HOME Tokyo and Surroundings Tokyo Asakusa Where to Buy a Japanese Kitchen Knife? Why Travelers Choose MUSASHI JAPAN's 14 Stores in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara
HOME Kansai Kyoto Gion, Kawaramachi, Kiyomizu-dera Temple Where to Buy a Japanese Kitchen Knife? Why Travelers Choose MUSASHI JAPAN's 14 Stores in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara
Where to Buy a Japanese Kitchen Knife? Why Travelers Choose MUSASHI JAPAN's 14 Stores in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara

Where to Buy a Japanese Kitchen Knife? Why Travelers Choose MUSASHI JAPAN's 14 Stores in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara

  • Written by: Guest Contributor
Date published: 12 February 2026

Shopping for souvenirs is one of the great pleasures of a trip to Japan. From matcha sweets and kimono to the latest electronics, the options are endless. But if you love cooking and want something truly lasting, something you can use for a lifetime, there is one standout choice: an authentic Japanese kitchen knife.

A Japanese knife is far more than a tool. It is a work of art shaped by techniques passed down from craftsmen who once forged samurai swords, known as katana. The razor-sharp edge that impresses chefs around the world can transform your everyday cooking. Unlike edible souvenirs that quickly disappear, a well-made knife can last for decades, bringing your memories of Japan back to life each time you use it.

With so many specialty shops across the country, where should you go? For travelers visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, or Nara, the answer is clear: MUSASHI JAPAN, with 14 stores across these historic cities, has become a trusted destination for finding the perfect Japanese knife.

Table of Contents
  1. 3 Reasons Why Travelers Choose MUSASHI JAPAN
  2. TOKYO AREA: Where Tradition Meets Trend
  3. KANSAI AREA: Discovering a Masterpiece in the Ancient Capitals
  4. Other Areas: Hiroshima & Tsushima
  5. Logistics: How to Bring Your Knife Home Safely?
  6. Complete Your Journey with a Special Blade

3 Reasons Why Travelers Choose MUSASHI JAPAN

1. Breathtaking Beauty and World-Class Quality

1. Breathtaking Beauty and World-Class Quality

Step inside and you are immediately greeted by a breathtaking wall of beautifully displayed knives. The Damascus steel blades, with their mesmerizing water-like ripple patterns, are true works of art, each with its own unique character.

Yet the true value of Musashi Japan goes beyond aesthetics. Each blade is honed to the limit by master craftsmen and is capable of slicing a tomato so thin it becomes translucent, cutting cleanly through ingredients without damaging a single cell. This remarkable sharpness enhances both texture and flavor. From the versatile Santoku (multi-purpose) for home kitchens to the professional-grade Gyuto (chef’s knife), the extensive lineup ensures the perfect blade for every style of cooking.

2. "Omotenashi" Hospitality Without the Language Barrier

When purchasing specialized tools abroad, the biggest hurdle is often the language barrier. Without the ability to ask detailed questions about steel types or maintenance, it can be difficult to feel fully confident in a purchase.

At MUSASHI JAPAN, multilingual and highly knowledgeable staff provide clear, professional guidance. Rather than simply selling a product, they help match each customer with the ideal knife based on cooking style and preferences. All locations also offer smooth Tax-Free procedures. With just a passport, it is easy to secure a lifetime tool in a smart and convenient way.

3. A One-of-a-Kind Experience: Free Name Engraving

Perhaps the most compelling reason travelers choose MUSASHI JAPAN is the complimentary on-site engraving service. A name, whether your own or a loved one’s, can be translated from the alphabet into Kanji or Katakana and engraved onto the blade immediately after purchase.

Watching sparks fly as a craftsman carefully carves the characters into the steel is a striking, cinematic moment that many visitors capture on video. In just a few minutes, the knife is transformed from a finely made product into a personalized masterpiece. As a reward for yourself or a meaningful gift for someone special, few choices leave a more lasting impression.

TOKYO AREA: Where Tradition Meets Trend

In Japan’s capital, locations can be found in two contrasting neighborhoods: a historic traditional district and a dynamic youth-centered area.

