Best Selection of Japanese Carpentry Woodworking Tools near Tokyo, Japan - Sagami Daiku Dougu Kan

In this video, we visit Sagami Daiku Dougu Kan in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan. This is by far the largest selection of Japanese carpentry tools that I have seen. The shop is extremely organized and cataloged in a way where you can find just about anything you are looking for.
I was amazed to see the amount of very hard to get tools and even some tools from blacksmiths and craftspeople that have passed long ago. This store has something for everyone.
If you are interested in going to this store it is pretty easy to find. There is no one there that can support English speaking customers, but they are always willing to try. It is best to arrive at the store with ideas of blacksmiths and tool makers that you are seeking.
The address to Sagami Daiku Dougu Kan (さがみ大工道具館) is:
5-chōme-1 Seishin, Chuo Ward, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0216, Japan
If you are trying to search for this store in English, you will not be able to find it. It is best to copy and paste the Japanese name into your search engine to get the address if you are intending on using GPS to get there.
We hope you enjoy the video.

[@daviddelgado3128]

Awesome video. Thanks for the virtual tour and walk through of the tools! Do they have a website and ship to the US?

[@thecarpentrylife]

Thank you for watching our channel! Unfortunately, Sagami doesn't ship overseas. But here’s their website. www.toolmate.co.jp/youto_daiku_kana.html

[@gagamba9198]

@@thecarpentrylife Reading many of the comments posted, I think you have revealed a gap and seam in the market. Appears there is a demand for these tools overseas and a deficit in supply. Making money on youtube is tough, you spend a lot of time and money making your videos, so it seems to me a natural progression to support your endeavours, provide an income to the makers _and you_ , and supply the tools people want is to launch a business. Your knowledge of carpentry, its tools, the artisan toolmakers, as well as the languages give you an advantage few others can meet. Rare and precious things need to be nurtured *and rewarded* - the toolmakers _and_ you. Spreading them to the world helps ensure this. If not you, who?

[@888brownies]

@@gagamba9198 its not always that simple , some dont like selling to foreigners or having their things outside the country thats what ive been told

[@StopTryingSoHard]

​@@gagamba9198 People have been trying to do this for a long time but unfortunately most don't really seem to be interested in expanding their market as crazy as it sounds. (And they have pretty long backorder lists, so ....)

[@robohippy]

Hmm. I would think that any craftsman would prefer to see their things in the hands of some one who will use them and appreciate them. I WANT SOME! Where is the Star Trek Transporter when I need one????

[@gear8649]

I’d go broke if I walk into this shop. Thank you for showing and explaining the beauty of these japanese tools.

[@DGAWDGAW]

You wouldn’t be the only one to go broke, I would myself as well, and probably my wife would divorce me.

[@JUSTENization]

Those are masterpieces, no doubt about the quality and accuracy. Thanks for all the details.

[@oMoM-dj2cg]

I actually went to this store when I went to Tokyo. Took about 2 hours from Ueno by train and then about a 10 minute walk from Sagamihara station. Super easy to get to thanks to Japan's amazingly easy transportation network. Only cost around 1000yen and was nice to get out of tokyo for the day. Its absolutely true you can't find the shop by searching for the store name in English, but the address does work out fine and the shop is right off the main street and easy to find, right next to the pedestrian bridge. But about the shop. In a word. Incredible. If you are in Tokyo, go there. Seriously, its so worth it. The selection is just jaw-dropping and there are few places in the world where you can find such craftsmanship. From chisels to hand planes to hammers to saws...they got it and its top notch quality. Prices were good and fair, if you're looking at buying premium chisels like Narex then you won't be sticker shocked by a set. Especially since the yen was down compared to the dollar so it was even better. But I'd like to take a moment and just express my appreciation for the shop-owner, Sachiko-san. I don't speak Japanese and she doesn't speak English, but her kindness and patience was palpable. I don't think I've ever had a nicer shopping experience even if it was through google translate. 10/10. I'll be back. Worth the 9,000km trip. And @thecarpentrylife, thank you for the video. You made my amazing trip even better.

