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    Soko Hardware

    4.3 (169 reviews)
    ModerateHardware Stores
    Open 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Soko Hardware Photos

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    Nancy C.

    Quick take: unassuming name (my 600th review) This place does sell hardware supplies. But if you walk into the shop it's much more than the name implies. A lot of household goods, home decor, and gifts. We needed a specific size tea strainer. We found the strainer at the store. Lots of cute items for gift ideas.

    Montage of images from Soko Hardware
    Ed U.

    ** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. ** For Review #5,400, I have to hand it to my peeps and pay tribute to a hardware store that's been run by the same family in J-Town for an astonishing 95 years. Why, I'm talking of Soko Hardware, of course, on the corner of Post and the cobblestone section of Buchanan opposite the Peace Plaza. What makes it special is the variety of merchandise they have beyond the hardware and appliances downstairs. In certain ways. It reminds me of my favorite chain store in Japan. That would be Tokyu Hands, because of all the Japanese housewares, art pieces, and other imports. As a struggling college student, I purchased a magenta flower vase for my mom at Soko, and then years later, I recall buying a couple of colorful fabric pieces with traditional block prints that I had framed. Still saw them there. They continue to operate during the pandemic, and I ended up coming here for some batteries, a teapot, and conversation. The Ashizawa family is here to help you. RELATED - Here's a collection of my previous milestone reviews: https://bit.ly/3aEIvyO

    Sake vessel and cup
    Ariana A.

    I've been following the @sf_japantown Instagram page for a while and loved how they post about the family-owned small businesses in the center! This is how I came across Soko Hardware. I have to admit that out of all the times I've visited Japantown, not once have I checked out this store. Probably because of the word "Hardware", I thought this place would be like a small Home Depot. I had planned to check out this store on my first visit back to Japantown since covid. I went straight for the sake vessels and cups to buy as a birthday gift for my dad. I loved how there were items of all price points and for all budgets. My selection was only $11 for the vessel and $2 for the sake cup. There was an array for colors and designs that it was hard picking just one! I didn't get to browse the store too much due to time constraint but from what I saw, there was a good selection of DIY supplies, home decor, plates and utensils, and hardware of course. A young man was helping us at the cash register and was very nice. He wrapped up our purchases in newspaper very securely so that they wouldn't break. It does seem a little awkward in the store because there's no background music and everything is so quiet but that doesn't deter me from coming back.

    more downstairs
    Gary I.

    桑港 or So-ko/mulberry harbour was the pre 20th century Japanese name for San Francisco so some of the old school Japanese American establishments still bear So-ko somewhere in their names. Keep an eye out for 加州 Kashu- since it's the old school name for California. So-ko Hardware over time seems to have evolved into a variety store-Japanese gift shop. So now I can buy garden tools as well as artful Japanese ceramics, Fudè/Japanese calligraphy brushes, traditional carpenter's tools. Only things I didn't see were plumbing & electrical parts. Yelper Jim W. bought a bamboo fountain while I got a tree branch saw from Japan which looks as though it can cut through petrifed wood since Japanese blades are famous for their sharpness & cutting ability. There are so many things to peruse on both floors that an hour can easily go by, and there's always something needed for the house that you can find there.

    Big downstairs
    Steven B.

    This is one of the finest hardware stores in the Bay Area! I love the classic stock and the addition of fine Japanese tools. They don't have lumber and stuff, mostly kitchenware, tools, knives, saws.

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    2 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 months ago

    It was nice to pop in this hardware shop which has a variety of items. Including kitchenware, containers, pots, spoons and so many things.

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    8 months ago

    11.13.25 - fyi, this store no longer sharpens knives. stopped there today and was told they do not.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I got some Hokusai items. I got a cup, bag, etc. Hadn't been to this hardware store gift shop in Japantown.

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Solo Hardware is a great mix of both practical and fun. We were also able to copy keys here for very cheap.

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Soko Hardware

    Do you carry the 250 watt 120 volt incandescent red heat lamp light bulbs? If yes, how much are they and how many do you currently have in stock? Thank you.

    We have two 250 watt BR40 heat lamps in stock at $6.39 each. Thank you for your inquiry. Philip… Read more

    Do you have knife sharpening service? If you do, what is the price range? Thanks.

    Hi Lilly, Sorry, but we do not have a knife sharpening service. Thank you for your inquiry.… Read more

    Do you sell the super benriner (95) and the benriner deluxe set?

    HI, are you still offering knife sharpening services? Thank you, Charlene

    Hi Charlene, Sorry, but we do not offer knife sharpening services. We don't have any referrals at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.… Read more

    Do you sell Yutanpo or Japanese hot water bottle which looks like a turtle shell? If so, what size and material (plastic or metal)?

    Hi Anthony, Yes, we do carry galvanized steel yutampo with a cloth cover. The price is $44.20. Please call if you have any other questions. Thank you.… Read more

    Hello! Do you have the kamado-san donabe style? If so, how much is it? Thank you!

    Hello Kerry, I am familiar with Kamados, but I have not heard the name associated with Donabes. Our Donabes have domed covers that are completely removable. The bottoms are… Read more

    Does this store sell noren?

    Yes, we sell noren. They range in size from 10"-60" in height. Prices range from $25.00-$100.00. Colors and patterns vary. Thank you for your inquiry. Philip Ashizawa,… Read more

    Does this store sell Tenugui?

    Yes! We currently have 6 styles at $5.95 ea, and 1 style at $8.55. Thank you for your inquiry.… Read more

    View All 11 Questions

    Review Highlights - Soko Hardware

    I've been coming here for decades, but, now that I live in the area, this is where I go to get my household goods.

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    SF Hardware

    SF Hardware

    3.7
    (72 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    As a renter, my needs are simple since the landlord fixes most things…read more Today I needed a kitchen sink basket, a drain opener- and yeah, let's try this snake gadget to see if I can use chemicals as a last resort. This is the kind of independent hardware store I prefer to support: Buy what you need, get a key made, support a neighborhood business. Open every day except Sunday.

    Third update: It has been almost two and half years since my last review, a pandemic has come and…read moregone, SF Hardware closed up shop completely for most of it, and then, after putting on a pretty good show of reopening, they went right back to never having predictable hours and being all locked up when you get dressed and leave the the house for the first time in a week because you need a screw during totally reasonable daytime business hours. Two out of the last three times I showed up there, during afternoon hours that they'd previously been open, they were locked up tight. At least today they put the sign up saying that they now close every day at 4:30 (because obviously I'm going to take off from work early if I need a screw, right?), last time there wasn't even a sign. I said in my original review that one of their primary appeals was "They're there." But if they're not open when you need them, then they're not there. And very frequently, they aren't. I think I'll just order replacement screws from the internet from now on.

    Photos
    Owner crams a lot of useful items into a small retail space
    Owner crams a lot of useful items into a small retail space
    Nails, brushes, other stuff I don't know how to use, doh!
    Nails, brushes, other stuff I don't know how to use, doh!
    Chances are they have everything you need

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    Chances are they have everything you need

    Soko Hardware - hardware - Updated July 2026

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