FAQ

• Where is Tsukiji Masamoto located in Tokyo?

  Tsukiji Masamoto is located at 4-9-9 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, positioned on the edge of the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market facing Namiyoke Dori street. They also maintain a second location at the Toyosu Market for knife enthusiasts and culinary professionals.
• What are the opening hours of Tsukiji Masamoto?

  Tsukiji Masamoto is open daily from 6:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The shop is closed on Sundays, national holidays, and sometimes Wednesdays. These early opening hours cater to professional chefs who shop after morning food preparation.
• How can I contact Tsukiji Masamoto?

  You can contact Tsukiji Masamoto by telephone at 03-3541-8000. Their strategic location near the famous fish market makes them easily accessible for both local artisans and international visitors seeking premium Japanese cutlery.
• Is Tsukiji Masamoto accessible by public transportation?

  Yes, Tsukiji Masamoto is easily accessible via Tokyo's public transportation network. The shop is a short walk from Tsukiji Station, and the surrounding Outer Market area is well-served by buses. Many visitors combine their knife shopping with exploring the famous market area.
• How long has Tsukiji Masamoto been making knives?

  Tsukiji Masamoto has been crafting exceptional Japanese knives since the 1850s, representing over 170 years of knife-making tradition. Their enduring commitment to quality and craftsmanship has established them as one of Japan's most respected culinary knife manufacturers.
• Who currently owns and operates Tsukiji Masamoto?

  Tsukiji Masamoto is currently headed by Misao Hirano, the 6th-generation owner of this prestigious family business. Under his knowledgeable leadership, the company maintains its traditional craftsmanship while adapting to contemporary culinary needs and international demand.
• When did Tsukiji Masamoto establish their shop at the Tsukiji market?

  The Tsukiji Masamoto store has been operating at the Tsukiji market since 1907, creating a legacy spanning over a century. This longstanding presence has allowed them to build deep relationships with generations of professional chefs from Tokyo's renowned culinary scene.
• What makes Tsukiji Masamoto historically significant?

  Tsukiji Masamoto's historical significance stems from their multi-generational craftsmanship and connection to Tokyo's culinary evolution. As suppliers to professional chefs since the early 20th century, they've played a vital role in maintaining traditional Japanese knife-making techniques while serving the heart of Tokyo's food culture.
• What types of knives does Tsukiji Masamoto specialize in?

  Tsukiji Masamoto specializes in traditional Japanese kitchen knives including santoku, gyuto, deba, yanagiba, and usuba styles. Their comprehensive selection caters to specific culinary techniques, from precision fish cutting to vegetable preparation and general kitchen tasks.
• Does Tsukiji Masamoto offer custom knife options?

  Yes, Tsukiji Masamoto offers custom blade options made to order for customers with specific requirements. These bespoke knives can be crafted to personal specifications regarding size, weight, handle material, and balance, then shipped directly to customers' homes worldwide.
• What knife engraving services does Tsukiji Masamoto provide?

  Tsukiji Masamoto provides professional knife engraving services, allowing customers to personalize their purchases with names, initials, or custom inscriptions. This traditional service adds a personal touch to each knife, making them ideal gifts or cherished professional tools.
• What ongoing services does Tsukiji Masamoto offer for purchased knives?

  Tsukiji Masamoto guarantees lifetime sharpening services for any knives purchased from their shop. This exceptional customer care ensures that your professional-grade cutlery maintains optimal performance throughout years of use, reflecting their commitment to long-term customer satisfaction.
• Who is the typical customer of Tsukiji Masamoto?

  Over 70% of Tsukiji Masamoto's customers are culinary professionals including chefs, cooks, and butchers. Their expertise in meeting the exacting standards of professional kitchens has established them as a trusted source for serious home cooks and collectors seeking authentic Japanese cutlery.
• How knowledgeable are the staff at Tsukiji Masamoto?

  The staff at Tsukiji Masamoto are highly knowledgeable about Japanese knife craftsmanship and can explain technical aspects like blade strength, weight distribution, and balance. Their expertise helps customers select the perfect knife for specific cooking styles and professional requirements.
• Can I test knives before purchasing at Tsukiji Masamoto?

  Yes, Tsukiji Masamoto allows customers to test knives in-person before making a purchase. This hands-on shopping experience lets you assess the feel, weight, and balance of different knife styles, ensuring you select the perfect tool for your cutting techniques and preferences.
• Does Tsukiji Masamoto have English-speaking staff?

  Yes, Tsukiji Masamoto has staff with good English communication skills, making the shop accessible to international visitors. Their ability to explain complex knife characteristics and traditional Japanese cutting techniques helps non-Japanese speakers make informed purchasing decisions.
• Can I purchase Tsukiji Masamoto knives online?

  Yes, while the in-store experience is recommended, Tsukiji Masamoto does offer online purchasing options for customers unable to visit in person. Their shipping service allows culinary enthusiasts worldwide to access these premium Japanese knives with authentic craftsmanship.
• What payment methods does Tsukiji Masamoto accept?

  Tsukiji Masamoto accepts credit card payments alongside traditional cash options. This customer-friendly policy accommodates international visitors and professionals making significant investments in premium culinary tools without currency exchange limitations.
• What price range can I expect for knives at Tsukiji Masamoto?

  Tsukiji Masamoto offers knives across a range of price points, with professional-grade options typically ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000+ (approximately $70-700+). The investment reflects their exceptional craftsmanship, premium materials, and the generations of expertise behind each blade.
• Is there a best time to visit Tsukiji Masamoto to avoid crowds?

  The best time to visit is mid-morning on weekdays, after the early professional chef rush but before tourist peak hours. Avoiding Saturdays and days following their closure (Mondays after Sunday closure) will typically provide a more personalized shopping experience.
• Does Tsukiji Masamoto offer knife maintenance guidance?

  Yes, Tsukiji Masamoto provides comprehensive knife care instruction with each purchase. Their staff takes time to explain proper cleaning, storage, sharpening techniques, and maintenance practices to ensure your investment maintains its exceptional performance for decades.
• What makes Tsukiji Masamoto knives different from other Japanese knife brands?

  Tsukiji Masamoto knives are distinguished by their perfect balance of tradition and functionality. Unlike purely decorative or mass-produced options, these knives represent authentic craftsmanship while being designed for daily professional use, with specific attention to edge retention and cutting precision.
• Why do professional chefs prefer Tsukiji Masamoto knives?

  Professional chefs prefer Tsukiji Masamoto knives for their exceptional blade geometry and edge performance. The precise craftsmanship results in knives that maintain sharpness longer, reduce hand fatigue during extended use, and execute specific Japanese cutting techniques with unmatched precision.
• Does Tsukiji Masamoto have any connection to Japanese culinary traditions?

  Tsukiji Masamoto has deep connections to washoku culinary traditions, having supplied tools to generations of sushi chefs, kaiseki artisans, and traditional Japanese restaurants. Their knives are designed with specific Japanese preparation techniques in mind, supporting the precise cuts essential to Japanese cuisine.
• What is special about the location of Tsukiji Masamoto?

  Tsukiji Masamoto's location at the edge of the historic Tsukiji Outer Market creates a unique shopping environment steeped in Japan's food culture. This positioning has allowed them to develop close relationships with seafood professionals and culinary experts who have shaped their knife designs for over a century.