Japanese Kitchen Tools
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Every trip I make to Japan, I find myself drawn to home stores, exploring Japanese kitchen tools that combine function, tradition, and beauty. I’ve even visited some of the workshops and factories to learn about their history, deepening my appreciation for these everyday items.
Growing up, I often saw these Japanese cooking tools and items in kitchens but didn’t fully understand their value or purpose. Now, they’ve become part of my collection, bringing a little bit of Japanese culture into my home.
Whether you're a passionate cook or someone who loves thoughtful, practical kitchen gifts, these tools make perfect additions to any kitchen. This will be unique cookware gifts for your loved ones.
Here are my favorite Japanese kitchen tools so far, with insights into how they work and why they’re special.
1. Clay Pot (Donabe)
The Donabe has transformed the way I cook. This versatile clay pot can cook rice, steam, create one-pot meals, and more. There’s something magical especially about the way it cooks rice - each grain turns glossy and perfectly tender.
While I use my Donabe primarily for rice, I also keep a rice cooker handy for quick meals (and in case my husband needs to cook rice!). For hot pot or seasoned dishes, I use a separate donabe to avoid flavor transfer.
My favorite Donabe comes from Kametani Yougyo (left side in the picture), a workshop in Shimane Prefecture known for durable, heat-resistant clay (their main business is roofing tiles). Since this one was carried in my luggage from Japan, and I cannot find a link for you. But I’ve used a Donabe from Nagatani Seito (link below) at my friend’s kitchen a few times and I’d recommend this pot.
I use a 3-gou size (3 rice cups), perfect for my family of five.
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Gift Idea: Pair a Donabe with premium Japanese rice for an unforgettable gift. My favorite Japanese short grain rice is here.
Where to purchase the Donabe: Amazon
2. Hinoki Cypress Cutting Board
I’ve been using a Hinoki Cypress cutting board for years. Its soft surface is gentle on knives, and its natural antibacterial properties make it a kitchen staple. To well-maintain the cutting board, I wash it right after finishing to use (use the dish soup if needed), and towel-dry it quickly.
I love the round shape for holding a good amount of chopped ingredients, also the flat bottom for stability. It’s as functional as it is elegant.
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Gift Idea: Include a high-quality Japanese knife to create a complete set. (I am still in search for the best Japanese knife at the moment)
Where to purchase the Hinoki Cutting Board: Amazon
3. Tamagoyaki Pan
This rectangular pan is essential for making Tamago-yaki (Japanese rolled omelets). I use it almost daily to prepare Tamago-yaki for my kids’ bento lunches. The pan’s rectangler shape makes it easy to create perfectly layered omelets.
To keep this frying pan clean, wash it by hand with a soft sponge and dish soap after each use, rinse thoroughly, dry completely, and then apply a thin layer of cooking oil to maintain its non-stick surface.
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Gift Idea: Bundle with a whisk or cooking chopsticks and a bottle of Dashi (Japanese soup stock) for a Tamago-yaki starter kit.
Where to purchase the Tamago-yaki Pan: Amazon
4. Glass Teapot
A well-crafted Japanese teapot is a joy to use. I love mine for brewing tea leaves - it’s perfect for a cozy solo tea moment or small gatherings. I often use tea bags for convenience, but it has a built-in strainer which is no-need of another extra strainer on hand.
This glass pot shows the beauty of the tea leaves brewing, it’s also easy to clean up.
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Gift Idea: Add loose-leaf teas or artisanal tea cups for a thoughtful tea-lover’s set. My favorite is Ippodo Hojicha Tea Leaves (roasted green tea)
Where to purchase the Glass Teapot: Amazon
5. Iron Kettle (Tetsubin)
A Tetsubin isn’t just a kettle - it’s a work of art. I use mine to prepare Sayu (warm water) each morning. The water takes on a milder taste, and the kettle naturally supplements iron intake.
Before first use, I followed the Tetsubin Narashi process: rinsing, boiling, and repeating to season the kettle. Posted the process on my Instagram previously. Link is here.
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Gift Idea: Pair with premium green tea or Matcha powder. My favorite Matcha powder is this one.
Where to purchase the Tesubin: Amazon
6. Japanese Grater (Oroshi-ki)
This specialized grater produces fine textures for ingredients like ginger, wasabi, and daikon radish. Unlike Western graters, the grated material stays on top, making it easier to use.
I found a beautifully designed ceramic grater with a non-slip base during one of my trips - it’s both functional and stunning. My factory visit article is here.
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Gift Idea: Wrap with fresh wasabi (if available near you) or ginger for a unique culinary experience.
Where to purchase the Japanese Grater: Amazon
7. Suribachi (Japanese Mortar)
The Suribachi, Japanese mortar stands out with its ridged interior, which makes grinding ingredients more effective. Combined with a longer pestle, it’s perfect for enhancing flavor and texture. I use the same brand as the grater - read the article about my visit the factory.
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Gift Idea: Include toasted sesame seeds and a recipe card for homemade Goma-ae salad. My recipe is here.
Where to purchase the Japanese Mortar: Amazon
8. Enamel Pot (Horo Pot)
Known for its heat retention and easy cleaning, the Horo pot is a versatile kitchen tool made of enamel material. I use mine mostly for deep-frying, its rounded edges minimize oil splashes and make cleanup a breeze.
The size is good to deep-fry 2 fillets of Tonkatsu (recipe here) each time, and it works perfect for my family. You don’t need a big pot to deep-fry with a big clean-up fuss.
Try my Celery Pickles recipe if you want to explore the Tsukemono world.
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Gift Idea: Cooking oil solidifier is a convenient for home cook. I use this one.
Where to purchase the Horo Pot: Amazon
9. Pickling Jar
Pickling is an art in Japan, and a sturdy glass jar with a weighted lid is perfect for making Tsukemono (Japanese pickles), or Asazuke (lightly pickled vegetables). I often use mine for leftover veggies, transforming them into delicious side dishes overnight.
This 20 oz pickles jar works perfectly fine with me as I make the Japanese pickles, keep it for one good week for myself, and one of my kids (not everyone in my family eats Tsukemono!)
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Gift Idea: Pair with small Japanese ceramic dishes to plate the pickles, or Asazuke packet.
Where to purchase the Pickles Jar: Amazon
10. Sori Yanagi Tongs
Designed by Japan’s iconic industrial designer, Sori Yanagi, these stainless steel tongs are both elegant and functional. I use them for serving at parties and flipping grilled meats at home.
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Gift Idea: Add them to a grilling kit with seasonings and sauces.
Where to purchase the Tong: Amazon
Lastly - Japanese kitchen tools are more than just functional - they’re a gateway to tradition, craftsmanship, and thoughtful cooking. This holiday season, they make exceptional gifts for anyone who loves to cook or appreciates Japanese culture.
