Decided I needed to explore little Tokyo. I heard from multiple people that Anzen Hardware was gem. They're only open on Saturday and Sunday. They share a space with a florist that is open during the week, so I got confused and thought they opened during the week. They're not. The space is not huge, but it was fun to prowl around the different sections and find hidden treasures from Japan. The owner is really good about taking time to explain what each item is and the different uses, as well as care and handling. This place is such a huge contrast to shopping at Walmart. Made me think of a small town hardware shop that is the heart of the community with people stopping by to have keys made or knives sharpened or whatever random thing they need. These kinds of places are treasures! Definitely worth a visit and definitely worth supporting. Glad I did! read more

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I always feel like a kid in a candy store when I shop here. When it comes to Japanese tools you are paying for quality and craftsmanship. So I take my time selecting what I need versus what I want especially because I don't know when I will have the next chance to return. I easily spend several hundreds of dollars here buying my chisels and other carving hand tools. It's cool that the worker remembers who I am (excellent service). The owner himself takes the time to show me the various chisels that they have and you can tell just by listening to him talk the pride he has for the tools that he carries. read more

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COVID UPDATE for Anzen Hardware. Nori-san is fine, and the store is open for usual hours of operation. This update is just a reminder that small local businesses are still open. In addition to vegetable seeds and garden supply, there are plenty of home and kitchen tools that you'll use every day of your quarantine isolation. SERVICE Nori-San has always been very helpful with any purchases you might need to make. Now that the store attendance is limited, no doubt you'll receive even more bespoke assistance. STORE ATTENDANCE There is only one person/party allowed in the store at a time. If you're familiar with this small family-owned hardware store, you'll know that there isn't much room for too many people anyway. For precautions of health, just one at a time in the store. If you know what you need, the trip to Anzen is really quick. If you DON'T know what you need, the trip to Anzen can be really easy. I make a regular trip to get professional kitchen knives from Nori-San, and he's always very knowledgable and helpful in the decision. SILLY GIFT PURCHASE: Even if you want a simple silly, but useful kitchen gift for your friends, you will probably find something here. Purchase a KAMENOKO TAWASHI for an unsuspecting friend who doesn't know what it is, ask them to guess what it's for. PARKING Plenty of easy street parking throughout Little Tokyo. COVID PARKING UPDATE - many parking spaces have been redesignated as outdoor seating areas. Judge Also Parking Lot is the best parking lot - across the street. read more

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Nice hardware store just down the street that is well organized and just great to see lots of useful items. I just wanted to get some flat washers for a table that I was assembling and needed 16 washers for the four table legs that had oversized mounting holes that needed to be secured to. Found what I wanted and customer service was fast and efficient. read more

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I purchased a knife sharpening whetstone at Anzen Hardware. I hadn't a clue how to use it. Takatani san gave me a thorough demonstration under water and I have been sharpening my ikebana scissors and knives successfully since then...Cannot wait for you to return!!! read more

Anzen Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Note: This location officially closed on 9/24/2023 I've been bringing my straight edged Henkels chef knives here for whetstone based sharpening for several years. Nori-san who managed the shop and did the knife sharpening officially retired on Saturday, September 23rd. The shop's owners are said to be considering a new location for the hardware store one block north on 1st street near Azay restaurant, but plans are up in the air. read more

Anzen Hardware is a small shop that sells priceless items including: hardware tools and supplies, gardening supplies, plants, seeds, japanese knives, houseware: rice cookers, dreamers and tableware, mostly from Japan...as this shop is in Little Tokyo. My first time here, on instructions from my domestic helper, who insisted we grow some veggies: peppers, eggplant and herbs. Love plants and flowers and I have an extensive orchid collection, but I can't eat these...so I will give veggie gardening a try. With the help of the gentleman at this shop, he was super nice and helpful in showing me the tools and material I will need to start a small garden that my domestic helper can manage. I'm simply a non participating owner of this future mini garden, and will happily participate, by consuming the end result of veggies and herbs later. This shop offers knife sharpening and also sells fancy japanese steel grade knives. I'm a novice in the kitchen and have fancy Wüsthof knives from Germany...so I will pass for now but might change my mind, because I feel I have to have one of these high quality stew japanese knives. Love this shop and I plan on returning soon for more seeds and maybe purchase more hardware tools for gardening. Great Customer services did unique high quality tools and supplies gets a recommendation +++ read more

The store is closed. The sign on the door says it has moved to 220 E 1st St, but there is currently a florist there (January 17, 2024).

