FAQ

• Where is Tokuzo knife shop located in Tokyo?

  Tokuzo is located at 1-5-16 Nishi-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0035, in the famous Kappabashi Dougu Street area. This culinary shopping district, known as "Kitchen Town," is renowned for its concentration of professional kitchenware shops catering to chefs and cooking enthusiasts.
• What are the operating hours of Tokuzo in Tokyo?

  Tokuzo operates from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. The shop remains open throughout the year except during two specific holiday periods: the year-end/New Year holidays and the traditional Obon period in summer, providing consistent access to their Japanese knife collection.
• How do I get to Tokuzo from nearby train stations?

  Tokuzo is easily accessible from several stations: 5-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line), 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express), 8-minute walk from Iriya Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line), or 13-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Toei Asakusa Line).
• Is Tokuzo accessible by bus or car?

  Yes, Tokuzo is just 2 minutes on foot from Kikuyabashi bus stop for those preferring bus travel. If arriving by car, the shop is approximately 5 minutes from the Metropolitan Expressway Ueno/Iriya Interchange, making it convenient for visitors using various transportation methods.
• When did Tokuzo open its Tokyo store?

  Tokuzo opened its Tokyo Kappabashi store in October 2019, marking the brand's first physical retail location. Despite being relatively new to the area, this flagship shop has quickly established itself as a noteworthy destination in Tokyo's historic kitchenware district.
• Is Tokuzo part of a larger company or chain?

  Yes, Tokuzo is part of a small specialized chain of Japanese knife shops with additional locations in Osaka and Okinawa. This expansion demonstrates the brand's success and commitment to promoting authentic Japanese cutlery culture throughout different regions of Japan.
• What is Tokuzo's mission or philosophy?

  Tokuzo is dedicated to spreading authentic Japanese knife culture globally. Their business philosophy centers on making high-quality Japanese cutlery accessible to both professional chefs and home cooks, bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern culinary needs.
• What makes Kappabashi "Kitchen Town" significant for shops like Tokuzo?

  Kappabashi Dougu Street, where Tokuzo is located, has been Tokyo's premier culinary supply district for generations. This specialized commercial area creates the perfect environment for a knife shop, attracting both professional chefs seeking tools and tourists interested in Japanese culinary traditions.
• What types of kitchen knives does Tokuzo specialize in?

  Tokuzo specializes in authentic Japanese kitchen knives with a particular focus on Tosa cutlery. Their collection encompasses various traditional knife styles including santoku, gyuto, nakiri, deba, yanagiba, and other specialized formats for specific culinary techniques.
• What is Tosa cutlery and why does Tokuzo focus on it?

  Tosa cutlery refers to knives crafted in the Tosa region (modern-day Kochi Prefecture), known for their excellent quality and heritage. Tokuzo highlights these distinctive blades because of their outstanding craftsmanship, cutting performance, and representation of regional Japanese knife-making traditions.
• Does Tokuzo offer knives for both professional chefs and home cooks?

  Yes, Tokuzo provides knives suitable for various skill levels and requirements, from professional chef-grade tools to more accessible options for home cooking enthusiasts. This range ensures customers can find knives appropriate for their specific needs, experience, and budget.
• What price range can customers expect for knives at Tokuzo?

  Tokuzo offers knives across a range of price points, accommodating both entry-level purchases and premium artisanal blades. This pricing diversity makes quality Japanese cutlery accessible to casual cooks while still satisfying professional chefs seeking high-performance specialized tools.
• Do the staff at Tokuzo speak English?

  Yes, Tokuzo's staff can generally communicate well in English, making the shop particularly accessible for international visitors. This language capability allows for meaningful discussions about knife characteristics, helping non-Japanese speakers make informed purchases.
• How would you describe the shopping atmosphere at Tokuzo?

  Tokuzo is described as a "nice little shop" with a welcoming atmosphere. The boutique-style space creates an intimate shopping environment where customers can examine knives closely and receive personalized attention from the knowledgeable staff.
• How knowledgeable are the staff about Japanese knives?

  Customer reviews consistently highlight the expertise of Tokuzo's staff regarding Japanese cutlery. Their in-depth knowledge covers blade materials, forging techniques, edge geometries, and proper maintenance practices, providing valuable guidance for both novices and experienced knife enthusiasts.
• What payment methods does Tokuzo accept?

  Tokuzo accepts a comprehensive range of payment options including major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, J-Debit) and QR payments (PayPay, LINE Pay, Alipay, WeChatPay, NPay), accommodating both domestic and international customers.
• Is there a warranty or return policy for knives purchased at Tokuzo?

  The shop likely provides standard manufacturer warranties covering defects in materials and workmanship. Japanese knife retailers typically explain proper knife care at purchase, as warranties generally exclude damage from improper use or maintenance.
• What is the best time to visit Tokuzo to avoid crowds?

  For a more personalized shopping experience, consider visiting Tokuzo on weekday mornings shortly after opening at 10:00 AM. This timing typically provides a quieter environment for detailed consultations about knife selection before the midday crowds arrive.
• What makes Tokuzo different from other knife shops in Kappabashi?

  While Kappabashi hosts several knife retailers, Tokuzo distinguishes itself through its specialized focus on Tosa cutlery. This regional emphasis provides customers access to distinctive knife-making traditions that might not be as prominently featured in other shops.
• Does Tokuzo employ staff with specialized knife knowledge?

  Yes, Tokuzo actively recruits staff with both language skills and sales expertise related to Japanese cutlery. This hiring approach ensures customers receive informed guidance about blade characteristics, helping them select knives that precisely match their cooking styles and preferences.
• Why might professional chefs choose to shop at Tokuzo?

  Professional chefs appreciate Tokuzo for its curated selection of authentic Japanese culinary knives. The shop's focus on quality, combined with knowledgeable staff who understand professional kitchen demands, creates an environment where serious cooks can find tools that enhance their craft.
• How does Tokuzo contribute to preserving Japanese knife traditions?

  Beyond retail, Tokuzo serves an important cultural role by promoting traditional Japanese cutlery craftsmanship. By connecting these artisanal products with a global audience, the shop helps sustain heritage knife-making techniques while introducing international customers to Japanese culinary tools.