FAQ

• Where is Jikko Japanese knife shop located in Tokyo?

  Jikko's Tokyo flagship store is located at 1-9-10 Matsugaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo, in the 1F & 2F of Matex Second Building (postal code 111-0036). The shop is situated in Tokyo's famous Kappabashi kitchenware district, just 5 minutes on foot from Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
• What are the business hours for Jikko Kappabashi?

  Jikko Kappabashi is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM with no regular holidays. Their consistent operating schedule makes it convenient for both local customers and international tourists to experience their premium Japanese cutlery collection.
• How can I contact Jikko knife shop?

  You can contact Jikko by phone at 03-5830-7399. The knowledgeable staff can answer questions about their extensive knife inventory, availability of specific models, or arrange for custom knife engraving services before your visit.
• What's the best way to get to Jikko Tokyo by public transport?

  The shop is most easily reached by taking the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to either Tawaramachi Station (5-minute walk) or Asakusa Station (10-minute walk). The central location in the Kappabashi kitchenware district makes it a convenient stop while exploring Tokyo's culinary supply neighborhood.
• Is there parking available at Jikko Kappabashi?

  There is no on-site parking available at Jikko Kappabashi. Visitors arriving by car are advised to use nearby paid parking lots. The shop's central location in Tokyo makes public transportation the recommended option for most visitors
• When was Jikko knife company founded?

  Jikko was established in 1901 in Sakai, Osaka, a city renowned for its knife-making tradition dating back over 600 years. With more than 120 years of heritage, Jikko has maintained its commitment to exceptional craftsmanship while adapting to modern culinary needs.
• What is special about Sakai knives that Jikko specializes in?

  Sakai knives, showcased extensively at Jikko, are distinguished by their exceptional sharpness and edge retention. These knives represent a Japanese cutlery tradition dating back centuries, with each knife requiring up to 50 different traditional blacksmithing steps performed by specialized craftsmen.
• How has Jikko expanded across Japan?

  From its origins in Sakai, Jikko has strategically expanded to key culinary destinations across Japan, with stores in Osaka (Namba, Sakai, Umeda), Kyoto (Pontocho), and Tokyo (Kappabashi). Each location maintains the brand's dedication to showcasing traditional Japanese knife craftsmanship.
• What makes the Kappabashi district significant for a knife shop?

  Kappabashi is Tokyo's renowned kitchenware district, stretching approximately 800 meters with over 170 specialized shops. As the premier destination for professional culinary supplies, it attracts both professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts, making it the perfect location for Jikko's Tokyo flagship store.
• What types of knives does Jikko sell?

  Jikko offers an extensive range from handcrafted artisanal knives to more accessible models for home cooks. Their collection includes traditional Japanese styles (santoku, nakiri, yanagiba, deba) and Western-influenced designs, featuring various steel formulations from high-carbon to stainless and damascus patterns.
• What is special about the IWAGUMO knife series?

  The IWAGUMO series features a distinctive design inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern functionality. These knives showcase unique damascus patterns and ergonomic handles, exemplifying Jikko's philosophy of making Japanese culinary craftsmanship both beautiful and practical for everyday cooking.
• Does Jikko offer knife customization services?

  Yes, Jikko provides free name engraving on purchased knives, adding a personal touch to your culinary tools. They also welcome special requests for custom specifications, handle materials, and blade finishes, honoring the traditional craftsmanship while accommodating individual preferences.
• Are Jikko knives used by professional chefs?

  Jikko knives are used in over 100,000 professional restaurants worldwide. Their reputation for exceptional cutting performance and durability has made them a preferred choice among culinary professionals, from traditional Japanese kitchens to international fine dining establishments.
• How should I care for my Jikko knife?

  Proper care includes hand washing and immediate drying after use, using appropriate cutting surfaces (wood or soft plastic), and regular sharpening with whetstones. The staff provides comprehensive knife maintenance education with each purchase, ensuring your Jikko knife will perform excellently for generations.
• What can I expect on the first floor of Jikko Kappabashi?

