Can I bring Japanese knives on the cruise?

[lonestarmikeb]

We have a few days pre cruise and I really want to buy some good knives in Tokyo, will I be able to bring them on the ship when I board? 

[Meander Ingwa]

Viking is clear about knives being forbidden.  I would consider having the shop ship them home

[BruceMuzz]

The best place in Japan to buy quality Japanese knives is Kappabashi in Tokyo.

Also known as "Kitchen City".

Located near Sensoji Temple in Asakusa (Northern Tokyo).

There are dozens of shops there that sell only kitchen knives.

Many will customize them with your name (English or Japanese) etched on the blade.

All of them will ship to your home.

 

If you do opt to carry the knives onboard a ship, you should alert the ship security in advance.

They will hold the knives for you until you disembark.

 

[dbali]

On 6/13/2023 at 8:15 PM, BruceMuzz said:

The best place in Japan to buy quality Japanese knives is Kappabashi in Tokyo.

Also known as "Kitchen City".

Located near Sensoji Temple in Asakusa (Northern Tokyo).

There are dozens of shops there that sell only kitchen knives.

Many will customize them with your name (English or Japanese) etched on the blade.

All of them will ship to your home.

 

If you do opt to carry the knives onboard a ship, you should alert the ship security in advance.

They will hold the knives for you until you disembark.

 

Can you give me a price range?  I know it depends on the size/quality but can I get a ball estimate?  I guess what I am getting at is, are they cheaper in Tokyo than the US?

[BruceMuzz]

Very few things in Japan - other than food and alcohol - are cheaper than in the USA. But most Japanese goods are higher quality.

Quality Sushi knives in Japan range from US$50 to US$50,000.

We have a saying in Japan:

When Americans go shopping, they ask “How cheap is it?”

When Japanese go shopping, they ask “How good is it?” 

 

On the plus side, the Japanese Yen is currently (18 June 2023) trading at an incredible 142 yen to the US Dollar.

Edited June 17, 2023 by BruceMuzz