Founded in 1952, Tsubaya is one of Japan's most prestigious cutlers, located in the famous Kappabashi district, where food professionals come from all over the country to get their knives. It is possible to have a design or a name engraved on your blade (on request), and to learn how to sharpen a blade in the right way. The English-speaking staff will be happy to help you, advise you and teach you some aspects of the trade. For a gift or out of curiosity, Tsubaya is an address not to be missed!
Further information
Opening time and information on TSUBAYA
Open from 9am to 5:45pm from Monday to Sunday. Knives from about 6000 ¥.
Message from Management
Founded in 1956 in Kappabashi, Asakusa, Tokyo, TSUBAYA is a store specializing in kitchen knives. It offers a wide range of Japanese and Western style knives, both single and double edged, for home and professional use. With over 1000 knives on display, kitchen enthusiasts will find what they are looking for in this store. Plus, because the knives aren't stored in display cases, you can hold them, touch them and feel their texture. Carefully displayed on the walls of the store, the knives reflect the Japanese culture and its emphasis on craftsmanship and quality. Most of them are handmade by craftsmen who have inherited their craft from generation to generation. Their attention to detail and passion is reflected in their work. The store's dedication to you is evident in the attention given by its staff, who are always available to answer all your questions. All in all, this store is a must-visit for knife lovers, cooking enthusiasts and people interested in Japanese culture.
Members' reviews on TSUBAYA
This store is not duty free but is well worth it. You can also get free engraving here in under 10 minutes for the knives you purchase which can make the knives a really great gift and personalized as well.
有名店なので試しにこちらにしたのですが、外見からして、いかにも外国人観光客狙いな雰囲気で嫌な予感がしました。入店すると、短髪の若い女性がついてくれました。
愛想は良かったですよ。
さて、包丁ですが、贈り物だったため、すぐ使いにしてから包装してもらいたかったので「研いでもらえますか？」とお願いしました。すると、「もう使える状態です」と拒否されました。いや、それは使えるでしょうが、そういうことじゃないですよ・・・洋包丁ですから裏漉きはないものの片刃なので裏を押して刃線を真っ直ぐか確認したり、裏切れしてたら平にしたり、平から切刃にかけての厚みを抜いたり、仕上げで本刃を付けたり・・・。
購入時に研いでくれない包丁屋は初めてでした。
品揃えが豊富なので、地方や国外の方で実物に触れる機会のない方は、手に取って見れる点は良いと思います。購入後はアフターサービスも受けないわけですし。
私は、きちんと研いでくれたり、購入後も面倒を見てくれたり、次の購入相談をしたりしてくれるお店が良いので、つば屋さんのターゲット層として私は合わなかったということです。