Aritsugu Nishiki Market

Kitchen supply store · Kyoto-shi

Aritsugu Nishiki Market

Kitchen supply store · Kyoto-shi

Japan, 〒604-8052 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kajiyacho, 219

Highlights

Nestled in Nishiki Market, this compact gem specializes in finely crafted chef's knives, offering personalized service and expert sharpening on-site.

Japan, 〒604-8052 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kajiyacho, 219 Get directions

aritsugu.co.jp

@afar

"Aritsugu Knife Shop There’s a lot of tourists Instagram-browsing inKyoto’s famed Nishiki Market shops, which hawksalt-pickledcherry blossoms, barrels of other pickled vegetables, and takoyaki (fried octopus balls). But step off the bustling main drag and into this legendary knife shop to discover a rarefied world of chefs deliberating over blue steel boning knives with magnolia handles, or 12-inch Japanese alloy with rosewood and water buffalo horn. The tiny shop is chockful of handmade blades and cutting utensils gleaming like evidence behind glass cases. But Aritsugu isprincipally known for its custom-made knives, especially popular with lefties. The shop will also engrave your name or initials on your blade for free via the revolving whetstone behind the counter."

The Best Places to Shop in Kyoto

View Postcard for Aritsugu

Nour Eldin Saleh

Google

When buying a knife becomes a life time experience. I always wanted an Aritsugu knife, and I was a bit unlucky due to arriving when they were closed for the holidays. Luckily I got there before my train as soon as they opened, found the knife I wanted and it was already pre sharpened. Now the staff and team are super helpful I told them what I was looking for and asked if I can try two other knives and they were more than happy to accommodate this. The packing and care they give to the knife is beyond words. Would love to go back and buy the other two

Anh Nguyen

Google

Sharp knives. Lots of tourists in the area. I like it that this is one of the places that didn't have the usual offering of Damascus and multiple different knife handle options. I went in and knew what I wanted and got it very easily. It is slightly overwhelming and being a foreigner is definitely harder to communicate with the staff. You also should know the difference between a carbon steel blade and such but there's a lot of reviews on the internet. I ended up with a santoku and am very happy with it. Just have to make sure it's dried when I store it otherwise my knife will rust due to it being a carbon steel knife.

Sergio Gurrea

Google

Got my first 2 knifes(Santoku and fuguhiki) here 9 years ago, used everyday on my job. Still good and loving it. Back for another Batch of knives. Prices still good, maybe no the fanciers ones out there, but they perform really good, simple design and beautiful balance. Sharped at the moment of check out to be sure is ready. Kitchenware in general are expensive. Tourist are doesn’t forgive

Debbie Fogel

Google

Awesome market in the heart of Kyoto. It has a little bit of everything. Walking through the narrow pathway between businesses, you can find good, gifts, home goods, clothes, traditional local sake, custom made chopsticks, and so so so much more. A couple visits wasn't enough. Just loved this area!

S. M.

Google

This place offers a WIDE RANGE of knives and other kitchen tools made from carbon steel. I bought my Santoku (all-purpose) knife from here. Staff are friendly and can speak english and was able to provide me with lots of advice and info on which knife I should choose and how to care for the knife. I'm happy with my knife purchase and cannot wait to use it. Even though knife prices are on the higher side, I think of it as an heirloom which you only buy once and it'll last forever as long as you take good care of it.

Sofia Nyman

Google

Shopkeeper was very helpful and guided me to this beautiful knife. It’s a traditional knife with bamboo handle and so it’s very light and easy to use. They engraved it with my name which is a super nice touch🫶🏼

Jorge Estuardo López Joaquín

Google

You cannot go to Kyoto and miss Nishiki Market. There's so many food options that you won't be able to try them all (but please, do try).

Hongyou Liu

Google

Really huge selection of knives. You know the place is legit when you see chefs come in to do their knife shopping. I was lucky to go in at a timing where they were not too crowded. After taking time to select a knife, I only had to wait about 10 minutes for the staff to do engraving and sharpening. The staff made sure to explain how to do proper knife care and maintenance. Every knife comes with a handy leaflet explaining about the different types of Japanese knives and step-by-step instructions on how to sharpen and hone your knife.