FAQ

• Where is Seisuke knife shop located?

  Seisuke is located in Tokyo's Asakusa district on Shin-Nakamise Street, just a minute's walk from the Kaminari-mon Gate. The exact address is 1-chōme-20-12 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo. This premier Japanese knife destination offers easy access for visitors exploring traditional Tokyo.
• What are Seisuke's operating hours?

  Seisuke is open daily from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, making it convenient for both morning and afternoon shopping experiences. The consistent opening hours throughout the week ensure that culinary enthusiasts can plan their knife shopping without worrying about weekend closures.
• How do I get to Seisuke from major Tokyo stations?

  The shop is easily accessible by public transportation from major Tokyo hubs. Take the subway to Asakusa Station, then walk toward Kaminari-mon Gate. Seisuke is located just one minute from this famous landmark on Shin-Nakamise Street, making it an ideal stop during your Asakusa temple district exploration.
• Is Seisuke easy to find for first-time visitors?

  Yes, Seisuke is prominently located near the iconic Kaminari-mon Gate, a major landmark in Asakusa. Look for the shop on Shin-Nakamise Street. The storefront features traditional Japanese aesthetic elements and displays of premium cutlery, making it recognizable for knife enthusiasts.
• What is the background of Seisuke knife shop?

  Seisuke has established itself as a renowned specialty shop dedicated to authentic, handcrafted Japanese kitchen knives. The business focuses on preserving traditional Japanese knife-making craftsmanship while offering these cultural treasures to both local and international culinary enthusias
• Where do Seisuke's knives originate from?

  Seisuke primarily sources knives from skilled artisans in Takefu Village in Fukui Prefecture, a region historically celebrated for traditional Japanese knife-making. These craftspeople maintain centuries-old techniques while incorporating modern innovations to create exceptional culinary tools with distinctive character.
• What makes Seisuke different from other knife shops in Tokyo?

  Seisuke distinguishes itself through its carefully curated selection of authentic handcrafted knives. Unlike mass-market retailers, Seisuke maintains direct relationships with master bladesmiths, offers comprehensive English-language assistance, and provides an educational shopping experience focused on Japanese cutlery traditions.
• What types of Japanese knives does Seisuke offer?

  Seisuke offers a comprehensive range of traditional Japanese knives including santoku, gyuto, nakiri, deba, yanagiba, and specialized blades like willow blades. Their collection encompasses both everyday kitchen knives and professional-grade options crafted by respected bladesmiths from renowned knife-making regions.
• What is the price range for knives at Seisuke?

  Knives at Seisuke range from approximately 7,900 yen to 45,000 yen or more, depending on craftsmanship, materials, and design complexity. This pricing spectrum accommodates various budgets while reflecting the premium quality and artisanal workmanship that characterizes authentic Japanese cutlery.
• Does Seisuke sell anything besides kitchen knives?

  Yes, beyond kitchen knives, Seisuke offers high-quality sharpening stones (whetstones), custom-made knife display cases, and specialized outdoor/camping knives. They also provide knife maintenance accessories and educational resources to help customers properly care for their Japanese knife investments.
• Can Seisuke knives be personalized or engraved?

  Yes, Seisuke provides custom knife engraving services for those seeking personalized cutlery. Their skilled staff will show preview designs before proceeding with the engraving, ensuring customer satisfaction. This personalization service makes their knives excellent gifts or memorable souvenirs from Japan.
• Are Seisuke's knives suitable for professional chefs?

  Absolutely, Seisuke offers professional-grade Japanese knives that meet the exacting standards of culinary professionals. Many renowned chefs choose Seisuke for the exceptional edge retention, precise balance, and superior craftsmanship of their knives, which enhance cutting performance in demanding kitchen environments.
• Do Seisuke staff speak English?

  Yes, Seisuke is known for staff who speak good English and can effectively communicate with international customers. This bilingual capability ensures that non-Japanese speakers can receive detailed information about knife characteristics, maintenance requirements, and usage techniques without language barriers.
• What kind of customer service can I expect at Seisuke?

  Seisuke provides exceptional personalized service with knowledgeable staff who guide customers through the selection process without pressure. They patiently explain knife differences, demonstrate proper handling techniques, and offer maintenance advice, creating an educational and supportive shopping environment.
• Can I handle and test knives before purchasing at Seisuke?

  Yes, Seisuke encourages customers to closely examine and handle knives before making a decision. Their custom display cases allow for safe inspection of different blade styles and weights. This hands-on approach helps customers find the knife that best suits their cutting style and kitchen needs.
• Is Seisuke suitable for knife beginners or only for collectors?

  Seisuke welcomes both beginners and experienced collectors. Staff are particularly praised for helping novices understand Japanese knife basics and making appropriate recommendations based on cooking habits and skill level. More experienced customers appreciate the shop's extensive selection of specialized and premium knives.
• Does Seisuke offer tax-free shopping for tourists?

  Yes, Seisuke participates in tax-free shopping for international visitors. Tourists should present their passport at the time of purchase to qualify for tax exemption. This service provides significant savings on premium Japanese knives, making Seisuke an attractive destination for culinary souvenir shopping.
• What payment methods does Seisuke accept?

  Seisuke accepts major credit cards and cash payments in Japanese yen. International credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted. For larger purchases, having multiple payment options available is recommended to ensure a smooth transaction.
• Does Seisuke ship internationally?

  Yes, Seisuke offers international shipping services for customers who prefer not to transport knives in their luggage. Their staff can arrange secure packaging and shipping to most global destinations. Shipping costs vary by location and package weight, with expedited options available for faster delivery.
• What is Seisuke's return or exchange policy?

  Seisuke maintains a customer satisfaction guarantee with reasonable return and exchange policies for unused merchandise. Any manufacturing defects are addressed promptly, though returns due to personal preference may have limitations. It's advisable to thoroughly inspect purchases before leaving the shop.
• Why are Seisuke's knives considered premium quality?

  Seisuke's knives represent exceptional craftsmanship from Takefu Village artisans who employ traditional forging techniques refined over generations. These knives feature superior steel compositions, precise heat treatment, and meticulous hand-finishing that results in extraordinary edge retention, balance, and cutting performance.
• Has Seisuke received any recognition or awards?

  Yes, Seisuke has earned the prestigious Travelers' Choice award in 2024, reflecting consistently excellent reviews and high customer satisfaction. This recognition places Seisuke among the top-rated specialty retailers in Tokyo and validates their commitment to product quality and service excellence.
• Why are Seisuke's prices higher than other knife shops?

  Seisuke's pricing reflects the authentic artisanal quality of their knives, direct relationships with master craftspeople, and exceptional customer service experience. While prices may be approximately 20% higher than other retailers, customers receive verified authenticity, expert guidance, and access to unique knife selections unavailable elsewhere.
• What makes shopping at Seisuke a cultural experience?

  Shopping at Seisuke offers a genuine Japanese cultural immersion beyond mere retail. Customers learn about centuries-old bladesmithing traditions, regional knife-making styles, and proper Japanese knife usage. The experience connects visitors with Japan's culinary heritage through knowledgeable staff passionate about preserving traditional craftsmanship.
• Does Seisuke provide knife maintenance advice?

  Yes, Seisuke staff offer comprehensive knife care education with every purchase. They explain proper sharpening techniques using traditional whetstones, demonstrate correct cutting methods to preserve blade edges, and provide guidance on storage solutions that prevent damage and maintain knife longevity.