FAQ

• Where is Kama-Asa kitchenware store located in Tokyo?

  Kama-Asa is located at 2-24-1 Matsugaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0036, in the famous Kappabashi "Kitchen Town" district. The store is conveniently situated about 8 minutes from Tawaramachi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) and 5 minutes from Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express Line).
• What are the business hours for Kama-Asa in Tokyo?

  Kama-Asa operates from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. The store closes around New Year's holidays and has early closing at 4:30 PM on the last day of each month for staff training purposes. This traditional Japanese kitchenware shop maintains consistent hours to serve both local and international customers.
• How can I get to Kama-Asa by public transportation?

  The easiest way to reach Kama-Asa is by taking the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Tawaramachi Station (8-minute walk) or the Tsukuba Express Line to Asakusa Station (5-minute walk). The shop's location in the historic Kappabashi district makes it accessible while exploring other culinary specialty stores in the area.
• Does Kama-Asa have multiple locations in Tokyo?

  Kama-Asa operates two adjacent stores in Tokyo's Kappabashi district, divided by a small street. One store specializes in general kitchenware while the other is dedicated exclusively to Japanese kitchen knives, providing a comprehensive shopping experience for culinary enthusiasts.
• When was Kama-Asa founded and what is its history?

  Kama-Asa was established in 1908, giving it over a century of heritage in Japanese kitchenware. The family-owned business has preserved traditional craftsmanship while adapting to modern culinary needs. This historic Tokyo establishment has maintained its reputation for quality throughout its long-standing presence in Kappabashi.
• Has Kama-Asa expanded internationally?

  Yes, Kama-Asa has expanded beyond Japan with international branches in Paris, France and Brooklyn, New York. While maintaining its Japanese craftsmanship principles, these overseas locations make authentic Japanese kitchen tools accessible to culinary enthusiasts worldwide.
• What is Kama-Asa's business philosophy?

  Kama-Asa operates by the philosophy that "Good tools have good reason," emphasizing functionality and durability in their products. This culinary philosophy guides their selection of kitchenware that enhances cooking performance while being built to last for generations of use.
• What types of kitchen knives does Kama-Asa offer?

  Kama-Asa carries an impressive selection of up to 80 varieties of Japanese kitchen knives handcrafted by artisans throughout Japan. These range from traditional single-bevel knives to modern Western-style options, all maintaining exceptional Japanese blade craftsmanship that professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate.
• What traditional Japanese cookware can I find at Kama-Asa?

  The store offers a wide range of traditional cookware including hand-hammered yukihira pots, Nambu cast ironware from Iwate Prefecture, and versatile Nambu Asa-nabe pans. These authentic Japanese cooking vessels represent centuries of culinary tradition and are crafted for optimal heat distribution and cooking performance.
• Does Kama-Asa sell specialty cleaning tools?

  Yes, Kama-Asa carries specialty items like the Shuro Tawashi scrubbing brush made from hemp palm. This environmentally friendly cleaning tool is gentle on cookware surfaces, dishwasher safe, and ideal for maintaining both traditional and modern kitchen tools without scratching or damaging them.
• What makes Kama-Asa's iron frying pans special?

  Kama-Asa's hand-hammered iron frying pans are crafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques. The hammered texture creates a naturally non-stick surface that improves with use, while the iron material provides superior heat retention and distribution. These Japanese frying pans develop a natural patina that enhances their cooking properties over time.
• What services does Kama-Asa offer for purchased knives?

  Kama-Asa provides name engraving on knives at no additional cost at the time of purchase. They also offer professional knife sharpening and repair services for an additional fee. These personalized services ensure that your Japanese culinary tools maintain optimal performance throughout their lifetime.
• Are Kama-Asa staff knowledgeable about their products?

  The staff at Kama-Asa are highly knowledgeable experts in Japanese kitchenware. They can provide detailed information about each product's origin, proper use, and maintenance requirements. This personalized service ensures customers select the most appropriate culinary tools for their specific cooking needs and skill level.
• Can I get assistance in English at Kama-Asa?

  Yes, Kama-Asa offers multilingual customer service in English and French in addition to Japanese. This international approach makes the shop accessible to visitors from around the world who are interested in authentic Japanese kitchenware but may not speak Japanese.
• Who typically shops at Kama-Asa?

  Kama-Asa serves a diverse clientele including professional chefs, home cooking enthusiasts, and international tourists. The store's reputation for quality attracts serious culinary practitioners seeking authentic tools, while also welcoming visitors interested in Japanese cooking culture and craftsmanship.
• How are the two Kama-Asa stores in Tokyo organized?

  The two adjacent Kama-Asa stores are organized by product specialization. One location focuses on general kitchenware including pots, pans, and utensils, while the second store is dedicated exclusively to Japanese knives. This specialized layout allows customers to easily find the specific culinary tools they're seeking.
• How can I maintain the iron cookware purchased from Kama-Asa?

  Iron cookware from Kama-Asa requires proper seasoning and maintenance to develop its natural non-stick properties. This typically involves regular oiling after cleaning, avoiding harsh detergents, and following specific care instructions provided by the store. Proper maintenance ensures these traditional cooking vessels will last for generations.
• What makes Kama-Asa different from other kitchenware stores?

  Kama-Asa stands out for its century-plus heritage and direct relationships with Japanese artisans nationwide. Unlike mass-market retailers, they curate over 1,000 specialized kitchen tools that represent authentic Japanese craftsmanship, providing both quality and cultural significance that mass-produced alternatives cannot match.
• What is special about the Nambu Asa-nabe pan sold at Kama-Asa?

  The Nambu Asa-nabe pan is remarkably versatile, functioning as a frying pan, steak plate, or sukiyaki pot. This traditional Japanese cookware exemplifies the multi-functional approach of Japanese kitchen design, allowing users to prepare various cooking techniques with a single well-crafted item.
• Why are Kama-Asa's products considered investment pieces?

  Kama-Asa's kitchenware represents an investment in craftsmanship that improves with use and lasts for generations. Unlike disposable modern alternatives, these traditional tools develop character over time, with many customers passing them down as family heirlooms while maintaining their exceptional cooking performance.
• How does Kama-Asa support traditional Japanese craftsmanship?

  Kama-Asa actively preserves traditional crafting techniques by sourcing products from skilled artisans throughout Japan. This support helps maintain disappearing crafts while providing customers with authentic tools made using methods refined over centuries of Japanese culinary development.
• What is the significance of Kama-Asa's location in Kappabashi "Kitchen Town"?

  Kama-Asa's location in Tokyo's historic Kappabashi district places it in the heart of Japan's most famous kitchenware shopping area. This strategic positioning in "Kitchen Town" connects the store to a centuries-old tradition of culinary supply, making it part of a destination that attracts food professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.