Kurosawa Gakki

Quick Facts

What it is

Its specialist shops and departments cover Shin-Okubo, Ochanomizu, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Yokohama, Nagoya, Umeda and Fukuoka. Distinct shop/floor labels should not be read as a verified number of separate physical storefronts. Kurosawa also handles qualifying overseas export web orders through official channels.

Its network features deeply specialized boutiques including the Shin-Okubo Japan Main Store, Ochanomizu Ekimae Store, G-CLUB TOKYO & Shibuya (Gibson and electric specialists), Dr.Sound (world-renowned acoustic and classical guitar floor in Ochanomizu), Kurosawa Violin (fine violins, cellos, and bows), and Kurosawa Wind. In addition to in-store 2026 Tax-Free shopping for visiting travelers, Kurosawa Gakki also supports direct overseas export shipping (exempt from Japanese consumption tax) for online orders paid via international bank transfer or JPY PayPal.

How to order

Step 1: Choosing the Right Specialist Location

Because Kurosawa Gakki organizes its stores by instrument family, pick the specialist floor matching your instrument:

• Acoustic & Classical Guitars: Dr.Sound (Ochanomizu) and the acoustic floors at Shin-Okubo Japan Main Store and Ochanomizu Ekimae.
• Electric Guitars & Basses: G-CLUB TOKYO (Ochanomizu) and G-CLUB Shibuya (Dogenzaka).
• Orchestral Strings & Wind: Kurosawa Violin and Kurosawa Wind branches in Ochanomizu, Shibuya, Yokohama, Nagoya, Umeda, and Fukuoka.
• Operating hours typically run from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily (varies by store).

Step 2: Auditioning Instruments & Consulting Luthiers

• Ask a floor specialist ("Shiso dekimasu ka?") before handling high-end acoustic guitars or violins.
• At Kurosawa Violin and Dr.Sound, ask which tuning, bow/bridge inspection or adjustment services are currently available, who will carry them out and what they cost; specialist availability varies by shop and appointment.

Step 3: Choosing In-Store Carry-Home vs. Overseas Export Shipping

• Option A: In-Store Purchase & Airport Carry-Home: Ideal for compact accessories, ukuleles, violin bows, or guitars you plan to take on your flight.
• Option B: Direct Overseas Shipping (Web/Export): Kurosawa officially provides qualifying export orders through its overseas web purchase process, with details including payment and shipping determined for the order. Export tax treatment differs from the in-person tourist refund process. Confirm whether this item can be exported and whether protected woods, bows or fittings require CITES paperwork before paying.

Step 4: Cashier Checkout & 2026 Tax-Free Refund Procedure (In-Store)

• Tax-free participation is counter-specific. Check this exact shop’s current registration and request a qualifying purchase record before paying; an unrelated store, department or mall tax-free sign is not sufficient evidence.
• Inform the cashier "Tax-Free kudasai" before payment and present your original physical foreign passport (Temporary Visitor status required; photocopies are ineligible).
• For eligible purchases at an officially registered tax-free shop from November 1, 2026:
  1. Check participation before paying at this exact store or counter. Eligible short-term visitors pay the tax-inclusive price, show the required passport/entry record and receive a registered purchase record; ask staff to explain the eventual refund provider and method.
  2. A qualifying purchase totals at least ¥5,000 excluding tax per registered store per day. The old separate general-goods/consumables categories and former consumables cap do not govern new purchases.
  3. Export the purchased goods. Food and other consumable goods used or consumed in Japan do not qualify for the departure export confirmation/refund.
  4. Within 90 days of purchase and before checking in baggage, complete Customs confirmation of the recorded tax-free purchase at the designated departure kiosk or available Visit Japan Web route. A green result completes the confirmation; a red result may require physically showing the goods to customs officers.
  5. Plan transport separately: Check your airline for instrument/case size, extra-seat or checked-baggage options, spare lithium batteries, oils and aerosols. A liquid exceeding the cabin 100 ml limit is not automatically safe or permitted in checked baggage; flammable or dangerous products may be prohibited entirely. Have any goods needed for Customs inspection accessible before bag drop.
  6. After Customs confirms export, the seller or its appointed refund operator processes the consumption-tax refund by the method agreed at purchase. Customs does not issue the refund. Refund timing and any fees depend on the participating seller; participating refund operators may offer an airport refund desk, but this is not automatic for every seller.

