FAQ

• Where is Kiwami Knives Shop located in Tokyo?

  Kiwami Knives Shop is situated at Matsugaya 3-1-13, Ogawahaitsu 101, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0036 (Takanojin store) in the famous Kappabashi kitchenware district. This culinary shopping destination is known for its concentration of professional-grade Japanese cutlery shops.
• What are the operating hours of Kiwami Knives Shop?

  Kiwami Knives Shop operates from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM Japan Standard Time. These business hours accommodate both local customers and international visitors seeking authentic Japanese kitchen knives during their Tokyo exploration.
• How can I contact Kiwami Knives Shop?

  You can reach Kiwami Knives Shop by phone at +81-90-9962-3430 or via email at info@kiwami.cc. Their responsive customer service team provides expert assistance with Japanese knife selection and purchase inquiries.
• What does the name "Kiwami" mean?

  The name "Kiwami" (貴和美) combines Japanese characters representing nobility, harmony, and beauty. This prestigious branding reflects the shop's dedication to Japanese knife craftsmanship and their commitment to culinary excellence through superior cutting tools.
• Is Kiwami Knives Shop accessible by public transportation?

  Yes, Kiwami Knives Shop is easily accessible via Tokyo's efficient public transit system. The shop is a short walk from Tawaramachi Station on the Ginza Line and Asakusa Station serving multiple subway lines, making knife shopping convenient for visitors exploring Tokyo's cultural attractions.
• Who founded Kiwami Knives Shop?

  Kiwami Knives Shop was founded by CEO Shukuzen Adachi under the parent company Nihon MD Giken Co. His vision established Kiwami as a destination for authentic Japanese knife craftsmanship, creating a retail experience focused on culinary artistry and traditional bladesmithing techniques.
• What other shops are related to Kiwami Knives?

  Kiwami is part of a family of specialized knife shops including Takanojin and Washindo, all operating under Nihon MD Giken Co. This network of related establishments allows the company to offer diverse Japanese knife styles while maintaining their commitment to traditional quality standards.
• What is the significance of Kiwami's location in Kappabashi?

  Kiwami's presence in Kappabashi, Tokyo's historic kitchenware district, places it in the epicenter of Japan's culinary supply culture. This strategic location attracts professional chefs, culinary students, and cooking enthusiasts seeking authentic Japanese knives in an area known for specialized culinary equipment.
• How does Kiwami differentiate itself from other knife shops in Tokyo?

  Kiwami distinguishes itself through its careful curation of premium Japanese knives that balance traditional craftsmanship with modern usability. Unlike tourist-oriented shops, Kiwami focuses on authentic quality, expert knowledge, and serving serious culinary professionals seeking genuine Japanese cutting tools.
• What types of Japanese knives does Kiwami sell?

  Kiwami offers a comprehensive selection of traditional Japanese knife styles including Gyuto (chef's knife), Santoku (all-purpose knife), Nakiri (vegetable knife), Yanagiba (sashimi knife), and Deba (fish filleting knife). Each blade type reflects centuries of specialized Japanese cutting techniques.
• Does Kiwami have its own line of knives?

  Yes, Kiwami produces its own house brand knives, with their 210mm Gyoto being particularly renowned for its exceptional balance and ergonomics. These proprietary blades combine traditional Japanese blacksmithing methods with contemporary design elements for optimal kitchen performance.
• What makes Kiwami's Japanese knives special?

  Kiwami's knives are distinguished by their superior edge retention and precision craftsmanship. Japanese knife artisanship creates blades with harder steel, thinner profiles, and more acute cutting angles than Western counterparts, resulting in exceptional sharpness and cutting performance.
• What price range can customers expect for Kiwami knives?

  Kiwami's knife collection spans from mid-range to high-end professional-grade Japanese cutlery. Prices reflect the exceptional craftsmanship, premium materials, and traditional hand-finishing techniques applied to each blade, with investment pieces for serious culinary practitioners.
• Is Kiwami Knives Shop suitable for tourists visiting Tokyo?

  Kiwami provides an authentic Japanese knife shopping experience ideal for culinary-focused tourists. Unlike tourist traps selling mass-produced souvenirs, Kiwami offers genuine Japanese craftsmanship in Tokyo's renowned kitchenware district, making it perfect for visitors seeking quality culinary tools.
• Can customers handle the knives before purchasing?

  Following Japanese knife shop traditions, Kiwami almost certainly allows customers to personally test the weight, balance and feel of their knives. This hands-on evaluation is an essential part of the Japanese knife selection process, helping customers find the perfect blade for their cutting style.
• What is the atmosphere like at Kiwami Knives Shop?

  Kiwami offers a professional, focused shopping environment dedicated to serious culinary tools. The shop atmosphere reflects Japanese precision and craftsmanship, creating a space where knife enthusiasts can appreciate the artistry of traditional Japanese blades without overwhelming tourist crowds.
• Does Kiwami offer expert knife selection advice?

  Yes, Kiwami is known for its knowledgeable staff who provide personalized recommendations based on customers' cooking styles, experience levels, and specific needs. Their expertise helps customers navigate the nuances of Japanese knife types, steel compositions, and handle designs.
• Does Kiwami ship internationally?

  As a reputable Japanese knife retailer, Kiwami probably offers secure international shipping options for customers who cannot visit in person. Their professional status in Tokyo's culinary supply district indicates they have experience safely packaging and shipping valuable knives worldwide.
• Is there a warranty on Kiwami knives?

  Kiwami likely provides quality assurance for their premium knife products, particularly for their house brand items. Japanese knife retailers typically stand behind their craftsmanship, offering warranties against manufacturing defects while educating customers about proper knife care.
• What is the best time to visit Kiwami to avoid crowds?

  For a more personalized shopping experience at Kiwami, consider visiting early weekday mornings or mid-afternoons when Tokyo's shopping districts typically see fewer visitors. Avoiding Japanese holidays and weekend peak times provides more opportunity for one-on-one assistance.
• What distinguishes Kiwami from tourist-oriented knife shops?

  Unlike tourist-focused retailers, Kiwami emphasizes authentic Japanese culinary craftsmanship rather than mass-market souvenirs. Their location in Kappabashi among professional kitchenware suppliers establishes them as a genuine destination for quality Japanese knives used by serious practitioners.
• Does Kiwami cater to professional chefs?

  Yes, Kiwami has established itself as a preferred supplier for culinary professionals seeking authentic Japanese cutting tools. Their selection appeals to working chefs who understand the performance advantages of traditional Japanese knives in professional kitchen environments.
• What makes the Kappabashi district special for knife shopping?

  Kappabashi, where Kiwami is located, is Tokyo's historic specialty culinary supply district dating back generations. This concentrated area of kitchenware shops creates an immersive experience for culinary enthusiasts, with Kiwami representing the district's renowned knife craftsmanship tradition.
• How does Kiwami blend tradition with modern knife design?

  Kiwami expertly balances traditional Japanese blacksmithing techniques with contemporary functionality. Their knives honor centuries-old craftsmanship while incorporating modern ergonomics and materials, creating cutting tools that satisfy both culinary traditionalists and innovation-minded chefs.
• What is special about Kiwami's house brand 210mm Gyoto knife?

  Kiwami's signature 210mm Gyoto knife is celebrated for its exceptional balance and ergonomic handle design. This house-brand chef's knife exemplifies Kiwami's philosophy of blending traditional Japanese knife craftsmanship with practical attributes that enhance performance in modern kitchens.