FAQ

• What is Tower Knives Osaka?

  Tower Knives Osaka is a specialty knife store located near Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka's Shinsekai district. It specializes in high-quality Japanese kitchen knives crafted in Sakai, Osaka, and other regions of Japan, offering an authentic Japanese cutlery experience.
• Where is Tower Knives Osaka located?

  Tower Knives Osaka is located at 1-4-7 Ebisu-higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu, Japan 556-0002. It's a 4-minute walk from exit 3 of Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line, conveniently situated near the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.
• What are the opening hours of Tower Knives Osaka?

  The store is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing ample opportunity for both local customers and tourists to explore their extensive Japanese knife collection. Plan your visit during these hours to ensure the best shopping experience.
• How can I contact Tower Knives Osaka?

  You can contact Tower Knives Osaka by phone at +81-6-4301-7860 for inquiries about their knife inventory or services. Their English-speaking staff are ready to assist with questions about Japanese culinary knives and accessories.
• Is Tower Knives Osaka accessible by public transportation?

  Yes, Tower Knives Osaka is highly accessible by public transportation. The store is located just a 4-minute walk from exit 3 of Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line, making it easy to visit while exploring the Shinsekai district.
• When was Tower Knives established?

  Tower Knives was established by Bjorn Heiberg in 2011 with a clear mission to bridge the gap between Japanese knife artisans and users worldwide. The store was founded to promote the value and tradition of authentic Japanese knife craftsmanship.
• Why was Tower Knives Osaka created?

  Tower Knives Osaka was created to connect traditional Japanese craftsmanship with global customers. Founder Bjorn Heiberg recognized the exceptional quality of Japanese knives and established the store to make these artisanal products accessible to both locals and international visitors.
• Does Tower Knives have other locations?

  Yes, Tower Knives operates two physical locations in Japan. Besides the Osaka store, there is another location in Tokyo near the Sky Tree Tower. Additionally, they maintain an online store that offers international shipping for customers worldwide.
• What is the philosophy behind Tower Knives Osaka?

  The philosophy of Tower Knives Osaka centers around preserving and promoting Japanese knife-making traditions while making these exceptional tools accessible to a global audience. They focus on education, quality, and creating a connection between artisans and users.
• Who founded Tower Knives Osaka?

  Tower Knives was founded by Bjorn Heiberg in 2011. His vision was to create a bridge between Japanese knife artisans and culinary enthusiasts from around the world, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of Japanese cutlery.
• What types of knives does Tower Knives Osaka sell?

  Tower Knives Osaka offers a comprehensive range of traditional Japanese knives including petty, santoku, gyuto, nakiri, sujibiki, deba, and yanagiba knives. Each knife type serves specific culinary purposes, from vegetable preparation to precision fish cutting.
• Does Tower Knives Osaka offer knife personalization?

  Yes, Tower Knives Osaka provides custom engraving services on-site. Customers can personalize their knives with names or initials, making them perfect as gifts or personal keepsakes. The engraving process takes approximately five minutes to complete.
• Can I try knives before purchasing at Tower Knives Osaka?

  Absolutely! Tower Knives Osaka offers a hands-on shopping experience where customers can test knives on vegetables to assess weight, balance, and feel before making a purchase. This practical approach helps ensure you select the perfect knife for your needs.
• Does Tower Knives Osaka offer knife sharpening services?

  Yes, Tower Knives Osaka provides professional knife sharpening services for customers. Their experts also offer demonstrations and guidance on proper knife care and maintenance, ensuring your Japanese knives remain in optimal condition for years to come.
• What accessories does Tower Knives Osaka sell besides knives?

  In addition to knives, Tower Knives Osaka sells authentic whetstones and other knife-related accessories. These complementary products support proper knife maintenance and help customers preserve the exceptional cutting performance of their Japanese knives.
• Do the staff at Tower Knives Osaka speak English?