What to order first

1. C.F. Martin Custom Shop & Japan-Exclusive Acoustic Guitars

• What it is: Hand-selected Martin dreadnoughts, OM models, and Kurosawa custom-order acoustic guitars curated by Japan's official Martin distributor.
• Why buy it: Exceptional wood selection and meticulous humidified storage at Dr.Sound and Ochanomizu.
• Price expectation: Check the current model-specific listing or shelf label at the selected shop; prices, condition and stock vary.

2. Kamaka Hawaii Ukuleles & Compact Travel Ukuleles

• What it is: Genuine Hawaiian Koa wood sopranos, concerts, and tenors from Kamaka Hawaii (officially distributed in Japan by Kurosawa Gakki).
• Why buy it: Ukuleles can be more compact than full-size guitars, but their case dimensions and flight-cabin eligibility still depend on the airline and route.
• Price expectation: Check the current model-specific listing or shelf label at the selected shop; prices, condition and stock vary.

3. Handmade Japanese & European Violins and Bows

• What it is: Violins, violas, cellos and a range of bows at Kurosawa Violin; confirm individual wood and fitting materials, especially Pernambuco and protected animal materials, against relevant CITES exceptions and permits.
• Why buy it: One of Asia's most respected string galleries, offering side-by-side tonal comparisons in quiet audition rooms.
• Price expectation: Check the current model-specific listing or shelf label at the selected shop; prices, condition and stock vary.

4. G-CLUB Custom-Order Electric Guitars (Gibson / Fender / Domestic)

• What it is: Hand-picked Gibson Custom Shop Les Pauls, ES-335s, and Japanese domestic electric guitars curated at G-CLUB TOKYO and G-CLUB Shibuya.
• Why buy it: Specialists photograph and weigh individual guitars, letting discerning players pick exact neck profiles and tops.
• Price expectation: Check the current model-specific listing or shelf label at the selected shop; prices, condition and stock vary.

5. Fine Violin Rosin, Japanese Strings & Acoustic Accessories

• What it is: Premium violin rosin cakes, Japanese classical guitar strings, hygrometers, and leather guitar straps.
• Why buy it: Lightweight, affordable essentials for orchestral and acoustic players.
• Price expectation: Check the current model-specific listing or shelf label at the selected shop; prices, condition and stock vary.

Payment & practical info

• Accepted Payment Modes: In-store: Cash (JPY), major international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, etc.), and electronic money. Online international export orders: bank wire transfer or JPY-denominated PayPal.
• Tax-free purchases (refund system since November 1, 2026): Only where this particular shop/counter is an authorized participating seller, eligible visitors pay tax-inclusive, buy at least ¥5,000 excluding tax at the same store on the same day, complete Customs export confirmation within 90 days of purchase before checking in baggage, and receive any refund from the merchant or its designated operator by the method agreed at purchase. Consumable goods must not be used in Japan; the former separate general-goods/consumables categories no longer apply. A shop's participation, refund desk and fees must be checked for that transaction.
• Operating Hours: Hours vary by store (varies by store), typically 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Good to know / Common mistakes

1. CITES Rules on Vintage Rosewood & Violin Bows

Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) and some protected animal fittings are subject to strict CITES controls; certain other rosewood instruments and Pernambuco items can have specific exemptions depending on specimen, origin and transaction. Ask the seller for a materials declaration and consult both countries’ competent authorities before export or import.

2. Promotional Discount Coupons

Promotional discount coupons may be distributed during specific promotional campaigns or Kurosawa Members Card events. Terms, validity periods, exclusions, and minimum purchase conditions apply.

3. Humidity Shock Protection

If traveling from humid Tokyo to a dry winter climate (or vice versa), ask Kurosawa staff for two-way humidity control packets (such as Boveda or D'Addario Humidipak) to keep inside your acoustic guitar or violin case during flight transit.

Sources

• Kurosawa Gakki Official Corporate and Overseas Export Portal (Checked: 2026-11-14)
• Japan Customs Departure Tax-Free Regulations (Verified: 2026-11-13)
• Japan Customs: Tax-Free Refund System from November 2026 (Checked: 2026-11-14)
• Japan Tourism Agency: Departure Customs and 90-Day Purchase Window (Checked: 2026-11-14)
• Japan METI: CITES Species and Musical Instrument Exceptions (Checked: 2026-11-14)
• ANA: Musical Instrument Travel Rules (Checked: 2026-11-14)
• Kurosawa official overseas shipping/export ordering (Checked: 2026-11-14)