Family Dining · Practical guide

Kama-Asa

The Inbound Traveler's Guide to Kappabashi's 1908 Culinary Tool House, "amane" Knives & Iron Pans

Prices, ordering steps, payment details, and common mistakes — in one place.

Quick Facts

Category Detail
Japanese name釜浅商店 (Kama-Asa)
Brand NameKama-Asa / 釜浅商店 (株式会社釜浅商店 / Kama-Asa Co., Ltd.)
Store TypeHistoric culinary tool & Japanese knife specialist ("Good Tools for Good Cooking")
Target AudienceInternational home cooks, professional chefs and visitors seeking Japanese knife advice and cookware in Kappabashi. English is available as a requested language for the separate, paid Private Shopping Service; ordinary walk-in English assistance is staff-dependent.
Ordering StyleBrowse cookware and knives, ask whether supervised demonstrations and English-language consultations are available, and confirm personalization options and timing before paying.
Membership Required?No retail membership is normally indicated. For a tax-refund purchase, ask the participating shop to confirm your eligibility and required identity/residency documents; advance booking may apply to any workshop or factory tour.
Approximate Price RangePrices vary substantially by knife model, steel, length and accessories; check current official product listings and shelf labels. For tax-refund purchases the statutory minimum is ¥5,000 excluding tax per eligible store per day; the chosen store must be a participating tax-free seller.
Multilingual SupportEnglish can be requested for the official Private Shopping Service (10:00–11:00 AM, ¥20,000 per hour, advance application for a date at least 10 days later, subject to shop confirmation). For walk-ins, ask which language support is available that day.
Payment MethodsConfirm accepted cash, international card, transit IC, electronic money and QR methods with the specific shop before relying on them.
Store Network1 domestic directly operated flagship in Tokyo (as of November 2026 official website: 2-24-1 Matsugaya, Taito-ku, Kappabashi Kitchen Town), plus 2 overseas directly operated stores in Paris (France) and Brooklyn (New York, USA)

What it is

Founded in 1908 (Meiji 41) along Tokyo's famed Kappabashi Kitchen Town (Dougu-gai), Kama-Asa Co., Ltd. (株式会社釜浅商店) is one of Japan's most respected purveyors of "Good Tools for Good Cooking" (Ryori-dogu / 良理道具). Collaborating directly with master blacksmiths and craft workshops across Japan, Kama-Asa operates its flagship Kappabashi store in Asakusa alongside two international sister boutiques in Paris and Brooklyn, New York.

Ask the team what language assistance is available on your visit. Staff can explain iron-pan seasoning, the care differences between carbon steel and stainless blades, and tools such as wooden rice tubs or cast iron pans; do not assume that a bilingual expert will always be on duty.

How to order

Step 1: Visiting Kappabashi & Checking Month-End Early Closing

Step 2: Choosing a Knife & Arranging Language Assistance

Step 3: Exploring Iron Pans, Rice Pots & Bamboo Steamers

Step 4: Checkout & 2026 Tax-Refund Procedure

What to order first

1. Kama-Asa Original "amane" Santoku Knife

2. Hand-Hammered Iron Frying Pans (Uchidashi Tetsupan)

3. Kappabashi-Exclusive "Tokyo Wood" Cutting Boards

4. Traditional Kamenoko Tawashi Palm Scrub Brushes & Sasara

5. Japanese Whetstones & Eligible Knife Engraving

Payment & practical info

Prices and details checked: November 2026.

Good to know / Common mistakes

1. Watch Out for Month-End 4:30 PM Early Closing

On the last calendar day of each month (February 28 or 29, or the 30th or 31st as applicable), Kama-Asa closes at 4:30 PM instead of 5:30 PM for staff training. Check for special holiday changes.

2. Pack Knives & Heavy Iron Pans in Checked Baggage

Knives are strictly banned from airplane cabins, and heavy cast-iron/hammered-iron skillets may also be flagged at security screening as blunt items—pack both inside your checked suitcase before heading to the airport.

3. Discounts and Promotions

FAQ

Q1: Is Kama-Asa affiliated with the shops in Paris and Brooklyn?

Yes. The company lists stores in Paris and Brooklyn as well as Kappabashi. Inventory, repair arrangements and after-sales help vary by store; check the relevant branch before relying on a specific product or service.

Q2: Can I wash my Kama-Asa iron frying pan with dish soap?

Before first use, Kama-Asa instructs customers to wash its hammered iron pan with neutral dish soap, dry it over heat, then complete an oil-seasoning step. For everyday care afterward, use warm water and a natural tawashi brush rather than soap. Soap is permitted if stubborn residue remains, but re-season the pan afterward, and always dry thoroughly over gentle heat to prevent rust.

Q3: How do I receive my consumption tax refund under the 2026 airport customs system?

First confirm that the exact store offers the post-November 1, 2026 tax-refund procedure and register your refund details there when purchasing. Pay the tax-inclusive price. Within 90 days of purchase, complete Customs' export verification at your departure airport or seaport before checking your luggage. The terminal will tell you if Customs needs to examine your goods; keep them accessible until verification is finished. After confirmation, receive any eligible refund by the method arranged by the seller or its provider. The process and availability of airport cash refunds vary by provider.

Sources