  Yes, Tower Knives Osaka employs English-speaking staff who are knowledgeable about Japanese knives. They provide comprehensive assistance to international visitors, offering detailed explanations about knife types, materials, and maintenance in a language you can understand.
• What makes the shopping experience at Tower Knives Osaka unique?

  The shopping experience at Tower Knives Osaka is distinguished by their educational approach to knife selection. Staff members guide customers through the differences between knife types, steel varieties, and crafting techniques, creating an informative and engaging shopping environment.
• Can I meet knife craftsmen at Tower Knives Osaka?

  Yes, you may have the opportunity to meet master knife craftsmen who occasionally visit the store. This unique feature allows customers to interact directly with the artisans behind the products, adding an authentic dimension to the shopping experience.
• How do staff help customers choose the right knife?

  Tower Knives Osaka staff help customers by assessing their specific culinary needs and preferences. They consider factors such as cooking style, frequency of use, and maintenance willingness to recommend appropriate knife types, sizes, and steel compositions for each individual.
• Is Tower Knives Osaka suitable for both professional chefs and home cooks?

  Yes, Tower Knives Osaka caters to both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts. Their diverse selection includes knives at various price points and specifications, ensuring that everyone from culinary professionals to amateur cooks can find suitable options.
• What payment methods does Tower Knives Osaka accept?

  Tower Knives Osaka accepts major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB, as well as cash in Japanese yen. This payment flexibility ensures a convenient shopping experience for both domestic and international customers.
• Does Tower Knives Osaka ship internationally?

  Yes, Tower Knives Osaka offers international shipping services through their online store. This allows customers from around the world to purchase authentic Japanese knives even if they cannot visit the physical store in Osaka.
• Are there any customs issues with shipping knives internationally?

  When shipping culinary knives internationally, some countries may have import restrictions or additional duties. Tower Knives Osaka staff can provide guidance on country-specific regulations and recommend appropriate shipping methods to minimize potential customs issues.
• Is there parking available near Tower Knives Osaka?

  While dedicated parking is limited in the dense Shinsekai area, there are several public parking facilities within walking distance of Tower Knives Osaka. However, using public transportation is generally recommended due to the convenient location near Ebisucho Station.
• Can I get a tax refund when purchasing at Tower Knives Osaka?

  Yes, eligible foreign visitors making purchases over a certain amount can receive a consumption tax refund at Tower Knives Osaka. Bring your passport when shopping to complete the necessary tax-free shopping procedures at the time of purchase.
• What makes Japanese knives from Tower Knives Osaka special?

  Japanese knives from Tower Knives Osaka feature exceptional blade craftsmanship using traditional techniques passed down through generations. These knives typically offer superior sharpness, edge retention, and precision compared to mass-produced alternatives from other regions.
• Does Tower Knives Osaka provide knife care instructions?

  Yes, Tower Knives Osaka provides comprehensive knife maintenance education with every purchase. Staff members explain proper cleaning, storage, and sharpening techniques to ensure customers can maintain their knives' performance and extend their lifespan.
• Is Tower Knives Osaka a tourist destination in Osaka?

  Tower Knives Osaka has become a notable culinary tourism destination in the Shinsekai district. Many food enthusiasts and travelers specifically visit the store to experience authentic Japanese knife culture and bring home a functional souvenir from their trip.
• What is the price range for knives at Tower Knives Osaka?

  Tower Knives Osaka offers products across various price categories, typically ranging from entry-level options at ¥5,000-10,000 to premium handcrafted knives exceeding ¥100,000. This diverse pricing ensures options for casual cooks, serious home chefs, and professional culinary artists.
• Do they offer knife skills demonstrations at Tower Knives Osaka?

  Tower Knives Osaka regularly provides informal knife technique demonstrations to educate customers about proper Japanese knife usage. These demonstrations showcase the exceptional cutting capabilities of their products and help customers understand how to maximize their performance.