I love Anzen Hardware! So kind and always find something awesome and useful here. The other week I stopped by for a small broom. While there were a few options, one of which fit the bill fine, I also walked out with a bag of bokashi and one little mizuna and one little komatsuna plant! Couldn't be happier to discover that Anzen is an official spot to support my bokashi composting needs. They also have a sweet little bokashi compost bucket. Perfect for apartment dwellers who wanna keep the kitchen scraps out of the landfill but don't have a yard or space for elaborate composting set up. Check out Hiro's Bokashi club run out of the JACCC for more info and community support! read more

Hubby needed to find binchotan (log-shaped charcoal) for our future konro grill, and Anzen Hardware seemed to be the only place to better charcoal versus other options in the area. The binchotan quality does vary depending on the wood being used and where it was created. Hubby was able to get a few pounds of it, paid by credit card, and we were on our merry way. Anzen Hardware does have other items in its store, such as stuff for the garden, general hardware you can find at Home Depot, some grilling/cooking tools, kitchen knives, some basic stationery, etc. I didn't get the chance to check out everything with the narrow lanes, but there was quite a bit of stuff in the small shop. It's also a very unassuming shop in Little Tokyo, so definitely look for the sign. It's across the street from Chase and on the same street as Fugetsu-do (mochi). read more

Anzen Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Nice mom-and-pop hardware store, literally. The elderly Japanese couple who runs the store was very nice and conversant. Space is small and cramped inside, but when we went, we were the only customers in the store. Definitely not for claustrophobic people. They have a nice selection of hardware, tools and gardening implements. Especially Japanese garden tools that can only be found elsewhere at specialty farm supply stores. Oh, and seeds and some kitchen supplies too, including rice cookers. Also picked up a Japanese rodent trap (around $30; pretty reasonable) that we'll have to set up and try; Nori-san even gave us a nice demo on how to use it! They can copy keys too. read more

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This unique and special hardware store must be protected, preserved for generations to come! It is a regular hardware shop. However, one can find Japanese garden tools, boots, etc., as well as those wonderful Japanese 'scissors', which are so hard to find, but are very handy to have when doing sewing and needlework. If one is into Bonsai, one can get needed supplies. Staff are very helpful, too. read more

I recently bought a really cool general purpose, domestic kitchen knife from a master cutlery maker, Kai Ko-Ko- of Japan at Anzen Hardware. The knife has great balance and "feel" with a deep brown hard wood handle with a contrasting black grain pattern which provides the sensation that the knife & hand are one. The blade is damask steel with a wavy, tree ring-like pattern that shows the steel had been repeatedly heated and forged in order to increase tensile and ductile strength. Also, to show the marks of workmanship, the upper half of the blade has small round indentations showing where the blows of the hammer had hit the blade. It is a nice aesthetic touch to a blade that already shows sophistication and grace. This knife is a joy to use in chopping vegetables and fruits into thin slices effortlessly. I use other heavier duty knives for cutting into meat and meat with bones since I want to keep the blade on my Kai Ko-Ko- pristine. I feel like an Iron Chef every time I start whacking away at some thick carrot or Daikon. The owner of Anzen is very good at suggesting which knife to buy if you let him know the purpose in which you want to use the knife. On my many visits to Anzen, I've noticed many professional chefs and students come to ask for advice in buying the right blade for their culinary efforts. This is a great place to come to if you are seriously into cooking. read more

What a fantastic neighborhood hardware store and a destination for chefs and cooks who need top-notch cutlery. There's a good supply of gardening tools like bamboo rakes. Simple things like mops or tea pots. Or a small wooden stool, which is what I purchased today. The owner is very helpful and friendly - he really makes you feel like being a loyal customer because he cares. read more