[@rufiorufioo]

Japan has a incredible culture, incredible pride in their work and anything they make/manufacture. Love it.

[@Montrovantis]

the U.S. used to be something like this before diversity/multiculturalism replaced the demographics.

[@jfr03hl1ch]

oh gosh, what a wonderland! I shouldn't go without a supervisor …

[@craigmaddison8254]

I'm travelling to Japan next month, I HAVE to visit this store, amazing.

[@carlkrebs1]

if i went into that store id spend 10-15 grand before i got out of there !

[@carlkrebs1]

my wife would wanna kill me !

[@chrisstearns10]

Wow, so many incredibly talented makers creations located in one place!

[@Chinochuu]

Thank you so much for these videos, they are so valuable for people who don't speak Japanese and wanted to learn the culture and history of the Japanese carpentry world! Please, keep making these videos for us!

[@daviddobson6108]

Hello from USA. I watched this video again because it is so informative and interesting. Thankyou.

[@UPGardenr]

Thanks for posting

[@viggo3663]

Very informative! Thank you.

[@Efra_Morocho]

amazing store!! thanks for share

[@kiwdwks]

Thanks so much for the video. Amazing store. So glad I found your channel!

[@michaelcoceski5442]

You do excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

An amazing store, thanks for showing it to us !

[@karthiksc47]

Man, this is so intimidating. I get tensed up each time I use my Kanna or any Japanese tool, thinking of the incredible sincerity and craftsmanship standards that one has to live up to

[@franek_izerski]

Such abundance of excellence!

[@jjamo5]

Thanks man,love the Chisels and traditional wood carving tools

[@ScoutCrafter]

Outstanding video! Beautiful store and tour! Thanks for sharing! 😃👍

[@lorenzoskyhawk]

Great video. Wow!

[@SerielThriller]

Love this, would love to visit and pick up something. Thanks.

[@ianbrown7235]

I love seeing what kind of tools you guys have available in japan. Seems like what's available for us to buy online pales in comparison to what you can buy from stores in japan.

[@-HustleUnion-]

Great video, very informative. all those tools look amazing. also that shop really does have it all.

[@richklee5464]

That’s like a candy store holy moly thanks for walking through ⛩️🎏🙏🏽

[@danilozobel93]

Very nice shop - and very nice guide. Thank you. Pleace more of that...

[@shaunhall960]

I'm blown away.

[@tanyaleef5138]

Amazing store ,incredible tools, superb craftsmanship

[@charliekingpin8568]

Great video you gave some great advice some many thanks for that and yes I have followed some of it :)

[@nickmolloy9563]

I hear you brother. Restoring old planes is my therapy too. You wonder of their history. Great walk through the shop but you just keep making me buy more tools. I need a Gennou now. Just so beautifully made. Love making handles for striking tools. Thanks and Godspeed.

[@jazzey69]

Thank you so much for this video ! i learn all the time..great Stuff ! From England UK...:-)

[@ark1200]

Very interesting! Thanks for showing! I've never heard of gomu handles, only of gumi handles.

[@ahodamahingan1698]

Thank you very much for taking time to share this learning experience with us. I very much look forward to learning more about Japanese craftsmanship and tools from you!

[@paulbirkpowlly]

Wow, I love that store, must come and shop from BC Canada. Worth the ride.

[@viriato8566]

Your tool store tour completely ruined my nap! Not sure I'll get to sleep tonight either!🤣 Great stuff. Thanks.

[@gazpal]

Great presentation and introduction to what's available.... Thankyou. Perhaps a video on tool storage/boxes suited to traditional Japanese tools?

[@Peekingduck]

Love your channel, wish I had your skill and knowledge !

[@Trust_me_I_am_an_Engineer]

Thank God it's in Japan and not in Europe, because I'd drive out there and spend way too much money 😁. Thanks so much for showing this and for your other videos. I just subscribed.

[@Musicpins]

Thanks for showing this, I'm especially impressed with the adze handles there is such great justification in that price considered they have to be looked for year after year and adjusted accordingly to get the right bend. Japanese tools are awesome!

