Worth checking out
Shop Tomoe River notebooks
Odyssey’s specific models are easiest to check through Odyssey directly, but Amazon is useful for comparable Tomoe River notebooks and paper options if you want the same fountain-pen-friendly feel.
Quick verdict
Odyssey’s Tomoe River notebooks are a very easy recommendation if you like fountain pens, thin paper, and notebooks that make ink look alive. The 68gsm Tomoe River paper gives that classic crinkly, smooth, high-sheen writing experience, and the range of notebook sizes in the video makes Odyssey feel more like a small stationery ecosystem than a one-off product. The only real caution is the same one that comes with most Tomoe River notebooks: ghosting is part of the deal, and future paper supply was already becoming complicated when this video was filmed.
This review is a hands-on look at several Odyssey notebooks using 68gsm Tomoe River paper, plus a quick explanation of the Tomoe River paper situation that was circulating at the time. In the video I had a larger black “Black Hole” style notebook, a red notebook, a small staple-bound booklet, and a pocket-sized option, so this is less about one single SKU and more about what Odyssey’s paper, formats, and build choices feel like in use.
The short version is that the paper is the star. If you are coming to these notebooks because you want fountain pen ink to shade, sheen, and sit cleanly on the page, that is exactly the lane Odyssey is playing in. The covers and formats are nice, but the reason to care is the Tomoe River writing experience.
Tomoe River paper update
Before getting into the notebooks themselves, the video starts with the paper update. At the time, there had been a lot of concern around Tomoe River paper being discontinued. The update shared in the review was that the 52gsm version had been picked up by Sanzen, while the 68gsm paper used in these Odyssey notebooks was more uncertain. Odyssey had supply for a while, but was also looking at alternatives such as Cosmo Air Light for future products.
That context matters because these notebooks are not just “nice notebooks.” They are notebooks built around a very specific paper experience. If the paper changes, the personality of the notebook changes too. For anyone who buys stationery for fountain pen performance, that is not a small detail.
Writing performance
The writing sample is the best part of the review. Pencil and ballpoint are fine, but Tomoe River is really about liquid ink. Fountain pen lines look crisp, inks show character, and the page has that light, slightly crinkly feel that many people either love immediately or decide is too delicate for their taste.
There is ghosting on the reverse side. That is not a defect; it is the trade-off. Tomoe River paper is thin, so you can expect to see writing through the page, especially with dark inks and broader nibs. What matters is that the paper handles ink without feeling like a cheap notebook that feathers or bleeds everywhere. For my use, ghosting is acceptable here because the writing feel is so good.
| Feature | Notes from the review | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | 68gsm Tomoe River paper with a smooth, ink-friendly surface. | Excellent for fountain pens |
| Ghosting | Visible show-through, especially with darker inks. | Expected, not a deal-breaker |
| Formats | Large notebooks, staple-bound booklet, and pocket options were shown. | Good variety |
| Best for | Fountain pen users, ink testing, journaling, and people who enjoy thin premium paper. | Strong fit |
| Not ideal for | Anyone who hates ghosting or wants thick opaque paper. | Choose another notebook |
Build and notebook formats
The black Odyssey notebook has the most dramatic presentation, especially with the circular cover mark and elastic closure. It feels more premium than a plain paper notebook, but not in a way that distracts from the paper. The red and pink covers bring a brighter, simpler look, and the smaller booklet-style format is useful if you want Tomoe River paper without committing to a large notebook.
I also like that the range gives you choices. A big notebook makes sense for journaling or long-form writing. A pocket notebook is better for quick notes, lists, and testing pens on the go. The staple-bound booklet is a handy way to try the paper or keep a lightweight insert around.
Paper feel and page layout
Tomoe River paper has a distinctive feel: smooth but not plasticky, thin but not flimsy, and very good at letting ink sit beautifully on top of the page. The dotted paper shown in the review is practical because it gives structure without making the page feel busy. For journaling, planning, and testing inks, that is probably the most flexible ruling.
If you are used to thick Leuchtturm or Rhodia-style paper, Odyssey may initially feel delicate. But the point here is not heavy paper. The point is page count, ink behaviour, and that airy Tomoe River handling. Once you accept the ghosting, the writing experience is excellent.
Who should buy these?
These make the most sense for fountain pen users who already know they like Tomoe River paper, or for stationery people who want to understand why Tomoe River has such a loyal following. They are also a good fit if you use lots of inks and want paper that shows off sheen and shading rather than flattening everything.
I would be more cautious if you use markers, heavy wet brush pens, or if you write on both sides and cannot stand seeing anything through the page. The notebook is good, but it cannot change the basic physics of thin paper.
Pros
- Excellent 68gsm Tomoe River paper feel
- Very fountain-pen friendly
- Good range of notebook sizes and formats
- Dot grid and plain options suit journaling and ink testing
- Thin paper allows generous page counts without bulk
Cons
- Ghosting is visible
- 68gsm Tomoe River supply was uncertain at the time
- Not the best choice for people who want thick opaque pages
- Exact Odyssey models may be easier to find through Odyssey than Amazon
FAQ
Are Odyssey Tomoe River notebooks good for fountain pens?
Yes. The 68gsm Tomoe River paper is the main reason to buy them. It handles fountain pen ink beautifully and shows off ink character well.
Do these notebooks have ghosting?
Yes. You can see writing through the page because the paper is thin. It is normal for Tomoe River paper and not the same thing as heavy bleed-through.
What paper weight is used in the reviewed Odyssey notebooks?
The notebooks in this review use 68gsm Tomoe River paper.
Where should I buy them?
For exact Odyssey models, check Odyssey Notebooks directly. For comparable Tomoe River notebooks and paper products, Amazon search can also be useful.
Final thoughts
Odyssey’s Tomoe River notebooks are a lovely option if your priority is paper performance. They are not for everyone, because the ghosting will annoy people who want thick, opaque pages, but for fountain pen writing they deliver the smooth, expressive feel Tomoe River fans are looking for.
The paper-supply context also makes these notebooks feel a little more special. If you specifically want 68gsm Tomoe River paper, Odyssey was one of the brands worth paying attention to. Even if the exact models change over time, this review is a good reminder of why Tomoe River notebooks became so beloved in the first place.