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Cute Japanese hardware store, with a great selection of high quality kitchen knives as well as a full selection of woodworking tools. Kanna (hand planes) of many sizes, chisels, pull saws and marking knives. read more

We just had a couple keys copied. Only $3 for 2! So cheap. Will come back and support this awesome mom and pops shop. read more

Anzen Hardware - Key copies - Hardware Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I'm sure this place is fine for whatever knick-knack or some sort of old-school Japanese tool, but boy let me tell you about their lack of respect for my knives. I have 5 knifes, 2 of which are serrated, all of which I took to anzen. They are new knives, about 6 months old, and I don't cook at home as much as I should, so not used very often. I take them in, get them back wrapped in paper, take them out at home and upon further inspection see that they are all scuffed up! They ruined the serration on the bread knifes to the point that using them now, I might as well be cutting my loaf with a banana. I confronted them about this the next day and they were all, "it should be like this. See, look at these other knives!" And they showed me more customers knives. Not as messed up as mine, but still very messed up. I did some searching beforehand and I thought they had good reviews but clearly I didn't look hard enough. IF YOU HAVE KNIVES THAT YOU CARE ABOUT, PLEASE STAY AWAY!!! Anyways I took the knives in for a second opinion and to see if they can be saved. No, the damage is irreversible. Perhaps I didn't look hard enough, perhaps I got suckered in because I speak/am Japanese and can understand them and they treat me better (to my face) because of it. Who knows. All I know is my knives are trashed and they would only repay me $30 of the $75 they charged me. I'm considering legal action if they don't pony up the cash to replace the knives. read more

I just picked up a new knife here and would gladly recommend this shop to anyone in the market. The owners were so friendly and spent the time answering all the questions we had about their knife selection, gave some great recommendations and let us look at a bunch of different models. Also picked up a mortar and pestle, they've got a pretty big assortment of other cooking supplies and hardware supplies and everything seems priced fairly. Stop in and browse if you're in Little Tokyo! read more

Anzen Hardware - Can't wait to use my new chef's knife - Hardware Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Excellent family-run mom and pop shop in Little Tokyo. Especially like the quality kitchen knives made in Japan, whet stone, cutting board. He owner also sharpens knives (drop off and pick up another day). Very helpful explaining about knives. Also nice garden tools for reasonable prices. Would definitely make this a must-stop next time I'm in the area. Got a nice cutting board made with Japanese wood which is supposed to be the best for Japanese knives. read more

Brought my family to this store who was visiting from Korea. We drove down from Chino. They had a pole blocking the entrance and we weren't allowed inside unless we knew exactly what we wanted. I said hammers and woodworking tools. The lady walked up to the door with 2 hammers and said "pick one". "Can I come inside and see what else you have?" "No, only those two hammers". What a gigantic waste of our time. Ive wanted to visit this store for months ever since finding it on Yelp and following them on Instagram and I wasnt even allowed inside. Why even have the store open if you're not going to allow people inside? All this anticipation built up just to be hugely disappointed. read more

Purchased a gyoto 9.5 from this kind gentlemen and expert in kitchen tools and hardware. He asked if I had a business card I then saw his wall full of some the city's top chefs and restaurateurs. I myself am no top chef just a cook who was fortunate to find a great knife. Don't expect cheap but if you have a few dollars for some real japanese steel this is the place. read more

Anzen Hardware - Knife - Hardware Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Sadly this gem of a spot has closed its doors last year after being pushed out of their original location. As a long time local business trying to embark on the next chapter in its iteration I've heard they are trying to open again as soon as possible and its not permanently closed despite what a negative person has reviewed. I would continue to visit the website for upcoming news for when the community can welcome back Anzen to its new home. read more

Original and unique love the culture and the elements it sells . The knives and accessories love it every time I come it's like family

I was searching for a fish scaling tool but nothing came up on Yelp when searching while in Little Tokyo. I just walked by this place and decided to just ask, and they had the exact thing I was looking for! Definitely a good place to visit for specialty kitchen supplies, not only hardware. Just browse the store and you'll find something useful you'll need. read more

