FAQ

• Where is Mei Syou knife shop located in Tokyo?

  Mei Syou is situated on Kappabashi Dougu Street in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan. This area is famously known as "Kitchen Town" and is a renowned destination for professional kitchenware shopping in Tokyo.
• What are the business hours for Mei Syou knife shop?

  Mei Syou typically operates during standard business hours, opening around 10:00 AM and closing at 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. The shop may have limited hours on Sundays and holidays. It's recommended to check their current hours before visiting.
• How do I get to Mei Syou knife shop using public transportation?

  The shop is easily accessible via Tokyo's efficient public transportation system. The closest subway stations are Tawaramachi Station on the Ginza Line and Asakusa Station served by multiple lines. From either station, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to Kappabashi Street.
• Is Mei Syou knife shop easy to find for foreign visitors?

  While located in a popular shopping district, Mei Syou maintains a traditional storefront that may be subtle compared to larger establishments. Look for a small shop with knife displays in the window along Kappabashi Street. Most locals can direct you if needed.
• How long has Mei Syou been selling knives in Tokyo?

  Mei Syou is recognized as a legendary establishment in Tokyo's knife industry with decades of operation. The shop has built its reputation through generations of knife expertise, becoming an integral part of Kappabashi's rich culinary heritage.
• What makes Kappabashi district famous for kitchen knives?

  Kappabashi has been Tokyo's premier kitchenware district since the early 20th century. Originally serving professional restaurants, the area evolved to supply both commercial and home kitchens. Today, it's internationally recognized as the heart of Japanese culinary equipment shopping.
• Who owns and operates Mei Syou knife shop?

  Mei Syou is a family-operated business run by knife artisan specialists who have dedicated their careers to understanding Japanese blade craftsmanship. The small team provides personalized service based on extensive knowledge passed down through generations.
• What types of Japanese knives does Mei Syou sell?

  Mei Syou offers a comprehensive selection of traditional Japanese culinary knives, including santoku, gyuto, nakiri, deba, yanagiba, and specialty knives like the kirituke style. Their inventory ranges from everyday home cooking blades to professional chef-grade options.
• Does Mei Syou sell Damascus steel knives?

  Yes, Mei Syou carries premium Damascus steel blades, including VG10 Damascus varieties known for their distinctive patterned appearance and exceptional edge retention. These knives combine traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern metallurgy for superior performance.
• Can I find affordable knives at Mei Syou or only high-end options?

  Mei Syou caters to all budgets with a range of price points from entry-level knives suitable for beginners to high-end artisanal pieces. This variety makes the shop accessible to culinary students, home cooks, and professional chefs seeking investment-quality tools.
• What knife maintenance products does Mei Syou offer?

  The shop is particularly noted for its affordable rust erasers, essential tools for maintaining carbon steel knives. Additionally, they stock sharpening stones, blade guards, cutting boards, and cleaning supplies to help extend the life of your knife investment.
• Does Mei Syou offer knife sharpening services?

  While primarily a retail establishment, Mei Syou provides basic knife sharpening guidance and can recommend proper sharpening tools for your specific blades. For professional sharpening services, they can direct customers to trusted specialists in the area.
• Can I try knives before purchasing at Mei Syou?

  Absolutely! Mei Syou encourages customers to test knives thoroughly before making a purchase. The shop typically provides daikon radish for testing the feel, balance, and cutting performance of different knives to ensure you find the perfect match for your needs.
• Are the staff at Mei Syou helpful for first-time Japanese knife buyers?

  The staff at Mei Syou are known for their welcoming approach toward knife novices. They patiently explain knife characteristics, maintenance requirements, and proper usage techniques without pressuring customers. This makes the shop ideal for first-time Japanese knife buyers.
• Do Mei Syou staff speak English?

  The shop typically has staff with basic English communication skills sufficient to assist international customers. While not all staff may be fluent, they use visual demonstrations and simplified explanations to overcome language barriers when helping foreign visitors.
• How much time should I plan for visiting Mei Syou?

  For the best experience, allow 30-60 minutes for your knife exploration at Mei Syou. This gives you ample time to test different knife styles, discuss options with staff, and make an informed decision without feeling rushed in this specialized shopping environment.
• What payment methods does Mei Syou accept?

  Mei Syou accepts cash payments in Japanese yen, with some cash transactions potentially qualifying for discounts. The shop has increasingly adapted to accept major credit cards, but visitors should bring cash as a reliable payment option when shopping.
• Is there a tax exemption for tourists at Mei Syou?

  Yes, international visitors can receive tax-free shopping benefits at Mei Syou by presenting their passport at the time of purchase. This exemption applies to purchases over a certain amount and requires you to carry the items out of Japan unused.
• Does Mei Syou ship knives internationally?

  Mei Syou can arrange international shipping for purchased knives, though this service may include additional fees. Customers should be aware of their home country's regulations regarding knife imports, as some nations have restrictions on shipping certain blade types.
• What is the price range for knives at Mei Syou?

  Knives at Mei Syou range from approximately ¥5,000 ($35 USD) for basic models to over ¥50,000 ($350+ USD) for premium artisanal blades. Most popular everyday chef knives fall in the ¥15,000-30,000 range, offering excellent quality at more accessible price points.
• What makes Mei Syou different from other knife shops in Kappabashi?

  Unlike larger commercial shops, Mei Syou offers a genuinely personal shopping experience where customers are encouraged to take their time. Their specialized knowledge combined with a pressure-free atmosphere makes the shop stand out in Kappabashi's competitive knife market.
• Does Mei Syou sell any exclusive or hard-to-find knife styles?

  Mei Syou occasionally stocks limited-edition blades from renowned Japanese blacksmiths that may not be widely available elsewhere. These specialty pieces represent unique regional styles or innovative approaches to traditional Japanese knife-making techniques.
• Can Mei Syou help me choose the right knife for specific cooking techniques?

  The knowledgeable staff excel at matching customers with knives suited to their culinary specialization. Whether you focus on vegetable preparation, fish butchery, meat carving, or general cooking, they can recommend specific blade shapes and steel types optimal for your needs.
• Does Mei Syou offer any knife care demonstrations or workshops?

  While not formalized workshops, the staff at Mei Syou often provide impromptu maintenance demonstrations when requested, showing proper sharpening techniques, cleaning methods, and storage practices to help customers maximize the lifespan of their Japanese knives.