Where to Buy Japanese Knives in Japan: Guide to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto & Traditional Blade Towns

Why Chefs Around the World Travel to Japan for Knives

Japanese knives are drawing passionate attention from chefs worldwide.

The reason lies in their exceptional sharpness and durability, inherited from the art of swordsmithing. While Western knives are designed to push-cut, Japanese knives are engineered to pull-cut. This difference preserves the fibers of ingredients and produces beautifully clean cross-sections.

At some knife shops in Kappabashi Kitchen Town in Tokyo, as many as 80% of customers come from overseas. Buying a knife in Japan has become a travel destination in its own right.

This article covers the best places to buy Japanese knives, from specialty shops in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto to blade-making towns where you can watch artisans at work.

Japan’s Three Major Blade-Making Regions

Before choosing a knife, it helps to know a little about Japan’s blade-making regions.

Japan has three areas known as its major blade-making regions: Sakai, Seki, and Tsubame-Sanjo. Each has a distinct history and has developed its own unique blade-making culture.

Knives made in these regions are available not only at their place of origin but also at kitchen districts and specialty shops in major Japanese cities. If you want to see and compare knives in person, visiting any of these locations will give you access to a wide selection.

Buying Knives in Tokyo

Tokyo offers the widest range of options for knife shopping. From kitchen districts where knives from across Japan converge, to a professional fish market, to specialty shops with multilingual support, you can choose based on your needs.

Kappabashi Kitchen Town — Where Top Knives from Across Japan Gather

If you are looking for knives in Tokyo, start at Kappabashi Kitchen Town (Kappabashi Dougu Street).

Located between Asakusa and Ueno, this area has over 100 kitchenware shops. Knives from all major production regions including Sakai, Seki, and Tsubame-Sanjo are available here, making it easy to compare different brands in one place.

Kappabashi Kitchen Town - Knife Shops

Kappabashi Kitchen Town is a 5-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express.

Tsukiji Outer Market — Professional-Grade Sashimi Knives

Tsukiji was once home to the largest fish market in the world, known as the kitchen of Tokyo. The wholesale market relocated to Toyosu in 2018, but the Outer Market, where retail shops and restaurants serve the public, remains in Tsukiji, and renowned knife shops continue to operate here.

Given its origins as a fish market, the shops here specialize in professional-grade knives such as yanagiba (sashimi knives) and deba (fish-filleting knives).

These knife shops follow the market schedule, opening early and closing early. A morning visit is recommended.

Tsukiji Outer Market - Knife Shop Directory

Tsukiji Outer Market is a 1-minute walk from Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.

Tower Knives Tokyo — A Specialty Shop with No Language Barrier

If you are unsure about navigating Japanese or choosing the right knife, Tower Knives Tokyo is an excellent option. Located in Tokyo Solamachi at the base of Tokyo Skytree.

Founded in Osaka in 2011 by Canadian Bjorn Heiberg, this specialty knife shop offers service in five languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, French, and Danish. International shipping is also available. You can get personalized advice on everything from knife selection to sharpening techniques.

Buying Knives in Osaka

Osaka is close to Sakai, the heartland of traditional Japanese knives, making it easy to find high-quality blades. From the kitchen district in Namba to production facilities in Sakai, you can choose based on your interests.

Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street — The Western Kitchen District, Older Than Kappabashi

For knife shopping in Osaka, head to Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street, just steps from Namba Station.

Established in 1882, this kitchen district actually predates Kappabashi. Specialty shops carrying Sakai knives line the approximately 150-meter (500-foot) arcade.

A 3-minute walk from Namba Station on the Osaka Metro.

Sakai Denshokan — Find a Lifetime Knife at the Source

Sakai is one of Japan’s three major blade-making regions and produces about 90% of all professional Japanese knives. Sakai Denshokan is the place to experience its history and craftsmanship firsthand.

On the first floor, the TAKUMI SHOP sells Sakai knives with optional name engraving service. The second floor houses the Sakai Cutlery Museum CUT, where you can learn about 600 years of blade-making history. English-speaking staff are on hand, and signage is available in multiple languages (English, Chinese, and Korean). You can also try sharpening and handle-fitting workshops to create a knife that is truly your own.

Tower Knives Osaka — The Flagship Store in Shinsekai

The flagship store of Tower Knives, introduced earlier in the Tokyo section, is located here in the Shinsekai district of Osaka. Like the Tokyo location, it offers service in five languages and international shipping. Located near Tsutenkaku Tower, you can combine your visit with sightseeing.

Buying Knives in Kyoto

Kyoto is home to a collection of long-established knife shops, some with histories spanning several centuries.

Shijo Kawaramachi Area — From Heritage Shops to Modern Specialists

For knife shopping in Kyoto, head to the Shijo Kawaramachi area. A diverse range of knife shops, from centuries-old establishments to modern specialists, cluster around Nishiki Market, Teramachi Street, and Rokkaku Street.

The Shijo Kawaramachi area is served by Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line and Shijo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway. The shops are all within walking distance, spread between Nishiki Market and Rokkaku Street.

Buying from Traditional Blade-Making Towns

Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto bring knives from across Japan together in one place. But Japan also has towns that have nurtured blade-making traditions for hundreds of years. Beyond shopping, these towns offer unique experiences such as watching artisans at work up close.

