I've been coming to this store many times, and I never get bored of browsing. They have such a great selection of Japanese goods, and there's always something cute or unique to discover. The customer service is absolutely amazing. The last time I visited with my partner, we bought a sake cup, and the staff beautifully gift-wrapped it for us at no extra charge. Today, I came with my grandparents and picked up an adorable tote bag with a neko (cat) print. The staff were incredibly kind and even gave my grandfather a free pen. He was so happy and kept saying how much he loved it! It's these thoughtful little gestures that make this shop so special. Friendly staff, wonderful products, and a welcoming atmosphere. I'll definitely keep coming back whenever I'm in Japantown! read more

I love this store!! This is where I go to get any matcha essentials such as whisk, powder bamboo spoons and different sizes of bowls with matcha powder --marukyu koyamaen, I supposed they get shipments every 2 weeks however they do get sold out quite fast so just a heads up! The owners and workers are always so nice, when you call to ask before you head to the city (if you don't live in the city) that's a great option too bc they can let you know if they have matcha powders in stock. Sometimes even if they don't have matcha powders I still like to come to this shop to look and see other new arrival bowl designs they may have. The dark bamboo whisk I got from here holds so well! It's been monthsss and I have not replaced it, I feel it makes my matcha very smooth but of course this all depends on how well you wash your whisk and how how time you allow for it to bloom in hot water before actually using it but I love it! Great quality products! You definitely get a bang for your buck read more

Beautifully curated. I've bought dozens and dozens of Christmas gifts here over the year.

I always walked by this shop and never went in until today. They sell a lot of Japanese Knick knacks. Prices are reasonable. Tucked among all the chopsticks, cups etc are supplies for Sashiko, Japanese embroidery. I picked up two preprinted cloths and needles. Went to the counter to pay and asked the owner if I needed a hoop, he said japanese don't use a hoop. Not really friendly. Just taciturn. That's ok, I'll watch a YouTube video. The sashiko supplies are cheaper than buying them from Etsy read more

My favorite shop in Japantown. They sell tea ware, incense, ceramic ware, souvenirs etc, at really good prices actually. Didn't think they would be competitively priced as the store is the first one you see in the plaza, but prices are great. I got some condiment dishes, tea mugs and matcha scoop here and replenished my loose leaf green tea needs here. Yes, they sell matcha here. The owners were delighted when I said I drank high quality matcha straight once a day, and I drink 2-3 cups of loose leaf green tea throughout the day. They have not been able to keep a lot of matcha in stock due to it being trendy. I had a discussion with the owners and they said if you're looking for matcha to make lattes, then ceremonial grade matcha isn't the best. That's like cooking with the more expensive wines when all you need is cooking wine since milk and sugar will adulterate the delicate matcha taste. They said it is better instead to go to Japanese grocery store like Super Mira or Nijiya or Costco for matcha for lattes. Makes sense and would probably save a lot of money since lattes use up more matcha. read more

So many options in such a small space. If you're looking for beautiful, unique and genuine Japanese gifts, come to Asakichi. The service is warm and attentive. And, there's lots to see. Take your time and browse. I never leave here empty handed. read more

For any matcha gals, they sell Marukyu Koyamaen matcha here! We came to SF Japantown just for the matcha after seeing their store blow up on social media. I went home with the izusu matcha and for 40g, it costed only $23! The owner mentioned that they get new shipments every week so definitely come if you're looking to get your matcha powder fix! The owners are SUPER sweet and knowledgable, and had great recommendations to offer too. They had a pretty good selection of knick knacks, like matcha whisks/bowls and kimonos. read more

It is one of the stores we visit when at the mall. The store keeper today was the sweetest and helped us buy the good luck cats we got. The kids were so fond of his sweet demeanor. read more

Asakichi - Flowers & Gifts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Came here for the Marukyu Koyamaen matcha. I've been obsessed with matcha lately and knew exactly where I needed to go in the Japantown mall to purchase matcha. Walked in with a stroller, it was big enough to walk in but not wide enough to walk around which is ok because to purchase matcha you have to speak to ask the owner behind the counter. He was so helpful. He tells you what he has and how much each costs for their size difference. I'm inexperienced and purchased the first two he suggested. I wanted one more but they were sold out and/or had bigger containers that cost around $80. If you're inexperienced but enjoy matcha and want to make your own at home, you can purchase the entire set up at this place. You'll find everything at the front. read more

