Buying a Japanese Knife in Tokyo

To buy a Japanese knife in Tokyo, go to Kappabashi, Tokyo's kitchenware street just west of Asakusa, or to a knife store in Asakusa or Harajuku. ZAKU Knives has a store in each of the three, with test cutting, laser engraving and staff who speak several languages. Asakusa opens at 9 AM, Kappabashi and Harajuku at 10 AM.

This guide is for visitors buying their first Japanese knife in Tokyo. If you already know which knife you want, skip to flying home and tax-free.

Where should you buy a Japanese knife in Tokyo?

Start at Kappabashi if you want to walk a whole street of kitchenware shops, or go to Asakusa or Harajuku if you want one knife store close to where you are already sightseeing.

• Kappabashi is Tokyo's kitchen tool street, in Nishiasakusa, a short walk west of Asakusa. Our Kappabashi guide covers how to get there and what to see.
• Asakusa puts a knife store next to Senso-ji, so you can fit it into a temple visit.
• Harajuku suits a day in Shibuya and Omotesando, and stays open later.

What happens when you visit a ZAKU store?

You can hold the knives and ask the staff about test cutting and laser engraving.

Addresses and maps are on our store page. In Kyoto, our Nishiki Market store is open until 9 PM.

Which knife should you buy first?

Buy one all-purpose knife first. For most visitors that is a santoku, a short, flat knife that handles meat, fish and vegetables.

A gyuto is the Japanese chef's knife, a little longer, with a pointed tip. A bunka is close to a santoku, with an angled tip for fine work.

None of them is for bones or frozen food, because the thin edge can chip. Carbon steel rusts if you leave it wet, so wipe and dry it right after use. Stainless steel only needs a hand wash and a towel.

Our all-purpose knives are the place to start. If you cook a lot of vegetables, add a nakiri, a square vegetable knife. For small jobs, a petty is a short utility knife.

Can you fly home with a Japanese knife?

Yes, in checked luggage, securely sheathed or wrapped. Kitchen knives are not allowed in carry-on bags, and your airline and destination may add their own rules.

Our guide Can I bring knives home from Japan? covers packing, the airport and customs.

Can you buy a knife tax-free?

Bring your passport and ask the staff whether you and your purchase qualify for tax-free. They will explain the current procedure.

Since 1 November 2026 you pay the price with tax in the store, and the tax comes back as a refund after customs confirms at departure that the goods leave Japan. Keep the knife with you until that check, before you check your bag. Japan Customs explains the steps.

Shop online or in Kyoto

If you're not in Tokyo, our Nishiki store in Kyoto has the same services. International customers can also order online.

If you're in Tokyo, hold a santoku and a gyuto side by side at our Kappabashi store and test-cut both before you choose. Find a store.

Sources

• Hiroshima Airport, security check (knives not allowed in carry-on).
• TSA, What can I bring: knives (carry-on not allowed, checked allowed if sheathed or wrapped).
• CBP, Know Before You Go (declare goods acquired abroad).
• Japan Customs, Tax Exemption (Refund) Program for Foreign Visitors (from 1 November 2026: tax-inclusive price in store, refund after the customs check at departure).
• ZAKU store locator, 7 November 2026: Asakusa opens at 9 AM, Kappabashi and Harajuku at 10 AM; Kappabashi closes at 6 PM, Asakusa at 7 PM, Harajuku at 8 PM, Kyoto Nishiki at 9 PM; all four offer test cutting, laser engraving and multi-language staff.