Seki (Gifu) — The City of Blades Built by Swordsmiths

One of Japan’s three major blade-making regions. Over 700 years ago during the Muromachi period, more than 300 swordsmiths gathered here, producing legendary blades known as Seki no Magoroku, a name synonymous with quality Japanese swords during the feudal era. Today, Seki holds the top domestic market share for household cutlery and is home to famous brands like KAI and GLOBAL.

In Seki, you can tour knife factories and purchase at facilities offering 20% off retail prices. During the Seki Factory Open Days, held several times a year, you can visit multiple manufacturers.

Tsubame-Sanjo (Niigata) — The Metalworking Town That Started with Nails

One of Japan’s three major blade-making regions. Starting from Japanese nail production over 400 years ago in the early Edo period, Tsubame-Sanjo is now world-renowned for Western-style knives and cutlery. Cutlery made here has been used at the Nobel Prize banquet since 1991.

In Tsubame-Sanjo, you can observe knife manufacturing up close at open factories. Forging workshops and sharpening classes are also available, giving you the chance to learn techniques directly from artisans.

Echizen (Fukui) — Japan’s First Designated Traditional Craft Cutlery

In 1337, a swordsmith who relocated from Kyoto is said to have started blade-making in this region. With a history spanning about 700 years, Echizen cutlery was designated as Japan’s first Traditional Craft for blades in 1979.

In Echizen, you can tour Takefu Knife Village, a shared workshop run by 14 knife manufacturers. Knife-making and sharpening classes are available, and you can also visit individual craftsmen’s workshops.

Tosa (Kochi) — One-of-a-Kind Knives Through Free-Forging

Tosa cutlery has over 400 years of history dating back to the early Edo period. With 84% of the prefecture covered in forest, blades for forestry and agriculture such as hatchets and sickles developed in this region.

Free-forging, a technique where blades are shaped entirely by hand without molds, is the hallmark of Tosa cutlery and the tradition that has driven its development. This technique is still practiced today, and in Tosa you can have a one-of-a-kind knife crafted to match your specific needs and build.

What to Know Before You Buy

Now that you have seen the best knife shopping destinations across Japan, here is practical information to keep in mind before making your purchase.

Name Engraving — Make Your Knife Truly Yours

Many specialty shops offer name engraving services. At shops where craftsmen hand-engrave each character, the process may take several days. Machine engraving is typically available for same-day pickup.

Shops Offering Name Engraving

• Aritsugu (Kyoto) — Hand-engraved, may take several days
• Kama-Asa (Kappabashi) — Machine-engraved, same-day available
• Sakai Denshokan (Sakai)
• Ryugado Tosa Tsuboya (Kochi) — Free

Carry-On Restrictions and Shipping Services

Important: Knives cannot be carried in cabin baggage

Knives must be placed in checked baggage. They are not allowed in carry-on luggage.

If you prefer not to carry knives around after purchase, or if you buy multiple knives, consider using shops that offer international shipping.

Shops With International Shipping

• Jikko (Sakai and Kyoto) — WorldShoppingBiz compatible
• Tower Knives (Osaka and Tokyo)
• MUSASHI JAPAN (Kyoto and Asakusa) — Free shipping on orders over 30,000 yen
• Yoshimune Knives (Kyoto) — English online store available

Take Advantage of Tax-Free Shopping

If you are a visitor to Japan, you may be exempt from the consumption tax (10%) if you meet the following conditions.

Conditions

• Less than 6 months since entering Japan
• Purchase of 5,000 yen or more at the same store on the same day
• Present your passport

Look for the Tax-Free sign at participating shops.

Tax-Free Participating Shops

• Tojiro (Tokyo, Osaka, and Tsubame-Sanjo)
• Tsubame-Sanjo Regional Industry Promotion Center
• Tower Knives (Osaka and Tokyo)
• MUSASHI JAPAN (Kyoto and Asakusa)
• Kama-Asa (Kappabashi)

Knife Selection Basics

Japanese knives are broadly divided into two categories: traditional Japanese knives (wabocho) and Western-style knives (yobocho).

• Traditional Japanese knives: Mostly single-bevel, producing clean and beautiful cross-sections. Types include deba, yanagiba, and usuba, each designed for specific purposes
• Western-style knives: Double-bevel and easy to handle. Types include gyuto (chef’s knife) and paring knives

If you are unsure, the Santoku knife is a great starting point. Born in Japan, it combines the best of both Japanese and Western knife designs, handling meat, fish, and vegetables with ease.

The blade material (carbon steel, stainless steel, etc.) also affects sharpness and ease of maintenance.

For more on knife types, materials, and sharpening techniques, see the article below.

Finding a Knife for a Lifetime

From specialty shops in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto to traditional blade-making towns where artisans still practice their craft. Japan has knife districts across the country.

Start by visiting specialty shops in major cities, where you can hold and compare knives gathered from across Japan. If a particular region catches your interest, consider traveling there. A visit to the source lets you tour actual workshops and connect with the craftsmen themselves.

The reason Japanese knives are so sought after worldwide is the skill of artisans who continue to preserve and advance forging techniques passed down from generations of swordsmiths.

Exceptional sharpness, beauty, and the quality to last a lifetime with proper care.

Pick one up, feel the weight in your hand, and experience the precision of Japanese craftsmanship for yourself.