Outline of Nihonbashi Kiya
Nihonbashi Kiya was founded in 1792 and has been a cutlery specialist for over 220 years. During the Edo period (1603-1867), the company enjoyed the support of the shoguns and many feudal lords. It prospered by handling various products such as percussion blades, shamisen (a three-stringed Japanese musical instrument), and even booth goods. This historical background shows that Kiya is an important part of Japanese cutlery culture.
The main store is in Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, on the first floor of COREDO Muromachi. This location is in the heart of the historic commercial area of Nihonbashi and is accessible to visitors. Kiya's store retains a traditional feel yet has a contemporary design that provides a pleasant shopping experience.
Nihonbashi Kiya's primary business is manufacturing and selling kitchen utensils and household goods, focusing on kitchen knives and cutlery. In particular, its Japanese kitchen knives are highly regarded for their quality and design, and the company offers a wide range of products for both home and professional use. In addition, Kiya continues to provide tools that will be used for a long time by using traditional techniques to create its products.
History of Kiya
Nihonbashi Kiya was founded in 1792. The first generation, Isuke Kato, received a split in the business from the central Kiya family, which dealt in lacquerware and became independent as a store specializing in cutlery. This independence was significant in the commercial environment of the time, and Kiya subsequently established itself as a specialty cutlery store. Kato Isuke worked hard to build his brand within the merchant culture of Edo and succeeded in spreading the name of Kiya.
During the Edo period, Nihonbashi Kiya prospered, benefiting from the generosity of the shogunate and various feudal lords. In particular, Kiya attracted many customers by handling a diverse range of products, especially hammered blades. Kiya's presence was so prominent that a document from the Meiji period (1868-1912) refers to it as "Kiya's navy-blue curtains blooming in Muromachi. During this period, Kiya contributed to the development of Nihonbashi as a commercial center and became a cultural symbol of the area.
After the war, Nihonbashi Kiya was located next to the main Mitsukoshi building, but due to a wave of redevelopment, it moved to its current location at COREDO Muromachi in 1954. This relocation opened up new business opportunities for Kiya and established a good relationship with Mitsukoshi. After the relocation, Kiya began to wholesale its products to department stores nationwide, establishing itself as a wholesaler for department stores. This allowed Kiya to respond flexibly to the changing times and achieve further growth.
Product Lineup
Nihonbashi Kiya offers a diverse selection of kitchen knives, including Japanese and Western knives. De-Laborde and sashimi knives are indispensable for cooking enthusiasts and professional chefs. Visitors to the store are attracted by the beautifully displayed knives. When making a purchase, the staff provides detailed explanations so that even beginners can feel at ease making their choice.
Nihonbashi Kiya also offers a wide variety of high-quality kitchen utensils. The range includes cutting boards, frying pans, chopsticks, and other daily items, all carefully selected to ensure long-lasting use. In particular, Kiya's frying pans are well known for their excellent heat conduction, significantly improving the cooking process. These utensils enhance the enjoyment of cooking and become items you will grow attached to as you continue to use them.
Nihonbashi Kiya offers not only kitchen knives and utensils but also barber and beauty products. The company's lineup includes nail clippers, hair pluckers, and other items essential to daily life. Danjuro hair pluckers, in particular, have earned a high reputation for their ease of use. These products are of high quality and long-lasting and thus support better living through daily use. Kiya's products are functional and well-designed and will satisfy you whenever you use them.
Popular Products
Nihonbashi Kiya's knives are favored by many cooking enthusiasts for their sharpness and durability. In particular, knives made of Edelweiss stainless steel are rust-resistant and long-lasting, making them ideal for home use. This improves cooking efficiency and keeps food fresh. Kiya's knives are used by a wide range of people, from professional chefs to housewives, and the company's diverse lineup is particularly attractive, including sickle-shaped knives, beef knives, and petit knives to suit a wide variety of uses.
Since its launch in 1987, KIYA's nail clippers have attracted many fans with their design and functionality. The large black size, in particular, comes in a paulownia wood box, making it a highly appreciated gift item. These nail clippers feature a shape that fits comfortably in the hand and a sharpness that makes them stress-free in daily use. The simple yet luxurious design is also popular among foreign tourists because it looks great as interior decoration.
Nihonbashi Kiya offers kitchen knives and cooking utensils, such as cutting boards and pots. These items are essentials to make everyday cooking more enjoyable and efficient. In particular, Kiya's cutting boards are indispensable for cooking enthusiasts, as they are designed to take advantage of the characteristics of wood and will last for a long time without damaging the food. Pots and pans also come in various sizes and designs, allowing for a selection that meets the household's needs.
A medium grindstone is indispensable for maintaining cutlery. Nihonbashi Kiya offers high-quality medium grindstones, which are hand-finished by artisans, thereby prolonging the sharpness of kitchen knives. In particular, Kiya's medium whetstones are favored by many chefs for their ease of use and effectiveness. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your knives and improve the quality of your cooking, making it a must-have item to pick up when you visit.
Access and Business Hours
Nihonbashi Kiya is located on the first floor of COREDO Muromachi, 2-2-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. This location is in Tokyo's heart and accessible to tourists and locals alike. COREDO Muromachi is a shopping and dining complex, and Kiya's store is part of this complex, offering visitors high-quality cutlery and kitchen utensils.
The nearest station is Mitsukoshimae Station on the Tokyo Metro, a convenient one-minute walk from Exit A6. This station is located at the intersection of the Ginza and Hanzomon lines, providing easy access to major Tokyo attractions. Visitors can reach Nihonbashi-Kiya within a short distance from the station, making it an ideal stopover between sightseeing excursions.
Nihonbashi Kiya is open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. These flexible hours are very convenient for people visiting after work or for weekend shopping. Visitors are also encouraged to visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds.
Visitors to Nihonbashi Kiya can use the Coredo Muromachi parking lot. The parking fee is 250 yen for 30 minutes, which is relatively reasonable for central Tokyo. Since parking is located inside the facility, you can return to your car immediately after shopping, increasing convenience during your visit.
Nihonbashi Kiya is open every day except New Year's Day and the inspection days of COREDO Muromachi. This allows tourists to visit at any time of the year and is incredibly convenient for shopping during trips. The store's long history offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience traditional Japanese cutlery culture.
