FAQ

• What is Aritsugu Nishiki Market and where is it located?

  Aritsugu Nishiki Market is a historic knife and cooking utensil shop located at 219 Nishiiri Kajiya-cho, Gokomachi, Nishikikoji-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0000, on the north side of Nishiki Market near Teramachi Shopping Arcade. This renowned culinary establishment is easily accessible from central Kyoto locations.
• What are Aritsugu's opening hours?

  Aritsugu operates from approximately 9:00 or 10:00 AM until 5:30 PM daily. The shop maintains consistent traditional business hours with no regular closing days except for the New Year holiday period from January 1–3.
• How do I get to Aritsugu from Kyoto Station?

  You can reach Aritsugu by taking a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station. From Kyoto Station, the shop is accessible via bus or subway connections. The shop's central location in the famous Nishiki Market makes it a convenient stop during Kyoto sightseeing.
• Does Aritsugu have English-speaking staff?

  Yes, Aritsugu employs English-speaking staff to assist international visitors. This multilingual service ensures that foreign customers can receive proper guidance on knife selection, care instructions, and traditional Japanese cutlery information regardless of language barriers.
• How old is Aritsugu and what is its historical significance?

  Aritsugu was founded in 1560 as "Swordsmith Fujiwara Aritsugu," making it one of Japan's oldest knifemakers and among the world's oldest companies. With over 460 years of blade-making heritage, the shop once served as an official supplier to the Imperial House of Japan, highlighting its historical significance.
• When did Aritsugu move to Nishiki Market?

  Aritsugu has been located in Nishiki Market since 1781, after moving from its original location on Sakaimachi Street (where its offices remain). This historic relocation marked an important chapter in the shop's evolution, cementing its place as a culinary landmark in Kyoto's famous food market.
• How did Aritsugu transition from making swords to kitchen knives?

  During the peaceful Edo period, as demand for swords declined, Aritsugu shifted to producing pointed knives for carving Buddha statues. Later, in the Meiji period restoration, the shop leveraged its blade-making expertise to specialize in kitchen knives and cooking utensils, demonstrating remarkable business adaptation.
• What is the relationship between Aritsugu and the Japanese Imperial House?

  Aritsugu was once an official supplier of swords to the Imperial House of Japan, a prestigious designation that reflected the exceptional quality of their craftsmanship. This imperial connection underscores the shop's historical significance in Japanese cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
• What types of knives does Aritsugu sell?

  Aritsugu offers a comprehensive range of handcrafted Japanese knives including sushi knives (yanagiba), vegetable knives (nakiri), meat knives (honesuki), and all-purpose knives (santoku). Each knife type is designed for specific culinary applications with traditional Japanese blade geometry and cutting techniques.
• How much do Aritsugu knives cost?

  Aritsugu knives start at around 10,000 yen (approximately $90 USD), which is considered reasonable for their quality. Premium and specialized knives can range significantly higher depending on materials, craftsmanship, and artisanal blade construction techniques employed in their creation.
• What other products besides knives does Aritsugu sell?

  Beyond knives, Aritsugu offers traditional cooking implements including brass pots, small cutting boards, beer cups, and Japanese design cutting dies for confectionery. These culinary tools reflect authentic Japanese kitchen culture and provide comprehensive options for cooking enthusiasts.
• Can Aritsugu personalize knives for customers?

  Yes, Aritsugu provides personalized engraving services in both Japanese and English. Customers can have their names or special messages engraved on their purchased knives, creating meaningful culinary heirlooms and personalized professional tools for serious chefs.
• What knife care and maintenance services does Aritsugu offer?

  Aritsugu provides comprehensive knife maintenance services including professional sharpening, repairs, and restoration. Every knife purchase includes final sharpening on a large whetstone, with staff demonstrating proper care techniques to ensure the longevity of these premium culinary tools.
• What makes Aritsugu different from other knife shops?

  Aritsugu distinguishes itself through its 460+ year heritage combined with exceptional quality control and comprehensive after-sales service. Unlike some knife makers, Aritsugu operates as a specialized retailer with dedicated craftsmen producing knives to their exacting specifications, ensuring consistent quality.
• Is Aritsugu suitable for professional chefs or home cooks?

  Aritsugu caters to both professional culinary practitioners and home cooking enthusiasts. While their knives are favored by top-class chefs worldwide, the shop welcomes beginners with helpful guidance on selecting appropriate knives based on cooking style, frequency, and skill level.
• What kind of demonstrations or education does Aritsugu provide?

  Staff at Aritsugu perform interactive knife demonstrations showing proper cutting techniques, sharpening methods, and maintenance practices. These educational sessions help customers understand the unique characteristics of Japanese knives and how to maximize their performance through proper use.
• How busy is Aritsugu and when is the best time to visit?

  As a popular destination for both Japanese and international visitors, Aritsugu can become quite crowded, especially during peak tourism seasons. Visiting early in the morning shortly after opening or during weekdays typically offers a more relaxed shopping experience with more personalized attention from staff.
• What payment methods does Aritsugu accept?

  Aritsugu accepts major credit cards, cash payments, and some digital payment options. While cash remains common for traditional shops in Japan, Aritsugu has modernized its payment systems to accommodate international visitors and provide convenient transaction options.
• Does Aritsugu ship internationally?

  Yes, Aritsugu offers international shipping services for customers who want their purchases delivered abroad. Shipping costs vary by destination, and the staff can assist with completing necessary customs documentation to ensure smooth delivery of these precision cutting instruments.
• Are there any customs or etiquette to follow when visiting Aritsugu?

  Visitors should respect the traditional shopping environment by avoiding eating while browsing (a general rule in Nishiki Market). When handling display knives, ask for permission first, and be mindful that photography policies may vary. Showing appreciation for the craftsmanship is always welcomed.
• Does Aritsugu offer knife sharpening lessons?

  While Aritsugu primarily focuses on sales and maintenance rather than formal classes, staff provide basic sharpening guidance during purchase. They demonstrate proper technique on their shop whetstones and can recommend appropriate sharpening tools for maintaining knife performance at home.
• How are Aritsugu knives different from Western kitchen knives?

  Aritsugu knives feature traditional Japanese blade geometry with thinner, harder steel and often single-bevel edges, unlike the double-beveled, thicker Western counterparts. This design enables more precise cutting but requires specific techniques and care, reflecting Japan's distinctive culinary traditions.
• What is the significance of Aritsugu's location in Nishiki Market?

  Being situated in Nishiki Market, Kyoto's culinary heart since 1781, Aritsugu forms an integral part of the city's food culture. This historic location connects the shop directly to local culinary traditions and places it at the center of Kyoto's renowned food scene, enhancing its cultural significance.
• Can tourists watch knife-making processes at Aritsugu?

  Unlike some specialty knife makers, Aritsugu's production workshops are separate from the retail location. While customers cannot observe the forging process, the shop does showcase the final sharpening and preparation stages, offering insight into the meticulous finishing techniques that distinguish their products.
• What makes Aritsugu knives good gifts or souvenirs from Japan?

  Aritsugu knives make exceptional souvenirs as they represent authentic Japanese craftsmanship with practical utility. Their historical significance, personalization options, and reputation among professional chefs worldwide make them meaningful cultural artifacts that will be used and treasured for generations.
• How does Aritsugu contribute to preserving traditional Japanese crafts?

  By maintaining centuries-old blade-making traditions while adapting to modern culinary needs, Aritsugu plays a vital role in preserving Japanese cultural heritage. The shop connects contemporary customers with ancient craftsmanship techniques that might otherwise be lost, serving as a living museum of Japanese cutlery evolution.