Buying Knives in Japan

Recently I've been getting inquiries about where to buy knives in Tokyo. Japanese Knives make a great souvenir to bring back home. With a long history of sword manufacturing, the Japan has a worldwide reputation for high quality knives.

My husband's home town is close to Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture, one of the 7 cities that are designated for Traditional Craft Products for smithery  by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.  So my in-laws send me knives which is the reason I never shopped for knives myself.

But here are some of the major brands and shops in Tokyo that you may want to visit.  (Please click on the brand to go to their website)

KAI - They are a kitchenware brand but specializes in knives, Japanese and western style. Website in Japanese Only)
Kyocera  - Specializes in ceramic knives (English website for USA)
Global by Yoshikin- Specializes in western style stainless steel knives. (Website in English)
Nihonbashi Kiya （日本橋木屋）Famous for traditional Japanese Knives and traditional wooden kitchenware. (Website in English)

You can find them in major department stores and Tokyu Hands or online. KAI has a showroom (you can also purchase them) in Akihabara. Nihonbashi Kiya has a main shop in Nihonbashi. Global has a shop in Roppongi.

If you have time, you can go to Kappabashi to get knives as well. Two main shops are Kamata and Tsubaya

If you would like to know more about traditional knives, please visit the website by Kiya which explains in detail.

KAI House in Akihabara

Address: 3-9-5 Iwamoto-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
TEL：03-3862-6413
Store Hours :9:30 am - 5:30 pm（weekdays only)

Tsubaya in Kappabashi

Address: 3-7-2 Nishi Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3845-2005
Store Hourse:  9:00 am - 5:45 pm (Mon.-Sat),  9:00 am〜5:00 pm (Sun. & National Holidays)

NIhonbashi Kiya in Nihonbashi

KIYA Nihonbashi Main Store
Address
Coredo-Muromachi. 1F, 2-2-1 Nihonbashi-Muromachi 
Chuo-Ku Tokyo 
Tel: 03-3241-0110
STORE HOURS: 10am - 8pm seven days a week. 

Global by Yoshikin in Roppongi

Address :  AXIS Bldg. 2F 5-17-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku  
TEL : 03-3568-2356
Store Hours:  11:00 am - 7:00 pm (Mon.- Sat.)

Kamata in Kappabashi

Address: 2-12-6 Matsugaya Taito-ku, Tokyo
TEL：03-3841-4205
Store Hours: 10 am - 6 pm (Mon-Sat) , 10:30 am.-5:30 pm (Sun. & National Holidays)

Kyocera Ceramic Knife available in most department stores and major supermarkets