[@cranklesnacks]

So cool..

[@YA-gp7fw]

大工道具の店には行った事がありませんが、非常に魅了される場所ですね

[@accobra7515]

Wow. That was an amazing video. I'd need another suitcase if i visited. Dam shame don't send overseas. Thanks for sharing 👍 😊

[@MikeyDonios]

Just got into woodworking here in California and I thought to myself “I wonder what Japanese woodworkers use?”. Mind is blown. Thanks for the thorough walkthrough.

[@joeysampaolo8962]

I live in California thank you for this video very informative 👍🏼

[@philipchandler330]

Excellent

[@Timothylaing]

Wow! Heaven on earth

[@georgebalogi8751]

oh, wow. Wow. Wow. Wow!

[@matt818]

Having just stumbled across this video, I felt very lucky to see it. Your knowledge explained was interesting and extremely helpful. I live in Japan and will try to visit this store thanks to you 🙂👍

[@thecarpentrylife]

Enjoy Sagami!

[@IngiEggert]

What a great video. Like you say the store looks clean - and seems to be worth visiting. I would have loved to have seen a few kitchen knives as you're so knowledgeable. I really like your channel!

[@thecarpentrylife]

Thank you

[@fetiselmani6231]

Great. Having the possibility to buy online - that would be great.

[@christiangastin4229]

The Carpenter's Paradise ....Just looking at Aladdin's cave so beautiful Japan beautiful Japan in all it's glory , the very best video I have ever seen on KZbin , A big Thank you from Sydney Australia

[@vivekkhavnekar]

Thank u.!!!!!!

[@michael.h.bradley1865]

what a wonderful shop, an Aladdins cave ! Arigato

[@Seelos333]

+ Great job on your content 👍🏻 Looking forward to that hammer handle/head assembly video 🤔 Keep up the good work

[@lalitaescuela]

Thank!!!!

[@DeanRockne]

I love how these tools are works of art onto themselves. It seems like it would really encourage such intentionality in one's work.

[@musamor75]

I believe so too. But please remember, it's not the tool that does the job, it's the craftsman. A good craftsman can do good work, even with a bad tool. You give a good tool to a bad craftsman and he will only produce bad work. It's much wiser to work your way up on these kinds of tools. Even the most reasonably priced Japanese tools are of excellent quality, so you can start out modestly. Each tool has its feeling, weight, balance, and particular use. In general the woods used in Japan are a good deal softer, or less hard than European and American woods. You also have to realise that everything works the other way round: ALL cutting is done on the pull stroke. This is so much more ergonomic; your joints are not crushed by constantly pushing, they are elongated by pulling. You have to be particularly gentle with the saws- NEVER push on the cut stroke- you will snap the teeth. The hollowed soled chisels are simply a joy to use; they sink into end grain like butter! It is like starting an apprenticeship when first using these marvels- just go slowly and lovingly. Try to watch some real Japanese videos- there are loads to be seen. A good channel is called "Woodworking Enthusiasts". I'm sure you'll love it. Enjoy your woodworking. Best regards from France from a cabinet maker and furniture restorer.

[@musamor75]

Hello there again, I've just remembered, if you're tool enthusiast there's a fantastic chap on KZbin called Stavros Gakos (he's actually Polish with a Greek name). This gentleman MAKES ALL his tools. I haven't ever really seen anything quite like it. He has made literally dozens and dozens of all kinds of tool mainly planes perhaps, entirely by hand. Well worth th time spent watching. There's no commentary, only handwork, with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure.

[@klausschleicher523]

This store is a dream. I love Japanese hand tools for woodworking. Unfortunately we do not have such an amazing shop here in Bavaria.

[@samanfernando845]

I love Japanese hand tool ❤

[@sapphodesigns2377]

Amazing. I was just in Japan and bought various Japanese tools..will definitely visit this store on my next trip

[@jakubklimas1754]

Sappho. Do You know any japaneese tools shop which can ship otside japan ? I'm from Europe. Poland.

[@sapphodesigns2377]

@Jakub Klimas yes I do..I have to check the toolmakers name. They are in Tokyo.