The Mecca of Kitchenware: Asakusa & Kappabashi Area

The Mecca of Kitchenware: Asakusa & Kappabashi Area

Located near the Kaminarimon Gate of Senso-ji Temple, Kappabashi Kitchen Town is considered a pilgrimage site for chefs from around the world. With more than 100 years of history, this unique street is lined with specialty shops offering tableware, lifelike food replicas, and premium Japanese cutlery. MUSASHI JAPAN operates three major hubs within this renowned culinary district, placing visitors at the very heart of Japan’s kitchen culture.

MUSASHI JAPAN-ASAKUSA

Situated along the main sightseeing route to Senso-ji Temple, this shop offers outstanding accessibility. It welcomes everyone, from casual visitors curious to experience Japanese tradition firsthand to dedicated enthusiasts seeking to thoughtfully select a knife that will last a lifetime.

MUSASHI JAPAN-KITA KAPPABASHI & MINAMI KAPPABASHI

These two shops, located along the main street of the kitchen district, embody the authentic atmosphere of a true specialty store. Moving between the North (Kita) and South (Minami) locations in search of a destined blade from the extensive collection is a memorable experience for any food enthusiast. Rare handle designs and knives crafted from exceptional specialty steels are often found here, offering discoveries that go beyond the ordinary.

Amidst the Metropolis: Shibuya & Omotesando Area

Amidst the Metropolis: Shibuya & Omotesando Area

MUSASHI JAPAN-SHIBUYA CENTER STREET

Just beyond the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, a shop is located in the heart of Center Street. Surrounded by neon signs and fashion boutiques, the store provides a calm, traditionally inspired Japanese space that feels worlds apart from the bustle outside.

Extended evening hours, open until 9 PM, make it especially convenient for travelers who spend the day sightseeing and prefer to shop at a more relaxed pace after dark.

MUSASHI JAPAN OMOTESANDO

Often described as Tokyo’s most sophisticated boulevard, Omotesando is lined with elegant zelkova trees and flagship boutiques from leading luxury brands.

The Omotesando shop reflects this refined atmosphere with a space reminiscent of an art gallery. It is an ideal setting to discover a blade that harmonizes traditional craftsmanship with a clean, modern aesthetic.

  • MUSASHI JAPAN OMOTESANDO Knife Shop
    MUSASHI JAPAN OMOTESANDO Knife Shop
    • Address Shimojima Bldg. 1F, 3-5-25 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061, Japan
    • Nearest Station 1 min on foot from Omotesando Station
    • Phone Number 03-6824-5391

KANSAI AREA: Discovering a Masterpiece in the Ancient Capitals

Kyoto and Nara, the former capitals of Japan, offer historic streetscapes and traditional skills that stand in calm contrast to the bustle of Tokyo.

Kyoto: Sanjo, Kawaramachi & Nishiki Market Area (KYOTO SANJO, KYOTO KAWARAMACHI, KYOTO SHIJOI, KAWARAMACHI EKI MAE)

In the heart of Kyoto’s bustling sightseeing district, four shops are located along a pleasant route where the gentle murmur of the Kamo River meets the lively atmosphere of Nishiki Market.

It is remarkably convenient to browse fresh seasonal ingredients at Nishiki Market and then visit the nearby shops to select the tools needed to prepare them. Each location features a refined “Japanese Modern” interior, creating a comfortable setting to take time discussing preferences and cooking style with knowledgeable staff.

After shopping, an evening stroll through Pontocho or Gion completes the experience, making these Kyoto locations an ideal starting point for a memorable night in the city.

  • MUSASHI JAPAN KYOTO KAWARAMACHI EKI MAE Knife Shop
    MUSASHI JAPAN KYOTO KAWARAMACHI EKI MAE Knife Shop
    • Address 77 Shincho, Shijo-dori Kobashi Nishi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8001, Japan
    • Nearest Station 1 min on foot from Kyoto-kawaramachi Station (Hankyu)
    • Phone Number 03-6824-5991

Kyoto: Kiyomizu Area (KYOTO KIYOMIZU & KYOTO KIYOMIZUZAKA)

A visit to Kiyomizu-dera is a highlight of any trip to Kyoto. Along the historic Kiyomizu-zaka slope, two shops, Kyoto Kiyomizu and Kyoto Kiyomizuzaka, welcome visitors as they make their way down the charming stone-paved street.