Anzen Hardware - Exterior - Hardware Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Low key hardware/Japanese knife shop. Owner is super friendly and well respected in the community. He doesn't just make the sale, he creates a relationship, which is so rare. Store itself is narrow and tiny but well organized and well stocked. I went to buy knives here with a rough idea of what I wanted but not set on any particular brand. He carries mostly Takayuki knives with various steels. The price point I observed was between $100-$300. He also sells wooden sheaths (which he carefully selects for your particular blade) and Japanese wet stones. He'll choose the best value for what you need. He asked the right questions to narrow down my selection. Are you left or right handed? Are you a chef? How lazy are you about caring for your knife? (Not his exact words but you know what I'm sayin..) I didn't feel talked down to at all. He was patient and let me choose without being pushy. Honest salesman. Great store. Quality knives. I'm very satisfied with my purchase. This shop is located in Little Tokyo a few doors down from Daikokuya (look for the line of tourists). Parking can be challenging on the weekends but you can usually find off street metered parking if you circle round a few times. $3/2 hrs. There's also parking garages which I'd avoid unless it's after 5pm and only if it's the garage next to Pinkberry. (In other words park in the garage next to Pinkberry after 5pm) The parking garage that is attached to the shops within Little Tokyo's plaza no longer validates so you're looking at a $10 minimum parking spot. read more

Anzen Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I can't recommend this shop enough! Expert craft and care from incredibly warm and friendly staff. Anzen proprietor Nori Takatani gave me expert service and treated me with the respect you don't find at your big box store. My first experience was so great and I am proud to say I will be a repeat customer of this business! read more

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Was so happy to find a small shop in this area that copies keys well! They were very reasonably priced and the keys were cut quickly. Will definitely return if I need any other keys made! read more

Lovely and most kind owner! She is my go to for hardware, home improvement, or home cosmetic needs.

This is the best little hardware store in Los Angeles. It is well stocked with all kinds of goodies and the owners are so sweet and helpful. They have an especially strong selection of Japanese tools and accessories. This store actually makes shopping in a hardware store really fun! read more

I've been coming here for 42 years. It has always been such a satisfying experience. My chisels, Japanese pull-saws, marking knives and block planes are still working perfectly. They carry lots of the traditional kitchen, garden and shop tools the Japanese culture has perfected so elegantly. Their kitchen knife selection is fantastic. I even Got the metal fittings I needed for a Kiri Wood project a few years ago . Visit them for an authentic experience that is even becoming rare in Japan! read more

I love this place! I come here for garden supplies and random home supplies and recently had a knife sharpened there! Prices are very reasonable and the owners are really nice and helpful. If you're in the area consider supporting this local shop :) read more

+Need duplicate keys? $1.75/piece ++Woman helper, very friendly. Owner, so helpful. +++Plants seeds and seedlings available here, too. A mini-home improvement store. -Tight aisles. read more

This was the closest hardware store to where I work at and honestly I loved it it was owned by an older Japanese man I believe . Who is very proud of where he is from and has a lot of things that he sells there he is very hard-working and very kind. The prices are honestly unbelievable super cheap. I will definitely be coming back here again. read more

Wanted to give a nice sushi knife as a wedding gift, they sorted me out here! Very nice selection, great service and very knowledgeable. Thank you! read more

It's been awhile since I've written a review on Yelp. But this is an exception. Why do I love Anzen Hardware store in Japan Town? Nori. Nori has worked (owner) here for over 7 decades. Anzen is your neighborhood hardware store. As much as I love those chain hardware store Anzen Hardware store is a Los Angeles Gem and has been in business for 75 years and Nori has been here. The customer service at Anzen Hardware store is friendly and wonderfull. I recently came to look for a part on my faucet and instead of trying to sell me something I don't need, he was honest and told me to bring in the faucet. In today's busy world of Apps and free home delivery, last night while working on a home project I needed additional wall anchors. I could either haul myself to the local Home Depot at 8pm or go online and order it for next day delivery on Amazon or Pick up at any Box retailer. Instead I chose to wait and support my neighbor, a local business owner and a Japan Town Elder. Everytime I come in here with my Pit Bull he does not waiver or treat my Pit Bull any differently, like most people.. TidBit fact I found out about Mr. Takatani (Nori) was born in Japan and is a bomb survivor. Yes, that bomb. read more