[@deborahf3738]

I think it is extremely unfair that I can't find a place like this in my state. If you do, it is so expensive you only buy one or maybe two small items that are cheap. Your store encourages craft by allowing the price to be available for most people. If I came to Japan, it would be to buy tools. Thanks for this awesome video.

[@shinkawa7187]

日本の普通の大工さんより詳しそう！ 大工道具に魅了されてるんですね！

[@ulfsonarvidsson]

Thanks for a great walk-through and for knowing so well what you are talking about. What a stunning store?! Would be a dream to visit one day.

[@thecarpentrylife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Robertdiamondking]

すごい！ありがとう先生．

[@tomrodriguez9052]

What an amazing store, nothing like that in the US.

[@twcmaker]

I carve this sort of texture on some of my work. It's so relaxing to do. So free. And you give yourself 'guidelines' on size, width, shape. I get lost in the moment, enjoying the process. Then you stand back and it comes alive. Great video, thank you.

[@thecarpentrylife]

Thanks for watching!

[@cristalclear5625]

I enjoy these visits to different tool stores, thank you. Could you do a video on what a Japanese carpenter have in their tool belts?

[@thecarpentrylife]

We will do the video later. Stay tuned!

[@akoani.sculpture]

Toys and carving tools japan is # 1

[@ziggyzuggyboi]

Sagamihara its close to where I live thanks for this now I know where to go

[@thecarpentrylife]

You are a lucky guy! Enjoy Sagami.

[@samatteb1]

Thanks a lot for the video! Could you please make a video about books/magazines on Japanese carpentry?🙏🏻

[@ericlipps7152]

Matsui straightedge also has one with a half round notch for the blade to protrude while checking Kanna.

[@touchette1234]

it's paradise for carpenters, thank you for the very informative video

[@peterclahsen1179]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful store and it's offerings with us! Might I ask please, for both this store and future ones you might cover - are you able to let us know if the store is prepared and able to ship internationally? There are many gems in these places for woodworkers around the world, and it's sometimes not always clear from the store's website (often needing Google Translation) whether they are willing to ship overseas. Many thanks again, and keep up the good work!

[@makenchips]

I wish we had real tool stores in the states like this one. The punch we call is a nail set, usually for finishing nails. They also have a cupped end to help it not slipping of the wire head nail cause the nail of soft metal (wire). I also find it facinating about the stones. I am surprised that the dont have this approximate grit size of each type of stone classified by type. You talked about this in previous video. Also they know for the handful types of steels use in Japenese tools, what steels work for what grit size and type of stone, like we have here in the states. I have seen a chart that show grit sizes of waterstone by manufacture and the range they claim they are. There seems to be a lot of emphasis placed on the artisanship of the Blacksmiths in Japan. The prices of the hammers were out of this world! Of course things are not flying off the shelfs either! LOL Great review and thanks for sharing your journey with us, since I do not have the opportunity to be there to learn directly. Columbus Michigan

[@b7fLuid]

Thank you so much! I've been looking for an english speaker who also knows Japanese culture so well. I'm surprised I haven't found you sooner. I"m looking to head to Japan precisely to experience the culture but to also buy a ton of tools. I'm looking to head next year but not sure exactly if the Miki Hardware Festival is going on anymore. So hard to find info as someone who doesn't speak Japanese.

[@tuhkathri9126]

Oh my god.....❤

[@hayrettinankarali6946]

Dogu Kan very nice name , i m not a carpenter ,i like the tools for wood turning and handy work like spoon

[@skungpid]

That is an awesome shop. It's not too far from Tsurugamine, where I normally stay when travelling to Japan. I'd love to pick up some nomi (not 蚤) for small carving. I still don't understand why so many Japanese look down on Daiku-san.....they are artists whose medium is WOOD......and Wadaiku in my opinion is one of the highest forms of art. Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful shop.

