Tokyo: Kappabashi Kitchen Town & Buy a Real Japanese Knife

Title as written by Yamaguchi Motors

Before you book

A private 4-hour tour with hotel pickup and drop-off by van anywhere in central Tokyo; the price covers the whole group of up to 6, not each person. Guiding in English, Hindi and Urdu.
Knives are not included, and nor are engraving fees, food and drinks. There is no obligation to buy anything.
Many Kappabashi shops close on Sundays and some on public holidays; the operator only offers dates when the street is open. Expect about 2 km of flat walking.
Most shops engrave a name in Japanese for a small fee but it usually takes a few days, so say at booking if you want it. The guide helps pack the knife for checked luggage; never put a knife in hand luggage.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and you can reserve now and pay later.

About This Experience

A private four-hour Kappabashi tour with hotel pickup by van in central Tokyo: steel, bevels and shops explained, then help packing what you buy for checked luggage. Knives are extra.

The sections below quote the operator's own listing. Where it says "we" or "us", that is the operator, so send questions such as dietary needs to them through your booking.

In the Operator's Own Words

Understand carbon versus stainless before you spend, not after
Single or double bevel, and why it matters for a left-handed cook
Which shops sharpen free forever and which ones do not
How to get a knife home legally in checked luggage
No obligation to buy anything at all

What's Included

✓ Private van and English-speaking driver-guide for 4 hours
✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in central Tokyo
✓ Guided walk of the full length of Kappabashi
✓ Translation and advice at every shop
✓ Help packing a knife safely for checked luggage
✓ All parking and road tolls

Not Included

Anything you buy
Knife engraving fees
Food and drinks
Gratuities, which are never expected in Japan

Good to Know

KNIVES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. This is a guided shopping walk. What you buy, if anything, you pay for yourself at the shop.
NEVER PUT A KNIFE IN HAND LUGGAGE. It must go in checked baggage. Your guide will make sure it is wrapped and boxed properly for the flight.
Many Kappabashi shops close on Sundays and some on public holidays. We will only offer dates when the street is properly open.
Most shops will engrave a name in Japanese for a small fee, but it usually takes a few days, so tell us at booking if you want that arranged.
About 2 km of walking on flat pavement.
If a particular shop is closed on your date we take you to another of the same standard on the same street.
Price is for the whole group of up to 6 people, not per person.