Asakichi - Flowers & Gifts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Quick take: quality items This shop is filled with quality items. Beautiful details on many of the pieces that I saw. We were looking for a certain size tea strainer and didn't see any here. But definitely a gem. read more

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The place for all of your matcha needs located right inside the Japantown Mall! The owners are so sweet and kind. If you're looking for Marukyu Koyamaen they stock it here! However, due to its popularity, it's usually out of stock so i'd recommend calling in advance to see if it's in stock before going. I recently stocked up on some and have been obsessed with the Marukyu Koyamaen Wako matcha powder - it's so sweet and creamy with no bitterness. read more

I've been here a couple of times and usually everyone is nice, but today I had a terrible experience. Lady with the short hair was so rude. I was using my phone camera to zoom in to see what matcha they had on the counter behind the cashier. She puts her hand up to block my camera and shouts "no picture!" I told her that I can't see and that I wasn't taking a picture and she said still. Did not even help us whatsoever. Had to ask the guy at the cashier what they had. Btw no where in the store says no photo or video. read more

I love this tiny shop in Japan Center. I've been buying their ceramics and the high quality incense from their sister shop in Japan Center, for over 30 years. read more

Great incense store with lots of other fun things to decorate with. Go here and show support!

Asakichi is where i have bought all my incense for over 30 years . As a Buddhist practitioner i offer , give as gifts and burn through alot if incense and Asakichi is the very best incense store anywhere! ( there is no store like this in Japan).During the Covid lockdown in SF i ran out and called them and they delivered to my house! They are to incense what the best fine wine store is to wine connoisseurs. read more

I went to go shop a few weeks ago and asked a question to the person behind the desk and he was very rude, will not be going back.

Lovely little store in the shopping center in Japan town. They have a lot of Japanese cultural items for sale. I bought a matcha tea set and the owner was very friendly and helpful explaining how to make the tea including giving a sheet with instructions. Great small business to shop at. read more

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the storeowner is definitely one of the kindest people i've met, answering all the questions i had about differences between items. i came in trying to buy just a matcha whisk however all the ceramic bowls in this store were so cool i decided to buy a bundle instead. the bundle came with a bowl, whisk, and chashaku. i spent about 25$ and to my surprise i received 20g of matcha for free. i wish this storeowner the best and thank you so much!! read more

Asakichi - Flowers & Gifts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The Asakichi boutique shops are my favorite stores to visit when visiting in JapanTown. Genuine Japanese imports and craftsmanship is what I look forward to when shopping there. read more

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This store is really a rare little gem located on the bridge of the Japan center in Japan town. I usually just pass up the store because I don't really need cast iron pots, although I really would like one one day probably when I'm older. However, my daughter saw a really cool fan through the window so we walked in. We fell in love with a cute Japanese fan, and we're so happy to buy it and take it home. This is a very cute shop, please go in and visit it. read more

I was looking everywhere to purchase a kimono and I was so happy to find one here. They had a great selection and it was for a really great price! All the kimono and yukata were high quality and the owners and staff were so friendly. I highly recommend shopping here the next time you go to Japantown! read more

It never fails. This shop and the service I receive every time I shop here is exceptional. As a Japanese tea ceremony student I can always count on Asa to find the appropriate equipment and items I need when I visit Japantown. I am ever so grateful at the service which allows me to feel very comfortable and a service that creates an atmosphere I look forward to when I am in San Francisco. read more

I highly recommend Asa's shops. I lost the tea basket for my Japanese iron teapot. It was very difficult to find a replacement online because mine is very large and very deep. The best replacement basket I could find was not deep enough and I wasn't sure if it would be the right fit, and it had to be special-ordered from Japan for $$$$. I emailed Asa to see if he could help. He traded emails with me. He knew why it was so hard to find the perfect basket: the mesh is designed to exactly fill the pot, with only a lip of a few centimeters so that the pot, basket, and lid fit perfectly. He coordinated meeting me at his store, so he could find just the right fit. He had many different sizes of baskets, including the perfect one for my teapot. I will be back again! His shops have so many perfectly made, beautiful items. His selection of goods and his customer service are the best. read more

If you are looking for holiday gifts for matcha affectionados or just want to buy quality matcha for yourself, I recommend Asakichi, a local store in SF Japantown!  I've been buying from them for years, and once the lockdown started, I ordered from them over the phone.  If you are not in SF, they can quickly ship to you!   They also sell wonderful gifts for 2021, the year of the ox.  Pricing is on their website.   http://www.asakichi.com/main_store.htm.  Contact: Tel: (415) 921-2147 email: info@asakichi.com.  The owner, Asa, usually is the one to respond.  He is very nice and will occasionally throw in a surprise gift or two.  Last time my order was accompanied with handmade cards from Japanese paper.  This time it was a hand sanitizer.   Please support a local businesses this holiday season!  #shoplocal read more

