
- Phone cases and accessories
- Luggage and travel gear
Visiting Information
Additional Retail Locations
Limited B-Side Label selection also available at:
- LOFT Shibuya (basement stationery floor)
- Tokyu Hands stores (stationery sections)
- Village Vanguard locations ๐
These secondary locations offer convenience but smaller selection than dedicated B-Side Label shops.
Online Shopping
Official online shop at shop.bside-label.com allows pre-shopping research to identify desired designs before visiting physical stores. Online browsing helps navigate the overwhelming in-store selection by pre-identifying favorites.
Language Support: Staff at Harajuku location have basic English; friendly atmosphere compensates for language barriers
Photography: Allowed and encouraged for documenting favorite designs
Payment: Cash and credit cards accepted
Practical Visiting Tips
Choosing Your Location
Harajuku (Main Location) offers largest selection and highest staff availability. Visit when exploring Harajuku/Omotesando for character shopping at Kiddyland or department stores at Shibuya.
Shimokitazawa combines B-Side Label with vintage shopping district atmosphere. Visit for bohemian craft market experience plus sticker shopping. The area offers vintage pins at shops like Flamingo and Notime Shimokitazawa. ๐
Kichijoji suits visitors exploring western Tokyo or combining with Ghibli Museum visits (15-minute walk from museum to Kichijoji Station, then short walk to B-Side Label).
Shopping Strategy
Browse online shop before visiting to identify preferred artists and themes. In-store, don't rushโthe extensive selection rewards methodical browsing. Ask staff for recommendations if overwhelmed; they excel at guiding customers to designs matching stated preferences.
Consider stickers as lightweight, durable souvenirs occupying minimal luggage space while offering long-term functional value. Budget ยฅ200-1,000 depending on quantity and size preferences.
Timing
Weekday afternoons (13:00-16:00) offer quietest browsing. Weekend crowds in Harajuku can make the shop busy, though turnover remains quick.
The 12:00 opening time works well for late-morning start after exploring nearby areas.
Sources
- B-Side Label Official Website: ๐
- Tokyo Cheapo B-Side Label Guide: ๐
- When In Tokyo Guide: ๐
- Plan My Japan Store Guide: ๐
- DiGJAPAN Village Vanguard Reference: ๐
- Shimokitazawa vintage context: ๐
Attraction researched: October 2025
Source: attractions/tokyo/b-side-label-sticker-shops.md