Japanese Garden Tools: Precise, Practical, and Built to Last

In Japan, gardening is approached with the same care and attention to detail as cooking, joinery, or ceramics. Tools aren’t just made to do a job — they’re made to do it well, with thought given to balance, sharpness, and the way the hand moves.

That’s why we only stock Japanese gardening tools. They’re sharper, lighter, more precise made with purpose and designed to feel good in use. And because they're crafted in small family-run workshops across Japan, they carry real heritage.

We source all our tools through our long-standing partnership with Niwaki, a brand that shares our respect for Japanese craftsmanship and function-led design. Everything we carry is made in Japan and stocked here in the UK, so you can get the quality without the wait.

This guide is grouped by the kind of garden work you actually do and the tools that help you do it better.

For Digging, Planting & Soil Work

Hori Hori Pro – The Do-Everything Tool

If we had to choose just one tool, this would be it. A cross between a trowel and a knife, the Hori Hori Pro is ideal for digging, weeding, cutting roots, dividing plants, and lifting bulbs. Hand-forged in Miki, Japan from high-carbon SK-5 steel, it holds an edge beautifully and feels solid in the hand.

It’s shaped with just the right curve to scoop soil efficiently, and comes with a beech handle and canvas sheath. The kanji-stamped blade is a quiet nod to its origins — and a good reminder that form and function don’t have to compete.

Moku Trowel – Small, Sharp, and Handmade

For finer planting jobs, greenhouse work, and potting, the Moku Trowel is light, well-balanced, and easy to control. Hand-forged in Sanjo by a sixth-generation family business, it’s made with intention — you can see it in the subtle hammering on the blade and feel it in the weight. It’s not built for heavy soil, but it excels at the careful, daily work that makes a garden thrive.

Weeding Hoe – Surprisingly Satisfying

Don’t underestimate this one. Lightweight, compact, and sharp, the Weeding Hoe is brilliant for clearing borders, cutting through weeds, and prepping seed rows — all without disturbing your planting. One-handed, efficient, and low-effort. It’s a tool people don’t know they need until they use it… and then they wonder how they did without it.

For Pruning, Shaping & Everyday Care

GR Pro Secateurs – Serious Tools for Regular Work

Drop-forged and hand-finished in Yamagata, these are the go-to secateurs for anyone who spends time in the garden. Built from high-carbon steel with replaceable springs and blades, they’re built for everyday use and hold a razor-sharp edge.

The yellow vinyl grips are practical (easy to spot in long grass), but removable if you prefer a traditional look. Everything about them — the spring action, the weight, the blade alignment — speaks to careful design. They’re not overcomplicated, just exceptionally well made.

Kurumi Secateurs – Refined, Natural, Balanced

For more delicate pruning jobs where finesse matters, the Kurumi Secateurs are a joy to use. They’re made from the same KA70 carbon steel but with smooth walnut inlays that give them a softer, warmer feel in the hand. These are the ones you reach for when cutting herbs, tidying softer stems, or simply when you want to slow down and work with intention.

Garden Snips – Your Everyday Pocket Companion

Lightweight, pocket-sized, and sharp enough for flowers, herbs, and soft stems — these snips are the ones you’ll find yourself using daily. The fine, narrow blades let you work close in without damaging surrounding growth. Red and white handles make them easy to find, even in a pile of compost or the depths of your jacket pocket.

For Cutting, Trimming & Heavy Garden Jobs

GR 210 Folding Saw – Clean Cuts Without Bulk

When secateurs can’t quite manage, the GR 210 Folding Saw steps in. Compact, pocket-friendly, and made for precision pruning of branches up to 7cm thick, this saw cuts on the pull stroke — the Japanese method — which gives you more control and cleaner cuts with less effort.

The 21cm blade folds neatly into the handle, and the rubber grip is sturdy and comfortable. It’s perfect for fruit trees, shrubs, and awkward corners where larger saws feel clumsy.

Mini Shears – Controlled Shaping in Tight Spaces

Full-sized shears can be overkill. These mini shears are sharp, responsive, and made for shaping topiary, edging lawns, and managing finer growth. Red rubber sleeves over the oak handles improve grip and comfort. Designed and made in Sanjo using traditional blacksmithing techniques, they strike a great balance between old-school craft and everyday function.

Cleaning & Caring for Your Tools

These tools are built to last — but like anything well made, they’ll repay a little care. Here's how to keep them in excellent condition:

Wipe Them Down

After each use, remove sap and moisture with a dry cloth. For stubborn resin or rust, use a Niwaki Crean Mate (or Mini Crean Mate) — a rubbery block that works like an eraser with a few drops of Camellia oil.

Oil Regularly

A couple of drops of Camellia Oil after cleaning keeps steel protected and prevents rust. It also keeps moving parts (like secateur springs) working smoothly.

Sharpen When Needed

A sharp blade is safer and cleaner. Use the Niwaki Sharpening Stone #1000, which is shaped to suit curved blades like secateurs and shears. Regular touch-ups will keep your tools cutting cleanly.

Store Smart

Avoid damp sheds. Store tools in a dry spot and wipe them before packing them away. For neat storage (and a little organisation joy), we recommend Toyo Steel Toolboxes — light, durable, and as tidy as your garden should be.

Why We Work with Niwaki

We’ve partnered with Niwaki for years because they understand what makes a good tool — and where it comes from. They work directly with family-run blacksmiths and toolmakers in Japan, often with multi-generational ties to their craft.

That means when you buy a Japanese tool from us, you're getting something genuinely made with care, purpose, and pride, not mass-produced, not compromised, and always a pleasure to use.

→ Browse the full collection of Japanese gardening tools