  The first floor houses the Sakai Knife Gallery, an exhibition space showcasing rare and high-quality Sakai knives. A stunning charcoal chandelier, made from materials used in traditional knife-making, hangs in the atrium, creating an atmosphere that honors the craft's heritage.
• What will I find on the second floor of the shop?

  The second floor features the main knife sales area, a spacious environment displaying approximately 150 different knife types. The walls are elegantly adorned with high-quality Sakai knives, allowing customers to browse extensively while receiving personalized assistance from knowledgeable staff.
• Is there English-language support available at Jikko?

  Yes, Jikko Kappabashi provides English-speaking staff to assist international visitors. Their team is experienced in explaining the nuances of Japanese knife types, steel properties, and maintenance requirements, making the traditional craftsmanship accessible to customers from around the world.
• What is the VIP room experience at Jikko Kappabashi?

  Available by reservation, the VIP room offers a private consultation space where customers can have an unhurried, personalized knife selection experience. This exclusive service allows for detailed discussions about specific cutting techniques and preferences in a comfortable setting away from the main sales floor.
• Can I test knives before purchasing at Jikko?

  Jikko encourages customers to experience the sharpness and feel of their knives firsthand before making a purchase. Staff will demonstrate proper cutting techniques and allow you to test different models to find the ideal match for your culinary applications and personal handling preferences.
• Does Jikko offer international shipping?

  Yes, Jikko provides international shipping services for customers who wish to have their purchases sent directly to their home countries. The staff can arrange appropriate packaging and shipping methods to ensure your Japanese artisanal knives arrive safely, regardless of destination.
• What payment methods are accepted at Jikko Kappabashi?

  Jikko accepts major credit cards, cash in Japanese yen, and popular mobile payment platforms. For substantial purchases, they can also accommodate tax-free shopping procedures for foreign visitors, making the transaction process smooth and convenient.
• Is Jikko difficult to find within the Kappabashi district?

  While located in the heart of Kappabashi, some first-time visitors find Jikko slightly challenging to locate. Look for the Matex Second Building with distinctive signage, or use a maps application to navigate precisely. The shop's traditional storefront is worth the small effort to find.
• Can I get my existing knives sharpened at Jikko?

  Jikko primarily focuses on selling new knives but may offer sharpening services for Jikko knives purchased at their stores. Staff can also provide guidance on proper sharpening techniques and recommend appropriate whetstones and maintenance tools for at-home care.
• What makes Jikko different from other Japanese knife shops?

  Jikko distinguishes itself through its 120-year heritage combined with a forward-thinking approach to knife design. Unlike many traditional shops, Jikko balances preservation of ancient techniques with innovations in metallurgy and ergonomics, creating knives that honor Japanese craftsmanship while meeting contemporary needs.
• Why is the charcoal chandelier significant at Jikko Kappabashi?

  The distinctive charcoal chandelier hanging in the atrium is crafted from the same materials used in traditional knife forging. This artistic installation symbolizes the crucial role of precisely controlled heat in creating the exceptional steel properties that make Japanese bladesmithing world-renowned.
• How does Jikko connect customers with the craftsmen?

  Jikko serves as a bridge between customers and the master bladesmiths who create their knives. Through detailed documentation, videos, and staff knowledge, shoppers gain insight into the specific techniques and personal philosophies of the artisans, creating a deeper connection to the traditional craftsmanship.
• What educational resources does Jikko provide for knife owners?

  Beyond selling knives, Jikko offers comprehensive knife education, including proper cutting techniques, maintenance routines, and sharpening methods. This commitment to customer knowledge ensures that each knife performs at its best and reflects the shop's dedication to Japanese culinary traditions.
• Can Jikko knives be considered family heirlooms?

  With proper care, Jikko knives are designed to be generational treasures that can be passed down through families. The combination of exceptional materials, traditional crafting methods, and timeless designs ensures these tools maintain both their functionality and cultural significance as Japanese culinary heirlooms.