After taking in the sweeping views from the temple’s famous wooden stage, stepping inside offers a moment of calm amid the atmosphere of the ancient capital. Selecting a lifetime tool in this setting becomes more than a purchase; it becomes a lasting memory of Kyoto itself.

  • MUSASHI JAPAN KYOTO KIYOMIZUZAKA Knife Shop
    MUSASHI JAPAN KYOTO KIYOMIZUZAKA Knife Shop
    • Address 4-168-3 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0862, Japan
    • Nearest Station 15 min on foot from Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Railway)
    • Phone Number 03-6824-5391

Nara Area: Heritage and Spirits (MUSASHI JAPAN-NARA)

When visiting the deer of Nara Park or the Great Buddha at Todai-ji, the Nara Shop is a natural stop along the way.

Nara shares deep historical connections with the craft of Japanese sword making. Holding a knife that carries forward this legacy, while surrounded by the quiet grandeur of the ancient capital, offers a meaningful experience that resonates with the spirit of Japan.

Other Areas: Hiroshima & Tsushima

Beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara, key locations also include Hiroshima, home to important World Heritage sites, and Tsushima, a remote island in Nagasaki Prefecture known for offering a truly distinctive experience far from the usual tourist routes.

MUSASHI JAPAN Hiroshima Hondori

Located in the largest shopping district of the Chugoku region and within easy reach of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, this shop sits at the heart of Hiroshima’s vibrant city life.

Experiencing the dignified brilliance of Japanese craftsmanship amid the dynamic atmosphere of Hiroshima creates a striking and memorable contrast.

  • MUSASHI JAPAN HIROSHIMA HONDŌRI Knife Shop
    MUSASHI JAPAN HIROSHIMA HONDŌRI Knife Shop
    • Address 2-2-15 Kamiyacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima 730-0031, Japan
    • Nearest Station 1 min on foot from Astram Line Hondori Station
    • Phone Number 03-6824-5391

MUSASHI JAPAN-TSUSHIMA

Located at the northernmost edge of Nagasaki Prefecture, Tsushima is a border island defined by dramatic coastlines and unspoiled natural beauty.

This setting reflects a philosophy that values sustainability and ongoing efforts to address issues such as marine plastic waste. Selecting a blade while listening to the sound of the waves, far removed from the pace of the city, becomes more than a purchase. It becomes a deeply personal keepsake shaped by the atmosphere of the island itself.

  • MUSASHI JAPAN TSUSHIMA Knife Shop
    MUSASHI JAPAN TSUSHIMA Knife Shop
    • Address 1364-1 Kokubu, Izuharamachi, Tsushima-shi, Nagasaki 817-0021, Japan
    • Phone Number 03-6824-5991

Logistics: How to Bring Your Knife Home Safely?

A common question from travelers is whether a knife can be taken on a plane.

The answer is yes.

When packed securely and placed in checked baggage, in accordance with airline regulations, a knife can be transported safely. It should never be carried in hand luggage, but when properly checked, there is no issue bringing a carefully chosen blade home.

Always place it in Checked Luggage

By law, knives are prohibited in the cabin. To prevent confiscation at security, always pack it in your suitcase to be checked at the counter.

Reliable Packing Service

At MUSASHI JAPAN, each knife is carefully secured in a specialized protective box before leaving the store. The packaging is designed to prevent the blade from shifting or causing damage to other belongings, allowing it to be placed in a suitcase with complete peace of mind.

A Tip: The Importance of the "Grip"

While online shopping offers convenience, purchasing a knife in person provides a far more meaningful experience. The subtle balance of weight and the way the handle rests in the palm can only be fully appreciated by holding it. Discovering the one blade that feels like a natural extension of the hand is a moment best experienced firsthand.

Complete Your Journey with a Special Blade

With locations across Japan, MUSASHI JAPAN remains close to many major travel routes. Whether in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, or Tsushima, each shop offers the same dedication to craftsmanship and hospitality.

Taking the time to select the ideal knife becomes more than shopping. It is an experience that connects directly with the depth of Japanese culture. Conversations with multilingual staff, along with the memorable moment of seeing a name engraved before your eyes, add a personal dimension to the visit.

Before departing Japan, a stop at MUSASHI JAPAN may well provide the final touch that completes the journey.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

Share this article.

Popular Tours & Activitiess

 
Search