Top 10 Best Places to Buy Handmade Japanese Knives
Japan’s mastery in blade craftsmanship is rooted in centuries of samurai sword-making tradition. Following the Meiji Restoration, swordsmiths adapted their skills to meet the growing demand for kitchen cutlery, giving rise to some of the finest handmade knives in the world. Today, Japanese knives are celebrated globally for their exceptional sharpness, precision, and artistry. Whether crafted in the historical forges of Sakai in Osaka or Seki in Gifu, each blade tells a story of heritage and innovation.
From gyuto (chef’s knives) to yanagiba (sashimi slicers), handmade Japanese knives come in various styles to suit every culinary need. For both professionals and passionate home cooks, sourcing a handmade Japanese knife is more than just a purchase—it’s an investment in quality and a connection to Japan’s enduring craftsmanship. Below is a curated list of some of the best places in Tokyo and the Kansai region to explore and purchase handmade Japanese knives.
Best Places to Buy Handmade Japanese Knives
Tokyo
- Tsubaya
- Kamata
- Kama-asa
- Tojiro
- Tsukiji Masamoto
Kansai
- Aritsugu
- Shigeharu
- Kikuichimonji
- Sakai Takayuki
- Sasuke
Best Places to Buy Handmade Japanese Knives in Tokyo
1. Tsubaya
Established in 1956, Tsubaya is one of Tokyo's most respected knife shops. Located in the iconic Kappabashi “Kitchen Town” district, it offers a carefully selected range of knives from traditional blacksmiths across Japan. The staff is highly knowledgeable, and English-speaking support is often available, making it an excellent stop for international buyers looking for guidance and craftsmanship.
- Where: Kappabashi Street, Taito Ward
- Great for: Collectors and chefs seeking exclusive, premium-quality handmade knives.
2. Kamata
Established in 1923, Kamata is a fourth-generation family-owned store known for its refined, high-performance knives. Each blade is hand-sharpened in-store, and custom engraving services are available for a personal touch. The store's product range includes both Japanese and Western-style knives, catering to cooks of all levels.
- Where: Kappabashi Street, Taito Ward
- Great for: Travelers wanting beautifully sharpened knives with custom engraving options.
3. Kama-asa
Founded in 1908, Kama-asa combines tradition with innovation, offering a wide range of knives and other professional-grade kitchen tools. Their focus on quality and usability has made them a go-to shop for chefs throughout Japan. The clean, modern shop layout provides a welcoming shopping experience, especially for first-time buyers.
- Where: Kappabashi Street, Taito Ward
- Great for: Professional chefs looking for a reputable, long-standing supplier in Tokyo.
4. Tojiro
Tojiro is a respected name in Japanese cutlery, with a deep-rooted workshop in Tsubame-Sanjo in Niigata—an area renowned for traditional metalwork. Though they offer entry-level knives, Tojiro’s higher-end lines are carefully handmade by experienced artisans using time-honored forging techniques. Opened in 2023, their Tokyo store allows buyers to explore over 200 of their kitchen knives, from introductory models to premium, fully hand-forged knives. You’ll also find expert staff to guide you through steel types, handle options, and sharpening techniques.
- Where: Kappabashi Street, Taito Ward
- Great for: Buyers seeking handmade quality at various price points, from beginner to professional level.
5. Tsukiji Masamoto
Located just steps from the historic Tsukiji Market, Tsukiji Masamoto has earned a strong reputation among sushi chefs and seafood professionals for over 150 years. Best known for their finely crafted yanagiba and other single-bevel knives, they offer blades specifically designed for the precision required in traditional Japanese fish preparation, among many others. The shop maintains a modest, utilitarian atmosphere that reflects its singular focus on function, craftsmanship, and serving culinary professionals.
- Where: Tsukiji, Chuo Ward
- Great for: Sushi chefs and anyone focused on fish preparation.
Best Places to Buy Handmade Japanese Knives in Kansai
6. Aritsugu
Appointed initially as a supplier for the Imperial House of Japan in the 16th century, Aritsugu has evolved into one of Japan’s most prestigious cutlery makers. The shop blends history with top-tier craftsmanship in Kyoto's Nishiki Market. Their blades are renowned for their balance and sharpness, and the shop offers engraving services for those looking to personalize their purchase.
- Where: Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward
- Great for: Serious chefs and culinary enthusiasts seeking a piece of history.
7. Shigeharu
*No Official Website
Shigeharu is a lesser-known yet highly respected forge with an impressive blacksmithing heritage. Its origins date back to the Kamakura period (1190-1329), making it the oldest knife maker in Kyoto still in operation. Nowadays, this small workshop continues to handcraft blades using traditional methods. Shigeharu is ideal for buyers who appreciate authenticity and don’t mind venturing away from tourist zones.
- Where: Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward
- Great for: Knife enthusiasts in search of authentic, small-batch craftsmanship.
8. Kikuichimonji
Located in Kyoto, Kikuichimonji is a historic cutlery maker with roots tracing back over centuries. Today, the brand is widely regarded as a top alternative to Aritsugu, offering traditional carbon steel and modern stainless steel kitchen knives. Their stainless models are particularly popular among international buyers, as they provide the sharpness of Japanese blades with the added convenience of rust resistance, making them an ideal choice for Western kitchens.
- Where: Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward
- Great for: Buyers looking for the heritage of Kyoto swordsmithing with the practicality of stainless steel.
9. Sakai Takayuki
Sakai Takayuki is one of the most well-known names in Japanese cutlery. It produces knives in the legendary blade-making town of Sakai. The company's collection features collaborations with top artisans as well as house-brand models that are both beautiful and performance-driven. Many chefs consider a Sakai Takayuki knife a professional essential.
- Where: Osaka, Sakai Ward
- Great for: Professionals who want the highest level of consistency, sharpness, and variety.
10. Sasuke
Located in Sakai, Sasuke is a fifth-generation blacksmith workshop founded in 1867, now led by master craftsman Yasuhiro Hirakawa. Specializing in handmade kitchen knives and gardening shears, Sasuke is known for using traditional forging techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can even observe the forging process by appointment, offering a rare glimpse into one of Japan’s most revered artisanal workshops.
- Where: Osaka, Sakai Ward
- Great for: Artisans, gardeners, and culinary professionals seeking bespoke, traditionally forged blades with exceptional sharpness and craftsmanship.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to the historic alleys of Osaka or the energetic markets of Tokyo, Japan offers an unmatched landscape for discovering handmade kitchen knives. Each region and shop brings its own story, style, and level of craftsmanship to the table. From the storied traditions of Sakai to the modern showrooms in Tokyo, the journey to find the perfect blade is as meaningful as the tool itself.
These ten destinations represent a diverse and curated path through Japan’s cutlery culture—each one a gateway into the legacy of samurai swordsmithing turned culinary artistry. No matter where you shop, investing in a handmade Japanese knife is an invitation to experience precision, heritage, and beauty with every cut.
