⚡ 30-second answer: Three production hubs (Tokyo Kappabashi, Osaka Sakai, Gifu Seki) plus 15 shops total. Stainless knives ¥3,000-15,000, honyaki Japanese knives ¥30,000-100,000. Tax-free, name engraving, English service — but knives MUST go in checked baggage.
Quick reference Value Entry price ¥3,000-8,000 Pro grade ¥30,000-100,000+ Main regions Kappabashi, Sakai, Seki Tax-free Over ¥5,000 Last verified June 2026
Photo: Yen Finder Editorial
Japanese knives (hocho) are prized by chefs worldwide for their sharpness, and have become hugely popular souvenirs. The three big regions are Tokyo's Kappabashi tool street, Osaka's Sakai (traditional crafts) and Gifu's Seki (cutlery industry). Entry models start at ¥3,000-8,000; professional honyaki Japanese knives run ¥30,000-100,000+. Tax-free purchases kick in at ¥5,000, and many shops offer free engraving, sharpening and edge-finishing. Important: knives are NEVER allowed in carry-on — always check them in.
| # | Shop | Location | Price range | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kama-Asa Shoten | Tokyo / Kappabashi | ¥5,000-50,000 | Long-established, English, engraving |
| 2 | Tsubaya Hocho-ten | Tokyo / Kappabashi | ¥3,000-80,000 | Huge selection, tax-free |
| 3 | Iidaya | Tokyo / Kappabashi | ¥3,000-30,000 | For tool enthusiasts |
| 4 | Sugimoto Hamono | Tokyo / Kappabashi | ¥5,000-100,000 | Chef favourite |
| 5 | Yamada Industries | Tokyo / Kappabashi | ¥4,000-50,000 | Chinese knives, iron pans |
| 6 | Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide | Osaka / Sakai | ¥10,000-100,000+ | Honyaki Japanese knives |
| 7 | Yamawaki Cutlery | Osaka / Sakai | ¥8,000-80,000 | Traditional craftsmen |
| 8 | Ikeda Miwa Hocho | Osaka / Sakai | ¥15,000-150,000 | Master hand-made |
| 9 | Satake Sangyo | Osaka / Sakai | ¥5,000-50,000 | Tourist-friendly |
| 10 | Seki Cutlery Hall | Gifu / Seki | ¥3,000-30,000 | Production lines too |
| 11 | Kai Corporation Seki Honten | Gifu / Seki | ¥3,000-30,000 | Global maker |
| 12 | Feather Museum | Gifu / Seki | ¥3,000-15,000 | Razors also famous |
| 13 | Kyoto Aritsugu | Kyoto / Nishiki | ¥10,000-80,000 | Founded 1560 |
| 14 | Kiya Nihonbashi Honten | Tokyo / Nihonbashi | ¥8,000-100,000 | Founded 1792 |
| 15 | Ginza Kikuhide | Tokyo / Ginza | ¥10,000-150,000 | Luxury brand |
Knife pricing:
¥10,000-30,000 buys a high-quality engraved knife.
Kappabashi (Kama-Asa, Tsubaya), Kyoto Aritsugu and the main Sakai shops have English-speaking staff. Tell them the use and ingredients and they'll recommend the right knife. Simple English like "Sashimi knife", "Vegetable knife" or "Gift" works fine. Name engraving (kanji or Latin) is free or around ¥1,000, taking 30 minutes to next-day depending on the shop.
Kappabashi mostly closes Sundays. Kyoto Aritsugu (inside Nishiki Market) is open Sundays.
For ¥50,000+ purchases, Wise / Revolut cut FX costs.
Q1: Can I bring it on the plane? A: Absolutely not. Always check in. Many travellers lose knives at security.
Q2: How many should I buy? A: One santoku (all-purpose) is classic, or a gyuto + petty combo.
Q3: Stainless or carbon? A: Stainless for beginners and gifts (rust-resistant). Carbon for serious cooks.
Q4: Engraving fee? A: Often free, sometimes ¥500-1,000. Turnaround 30 minutes to next day.
Q5: Sharpening at home? A: A ¥2,000-5,000 whetstone lets you do it yourself, or use a local knife shop. Kama-Asa even handles inquiries by email.
Editorial info: Yen Finder Editorial / Last verified June 2026.
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Last verified: 2026-06-08