Things to know:
- Very little English, but easy to communicate with through Google Translate
- Cash only, but there is an ATM at the 7/11 two doors down
- Not open every day, so call ahead to see when he will be open. We asked our hotel to call and it was no issue.
- Generally opens 10am - 2pm, so make sure you get there early as he can sell out of the best stuff quickly
We were looking to get some really great handmade knives while in Japan, and Shigeharu is the place for it. It is run by just one man, who makes all the knives himself. We asked him who takes over the shop after he’s gone, and he told us it will end with him, so if you’re wanting a beautiful piece of history, definitely don’t wait.
The prices are also excellent for the quality you’re getting, and many other knife stores around Kyoto will charge a lot more for knives that are made somewhere else.
I could not recommend Shigeharu enough, and if you’re visiting Kyoto, definitely give him a call!