Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street is located between Nippori Station and Sendagi Station. It is famous as a shopping street where you can experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese downtown area called "shitamachi". About 60 shops, including general stores and cafes, line the approximately 170-meter-long street.
Even in Tokyo, where large-scale redevelopment is progressing, there are many shops that reminisce the Showa era, making it a popular area not only among foreign tourists but also among Japanese people. It is also recommended for strolling, with a wide selection of takeout foods such as menchi-katsu (deep-fried ground meat cutlet), donuts, and rice crackers, which are perfect companions for eating while walking. The street is bustling with people not only on holidays but also on weekdays.
Moreover, there are many alleys, and due to its pleasant living environment, you can encounter cute cats. The image of Yanaka Ginza being associated with cats has become established. As a result, the number of cat-themed cafes and restaurants catering to cat lovers has been increasing.
However, there are not many shops that handle knives in Yanaka Ginza, so if you are looking for cooking utensils, the nearby Kappabashi Dogugai in Ueno is recommended for its extensive selection.
Knife Shops in the Yanaka Ginza Area
Togi-jin
Source: Official Website
They offer hand-sharpening techniques known as "Edo no Tetoushi" (Edo hand-sharpening), which have been passed down from the Edo period and are known for their historical techniques. Hand-sharpening is characterized by its flexibility to accommodate a wide range of knives and customer orders. There are reviews saying that the knives sharpened here become sharper than when they were bought new, attesting to the shop's highly regarded sharpening skills.
In the small and unadorned interior, household knives and professional knives are beautifully displayed. The moment you enter the store, you will be captivated by the beauty of the knives shining under the electric light, looking like works of art.
The shapes are also diverse, with some having sharp blade tips and others having square blades, surprising you with the variety of knives available. Japanese knives have always had a good reputation among people from overseas, and there are many rare items that are not easily available for purchase, making them perfect for souvenirs.
In recent years, many Japanese kitchen knives sold do not undergo the "honbatsuke" process, which enhances the sharpness of the blade. However, at Togi-jin, they perform "honbatsuke" on the knives they sell before handing them over to customers, so many people are surprised by the sharpness.
The shop owner's attentive service is also highly regarded, so if you visit Yanaka Ginza, why not stop by?
<Shop Information>
- Address: 3-12-3 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Monday
- Phone Number: 080-4919-5993
- Business Hours: 11:00-17:00
- Official Website: http://togi-jin.jp/
Ueno "Kappabashi Dogugai"
Kappabashi Dogugai, located close to Yanaka Ginza and easily accessible by train, is a street where about 170 specialty stores dealing with cooking utensils and tableware for Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine line the 800-meter stretch. The history of Kappabashi dates back to the Edo period when merchants dealing with antiques opened shops. Through the Taisho and Showa periods, it evolved into a gathering place for specialty stores related to cooking.
Popular items among both domestic and international customers are pots and kitchen knives, with a wide variety of sizes and uses being the attraction. I also went shopping there when I got married for my new life, but there were so many products that I had trouble deciding.
There are also convenient items that you don't usually see, and you won't get bored even if you spend a whole day there. It gets crowded not only on holidays but also on weekdays. Both Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street and Kappabashi Dogugai are shopping districts where you can experience the essence of Japan, but while Yanaka Ginza has general stores and cafes that you can casually visit, Kappabashi is an area with high specialization.
Representative Knife Shops in Kappabashi Dogugai
Washindo, a Japanese Kitchen Knife Specialty Store
With the motto "A special one to spend a lifetime with," they specialize in handling Japanese kitchen knives. From the traditional Japanese craft of Kurouchi Damascus knives finished one by one by skilled craftsmen to standard Santoku knives, they have over 100 types and 1,000 knives in stock, so you can find the perfect one for you.
The store has knowledgeable staff who can also speak English and Chinese, so travelers who don't speak Japanese can visit with peace of mind. In addition to cash, they accept credit cards, QR code payments, and electronic money.
<Shop Information>
- Address: 3-17-5 Matsugaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Silk Hat Heights 102
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 03-6231-6388
- Business Hours: 10:00-18:00
- Official Website: https://washindou.jp/
Tosa no Uchihamono Tokuzo
Source: Official Website
They handle Tosa Uchihamono, a traditional craft with a 400-year history. Made by hand using high-quality steel, the knives are renowned for their exceptional sharpness. The characteristic of Tosa Uchihamono is that they are shaped without using molds, requiring high skills, but allowing for original works tailored to the user.
The "Kujira Knife," designed with the desire to create a highly safe knife for children, has a rounded tip and is attracting attention for its cute design.
<Shop Information>
- Address: 1-5-16 Nishi-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Open daily (except for year-end and New Year holidays and during the Obon period)
- Phone Number: 03-5830-3913
- Business Hours: 10:00-17:30
- Official Website: https://tokuzoknives.com/
Knife Shop Koshinoitto
A long-established knife shop founded in 1980, they handle a variety of knives, mainly traditional knives finished by artisans from Tsubame-Sanjo, a city known for its manufacturing, ranging from Japanese to Western-style knives. With the motto of sharpness first, their knives are characterized by a sharpness that satisfies both the general public and professionals. In addition to knives, they also sell gardening scissors, carving knives, and beauty products.
For knives purchased at the store, you can have your name engraved in hiragana, kanji, English letters, or numbers, making it a great gift for personal knives as well as for commemorative occasions.
They offer international shipping, so even if you were interested but left the country without buying, you can purchase online.
<Shop Information>
- Address: 2-27-7 Nishi-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 03-5830-3808
- Business Hours: 10:00-18:00
- Official Website: https://www.tomishin.jp/
Yanaka Ginza allows you to feel the Japanese culture through the appearance and atmosphere of the buildings, while Kappabashi does so through the high level of technical skill in the products, enabling you to experience the essence of Japan from various angles. Yanaka Ginza and Kappabashi are located in the same Taito Ward, making it possible to visit both in one day, and you can travel between them quickly by train.
Although it takes about 40 minutes, I also recommend taking a leisurely walk along the small streets. I have walked it myself, and I encountered wonderful shops that were not listed in guidebooks and made new discoveries in unexpected places!