[@JohnFourtyTwo]

Great video and I was doing a rough yen-dollar conversion when you were mentioning prices and they weren’t too bad especially for high quality items, they’re worth the money. I used to live in Kurihama when I was in the Navy stationed in Yokosuka and still remember my rent that was ¥147,000 which is $1,058.11 at today’s exchange rate of ¥138.927 = $1.00 for a 3-bedroom (one was a tatami room) apartment at the Intake Kurihama apartment complex.

[@ottorinopugliese7955]

Una vera e propria "cuccagna"! Il paradiso per gli appassionati di artigianato giapponsese

[@jasongannon7676]

I would need a week to shop in that store

[@user-nu7ou7yt4p]

wowww so......

[@EricNassau]

Incroyable vidéo, j’aurais regardé cela encore pendant des heures, c’est passionnant. Si j’avais un magasin comme cela près de chez moi; je crois bien que j’y passerais des journées entières… encore merci!

[@211teitake]

I grew up in the city, though on the Odakyu line side, I had no idea about this place.

[@PMoney365]

I'd go to Japan just to go to that store.

[@pao-opaocute9795]

i love tools.

[@thecarpentrylife]

Same here

[@pao-opaocute9795]

@@thecarpentrylife i think nxt time, tour us to some of the best power tools shop their in japan like home depo in US. tnx anyways i love watching your content.more power.

[@WutipongWongsakuldej]

I wish I could watch this video while or before I was in Japan for the vacation last week. This makes me wants to go to Japan again! BTW this video's audio is very left-heavy for some reason. I've checked your other videos and many of them are also left-heavy. I think there might be something wrong with your camera. You might want to fix that as it's can be quite uncomfortable listening especially on headphones. Other than that, excellent video!!

[@ricardorodriguez5233]

mis 3 paises que yo siempre compro MADE IN JAPAN ..MADE IN USA Y MADE IN GERMANY son unas maravillas

[@stevenguevara2184]

No body does quality control like The Japanese. Its absolute perfection down to the folding of the certificate, orientation and position of the inspectors stamp or it will never see the light of day

[@Lalagartitita]

Wow I'm so jealous I wanna be there and spend my coins lol

[@adamallen8863]

This is chippy heaven🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@tungbach2011]

Tôi rất thích những cây bào thủ công của Nhật. Ở Việt Nam tôi đã mua được bộ đục gỗ, vài cây bào thủ công và bộ cưa mộng là hàng cũ đã qua sử dụng của Nhật. Tuy đã cũ nhưng chúng còn rất tốt và tôi rất thích. Nhìn chung là hàng Nhật tốt, nếu là hàng mới thì chúng có giá không hề rẻ ở Việt Nam. 1 cây bào mới ở Việt Nam có giá 100 USD

[@jameshill9726]

Just visited Japan and went this shop bought some gouges and a Dono and ebany handle and small cona

[@WcHoward2]

Thanks for letting me know about the shop, we went there today and it was all you said and more. They were telling us that they are getting a lot more foreigners through the shop. They were thankful for the exposure. Maybe you guys can do a follow up?

[@joepoul817]

Hi, I find your videos higly interestings since the they provide us with a great insight into japanese carpentry. I will be in Tokyo next month. I am wondering if there is any similar shop, closer to the center of the city you would recommend as well. Unfortunately, my time is limited. Thanks a lot. Cheers!

[@thecarpentrylife]

Inoue Hamono is in Tokyo. instagram.com/inouehamono?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= we have a video about them also. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imGshoZtiJp7jac

[@joepoul817]

Thanks a lot for the advice. Highly appreciate it

[@SerielThriller]

What kind of woodwork would you use the ninja star for?

[@morgorth3242]

could you do some more recording in his shop ? :D

[@jospan176]

Super shop and video. I'm afraid if I entered that shop the police would have to come to remove me.

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

AWESOME! I enjoyed that walk through. Thanks for sharing! Does the store have an online store?

[@thecarpentrylife]

Unfortunately, they don't ship overseas...

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

@@thecarpentrylife Noooooo!!!

[@idamelin]

Wow…..

[@morgorth3242]

is it posible for you to record his saws section? would love to see what there is i got a collection of saws but i wish to know more :D