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Shop: Beautiful little shop, offers a great variety of Japanese items, modern, traditional and vintage-- ceramics to textiles to touristy trinkets. All decently priced for decent quality. Service: My single complaint is the apathetic older male worker (maybe the owner?). By no means, do I expect any sort of VIP treatment, but maybe a small "welcome" or "hello" upon entering the store would be nice-- to a "thank you" after making my purchase. To top it off, he handed the bag to me so carelessly (knowing that I'd bought fragile items). Personally, I don't believe I gave him any reason for that type of unfriendly attitude, I'm a quiet and polite individual. Overall: The shop is definitely worth a visit. Hopefully, your experience will be more positive. Note for the owner: It's simply called common courtesy and manners-- please practice them, both verbally and in body language. read more

very very hospitable people and owner , they have super fair prices comparing them to what i purchased in japan !

Bought three very cute bento boxes and three pairs of matching chopsticks--all reasonably priced. This shop mainly sells cast iron teapots and wind chimes, but had other Japanese specialty items such as bento boxes, glass figurines, chopsticks, bento box cloth wraps, ikebana and bonsai tree cutters etc. The store owner is kind, helpful, and friendly. I will be coming back again to snag a couple of tea pots. Covid Review: The store only allows two guests at a time (enforced by the shop owner), and hand sanitizer is readily available at the entrance. Masks were enforced at all times. read more

It's a tiny store nestled on a hall in Japan Center. You'll sure notice it when you walk by because they have all the cute bento boxes on display. I wandered around the store and noticed so many unique stuff. Especially if you're into tea, I think you can find a lot of pots and utensils here. I ended up buying a red bento box as a gift. The store owner (Asakichi-san) was super friendly and helpful when I had a question and gave the store a compliment. Check it out! read more

Asakichi - The cutest - Flowers & Gifts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Simply the very best Japanese tea I've found anywhere in the United States. Asa, the owner, is very kind and thoughtful. He even replaced tea I lost at the Kabuki theater many years ago - through no fault of his - and delivered it to my office. I personally love the high-grade matcha: sometimes the seasonal blends but always the delightful eiju tea. Also, I've found excellent whisks and bowls and sent them as gifts to friends. And very delightful gyokoro tea (although I brew in a complicated way I learned from Samovar - which charges much more for much worse tea.). read more

Love this store! They sell the best matcha on the planet.. called Isuzu. I regularly buy 4-6 cans at a time. Asa, the owner is the kindest person. The store has a great selection, too. read more

A very cute store! I bought three lunch boxes here for a really reasonable price, and the variety was great. I didn't really look into any of the other things offered, as I really was only interested in getting some lunch boxes. That said, id love to come back at some point because the owner is very endearing and really makes sure his customers get the best use out of the products he sells. read more

It's a quaint little store with a variety of Japanese products from Mochi animals to calligraphy sets. The staff is very friendly. The man at the counter gift wrapped my item after checking for any damage. He even taped a cute origami butterfly on the wrap! read more

If you practice sado (Japanese Tea Ceremony) this is the place to go! Asakichi-San is very gracious and knowledgeable!

Asakichi is my go to place for interesting and unusual gifts. There is a broad spectrum of prices and selection. Don't miss the section in the back of the store which houses a higher end selection. It is getting harder and harder to find Japanese made goods in The City. Check out Asakichi which is one of the hallmark stores in Japan Center. read more

Small Japanese antique and arts store in San Francisco that also happens to hold a lot of tea ceremony utensils. If you study the Japanese Tea Ceremony (Chado) this is a good place to buy your utensils. read more

I went in looking to add to a collection of bowls from Japan that I had been give. The owner spent a long time looking through his catalogs and trying to figure out where and how to get them. In the end he gave me an importer's name to call. The customer service, on a busy Sunday, was exceptional and much appreciated. In the end, we also purchased two items. He has a nice selection of more unique gifts and ceramicware. read more

Great service! Thorough selection of incense and incense holders. Tea pot store has high quality choices. Both stores on the bridge have impeccable service from knowledgeable staff. read more

This shop has wonderful, authentic products from Japan and the owner is absolutely lovely. I lived in Sendai for 2 years and we had a lovely conversation. I will buy whatever I am able to from his shop. read more