Anzen Hardware is an amazing place. Every time I've visited, I've found just the tool or knife I needed, plus some things I didn't know I needed-- like bonsai tools or seeds for growing japanese veggies. This place is like a dream, and I am always thrilled to visit. read more

I was in need of Japanese steel.. Why did I need Japanese steel? Because I had large culinary needs to cut... Yes, those must have been some big carrots to need what could be easily considered Hattori Hanzo level cutlery Let me tell you... they were HUGE! So sharp that they could be considered in use as instruments of death. These things mince, slice, dice and julienne through food like no other culinary knife does. If in your journey you should slice food for God, God's food will be cut. This place just shows that you don't need to go to the island of Okinawa, Japan for some Japanese steel, just come down to 1st Street in Little Tokyo. Once you work your way past the potted plants at the door and past all the small items that make this an old school handyman/hardware store you will find your mecca of culinary blades. Already have a knife that you consider fitting? How about a little maintenance from time to time to make sure that blade is sharp enough to slice through all 88 of the crazy 88's as well as a ripen tomato with ease. They offer knife sharpening on most knives for $10 bucks. I say most because lets face it, sometimes you come across folks who want to bring those serrated knives in to sharpen.. Un-uh, honey, you just toss those waste of a cheap metal blade away and come here and get yourself a real chef's knife. You wont need a set of a zillion knives. Just one really good chef's knife. It takes them a while to get a knife sharpen, give or take a week or two. But the job they do is spot on. I suggest that you use that time practicing with other knives at home. These things are so sharp, I'm pretty sure that I will have fewer digits in the future because of them. I mean that. There hasn't been a knife that I got sharpen here that hasn't caused me to gush blood at the slightest bit of mishandling. The sharpening job they do here is amazing.. I have the band aid on my fingers to prove it! A Little Tokyo historic shop that would give Quentin Tarantino a tingle as if he was checking out someone's toes. Careful with your knife though, chances are if you drop one of these knives, your toe won't have a chance. read more

If everyone runs a business like Nori-san does the world would be a happier place. Anzen is the coolest hardware store for so many reasons. but the most important reason for me is the owner, Nori-san. he is a great business owner and a great man. one time i came to buy 2 bags of potting soil. when he found out i was planning on strapping the bags to my bike O.G. chinese style, he offered to drive the soil to my house after closing that day. and sure he did! on a different occasion my boyfriend and i went to Anzen for some special screws. we ran into Nori-san as we were approaching the store and found out he had just closed shop. but he offered, happily, to re-open the store for us, and patiently found the screws for us and gave detailed instructions on how to use them. he is awesome! besides a cool owner, Anzen also has... possibly the best knife collection in LA. all imported from Japan and made with pride. this is THE place to go for anyone who's serious about their cooking. no wonder they have two large cork boards behind the register covered with business cards from chefs from all over LA. Anzen is also stocked with very authentic Japanese cooking, sake-making, gardening, and wood-working tools. It's like a little museum and I love spending a long time there just looking at everything and wishing to own it all. oh yea and let's not forget about the hardwares. and if you need any specialty products they don't have in stock, you can always let Nori know and he will order them for you. read more

Reliable hardware store located in the heart of Little Tokyo. A long-standing community business and I love having this business around the corner from me so that I can swing by and grab what I need. Great customer service and a store with spectacular character. read more

This is a lovely mom-and-pop shop. There are lots of old and new things. It's fun looking at the antique tools on the wall, obscure and unique household items, and overall "Japanese stuff." The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the traditional Japanese slippers/sandals (zori?) on the wall. Then I noticed a big rack of keys! I guess they make/duplicate keys here. But I was most pleased by the surprising amount of culinary and kitchen items that are often used in Asian households. Lots of cast-iron, some interesting chopsticks, rock garden rakes, etc. These are hard to find at your general stores. We bought a brass (?) kettle. We've been looking for a big one for a while and finally found it here...I made a lot of bori-cha so far! :D The prices for kitchen/cooking items are a bit high but it's a small shop in a busy area. It can get very cramped in this small hardware shop - just FYI in case you're a bit clumsy! read more