Explore Don Quijote Tanukikoji in Sapporo: Japanese kitchen knives, meat knives, nail clippers —— Recommended 92-year-old knife shop, Miyamon!

Almost everyone who has been to Sapporo has visited Tanukikoji, as it gathers 200 shops of all sizes, both old and new. From trendy cosmetics to second-hand records, from sukiyaki to robatayaki, whether you're shopping or looking for food, the selection is comprehensive and the prices are reasonable. Even locals frequently come here—it's truly a hidden gem of the city!

Here we recommend a knife specialty store that’s practically a “century-old shop”: Miyamon.

(Just look at the overwhelming sense of history and professionalism!)

Knife specialty store Miyamon, with its main branch located in Tanukikoji 2-chome, was established in Showa 2 (1927). It offers a wide range of products including various kitchen knives, scissors, and utility knives—basically anything with a blade can be found here. The knives sharpened by Miyamon are trusted and loved by housewives and professional chefs alike, and have even been featured in large spreads in the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper!

When these knives are passed down from one generation to the next, their enduring sharpness ensures that locals remember the name “Miyamon” and include their knives on their “wish lists.”

Best-selling knives:

 “Chromoly Steel” (Chrome-Molybdenum Steel) series— an all-purpose type, great for cutting and rust-resistant, with affordable pricing.Although the cutting feel may not match higher-end knives, it far surpasses regular stainless steel knives. The staff will demonstrate on the spot by cutting a standing piece of paper along its edge—the knife slices right through it, it’s insanely sharp!

For those seeking something more premium,the “Buntarou” seriescarries the name of the founder, “Miyamoto Buntarou,” and is the flagship brand of Miyamon. Made from special alloy steel and featuring specially reinforced wooden handles, every aspect from material selection to craftsmanship adheres to Miyamon’s highest standards. If budget isn’t a concern, go for this one.

If your household doesn’t do much cooking, you might also want to check out Miyamon’s nail clippers:

Nail clippersPriced between 1,000–2,000 yen, you can try them out freely,and once you use them, you’ll know just how smoothly they cut—the edges are so smooth they don’t even need filing!Each comes in individual packaging, and the “artisan craftsmanship” and “MADE IN JAPAN” labels also make these nail clippers a great gift option to bring back home.

There’s every kind of scissors, pliers, and utility knife imaginable—take a close look around and it’s like a mini museum!

In addition to knives, the shop also sells some souvenirs with Japanese character:

(Can you find the small sign for “Alipay” and “WeChat Pay”?)

According to the staff, Miyamon has filmed videos of their knife sharpening techniques and uploaded them to YouTube, so foreign tourists can learn to sharpen their knives by watching the videos, keeping them in top condition. Interested friends can search for them themselves.

The staff at Miyamon’s Tanukikoji main store speak English, so you can also try communicating with them to ask about selecting or sharpening knives.

(Highlight: One sharpening, complete devotion!)

Blade Shop   Miyamoto Main Store

Address: 2-chome Nishi 2-chome, Minami 2-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Phone: 011-231-1940

Business Hours: 10:00–19:30

Closed: January 1st, December 31st

Payment methods: VISA, JCB, MasterCard, UnionPay, WeChat Pay, Alipay

Average price: 10,000 yen