Comparison: Best Cutting Boards For Japanese Knives (Updated | Oct 22nd)
Choosing the right cutting board is essential for maintaining the sharpness and longevity of Japanese knives, which are renowned for their precision and edge retention. When selecting a cutting board, consider factors like material durability, surface gentleness, and ease of maintenance. This comparison explores top options—from durable end grain woods to low-maintenance plastics—to help you find a board that protects your blades while supporting efficient, safe chopping. Whether you prioritize sustainability, portability, or kitchen aesthetics, our guide offers balanced insights to inform your decision.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
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Best for best overall:
Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Professional Grade Cutting Board Japanese Sashimi Chef's Tool Made in Japan (Medium) -
Best for premium wood:
Shun Cutlery Large Hinoki Cutting Board -
Best for large surface:
Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Professional Grade Cutting Board Japanese Sashimi Chef's Tool Made in Japan (Large) -
Best for wood set:
Shun Cutlery Hinoki 3 Piece Cutting Board Set -
Best for lightweight titanium:
HIBINO Titanium Cutting Board | 99.5% Pure Japanese Titanium | Non-Toxic | Lightweight & Dishwasher Safe | M Size | Made in Japan | With Non-Slip Mat | For Kitchen & Camping Use -
Best for budget rubber:
Kitchen Star Tsukihoshi Rubber Cutting Board Size L -
Best for dishwasher-safe rubber:
Kitchen Star Tsukihoshi Rubber Cutting Board Made in Japan -
Best for compact wood:
Shun Cutlery Small Hinoki Cutting Board -
Best for small surface:
Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Professional Grade Cutting Board Japanese Sashimi Chef's Tool Made in Japan (Small) -
Best for knife set:
Joseph Joseph Folio Icon 8-Piece Multi Colour coded Cutting Board Set with Japanese Stainless Steel Knives
Product Comparison: Best Cutting Boards For Japanese Knives
Best overall
Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Professional Grade Cutting Board Japanese Sashimi Chef's Tool Made in Japan (Medium)
Hayate Yoshihiro
- Size Dimension: Medium 17.3" x 9.8"x 0.8"(44cm x 25cm x 2cm)
- A cutting board has a significant impact on knife edge durability, more so than the food itself.
- The Hi Soft cutting board is constructed to be the best cutting surface for high carbon steel knives.
- Features a high quality synthetic material specifically designed to minimize stress on your hand and impact on the blade, resulting in better edge retention and a longer lifespan for your knives.
- Allows for easy cleaning and provides odor resistance.
- Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-A, XX-Large, XXX-Large available. Made in Japan.
- Not made of wood. Made with LDPE Plastic.
Premium wood
Shun Cutlery Large Hinoki Cutting Board, 17.75" x 11.75" Large Wooden Japanese Chopping Board for Kitchen, Medium-Soft Wood Preserves Knife Edges, Forest Stewardship Council Certified
Shun
- LARGE CUTTING BOARD: The Shun Cutlery Large Hinoki Cutting Board is expertly designed to be the perfect cutting surface for any knife. Medium-soft wood "gives" as you cut, helping to preserve knife edges.
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: This Shun wood cutting board is made from hinoki, a type of Japanese cypress long-renowned for its beauty and delicate natural fragrance. Forest Stewardship Council certified for sustainable forest management practices.
- VERSATILE DESIGN: The large size and double-sided functionality of this kitchen cutting board makes it perfect for a variety of uses – from food preparation tasks to showcasing as a wooden charcuterie board at gatherings.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: To resist staining, dampen the board before each use. Clean with a mild detergent, towel dry, and then air dry away from direct sunlight. For stubborn stains, rub a cut lemon over the area to restore its beauty.
- JAPANESE CRAFTSMANSHIP: Each Shun knife is meticulously handcrafted in Japan, reflecting a legacy of traditional knife-making expertise and a dedication to superior quality.
Large surface
Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Professional Grade Cutting Board Japanese Sashimi Chef's Tool Made in Japan (Large)
Hayate Yoshihiro
- Size Dimension: Large 19.6" x 10.6"x 0.8"(50cm x 27cm x 2cm)
- A cutting board has a significant impact on knife edge durability, more so than the food itself.
- The Hi Soft cutting board is constructed to be the best cutting surface for high carbon steel knives.
- Features a high quality synthetic material specifically designed to minimize stress on your hand and impact on the blade, resulting in better edge retention and a longer lifespan for your knives.
- Allows for easy cleaning and provides odor resistance.
- Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-A, XX-Large, XXX-Large available. Made in Japan.
- Not made of wood. Made with LDPE Plastic.
Wood set
Shun Cutlery Hinoki 3 Piece Cutting Board Set, Small, Medium and Large Boards, Wooden Japanese Chopping Board for Kitchen, Medium-Soft Wood Preserves Knife Edges, Forest Stewardship Council Certified
Shun
- CUTTING BOARD SET: The Shun Cutlery Hinoki 3-Piece Cutting Board Set is expertly designed to be the perfect cutting surface for any knife. Medium-soft wood "gives" as you cut, helping to preserve knife edges.
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: These Shun wood cutting boards are made from hinoki, a type of Japanese cypress long-renowned for its beauty and delicate natural fragrance. Forest Stewardship Council certified for sustainable forest management practices.
- VERSATILE DESIGN: The various sizes and double-sided functionality of this kitchen cutting board set makes it perfect for a variety of uses – from food preparation tasks to showcasing as a wooden charcuterie board at gatherings.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: To resist staining, dampen the board before each use. Clean with a mild detergent, towel dry, and then air dry away from direct sunlight. For stubborn stains, rub a cut lemon over the area to restore its beauty.
- JAPANESE CRAFTSMANSHIP: Each Shun knife is meticulously handcrafted in Japan, reflecting a legacy of traditional knife-making expertise and a dedication to superior quality.
Lightweight titanium
HIBINO Titanium Cutting Board | 99.5% Pure Japanese Titanium | Non-Toxic | Lightweight & Dishwasher Safe | M Size | Made in Japan | With Non-Slip Mat | For Kitchen & Camping Use
HIBINO
- 🔬「99.5% Pure Titanium | Highest Grade」Crafted from high-purity Japanese titanium—a cutting-edge alternative to plastic or wooden chopping boards. Non-toxic, odor-resistant, and easier to clean.
- 🇯🇵「Made in Japan | Crafted in Tsubame City」Forged in Japan’s metalworking capital. Trusted by chefs and home cooks seeking high-performance, easy-to-maintain cutting boards for kitchen prep.
- ✋「Ergonomic Design | Lightweight & Knife-Friendly」Wave-grip handle for control. Ultra-thin, dual-sided surface is gentle on knives—ideal for daily use or chef-level slicing precision.
- 🥩「Perfect Size for Everyday Use」14 x 10 in | 13.8 oz | 0.04 in thin — the ideal meat cutting board or all-round chopping board for prepping vegetables, dough, and more.
- 🧼「Dishwasher Safe | Built to Outlast Fakes」Unlike boards falsely labeled as titanium, this chef-grade titanium cutting board resists rust, odors, and wear. Maintenance-free and built for life.
Budget rubber
Kitchen Star Tsukihoshi Rubber Cutting Board Size L,Synthetic Rubber Cutting Board, Non-slip for ingredients,Knife-friendly Dishwasher-Safe Made in Japan, Size :14.96×9.06×0.39 inches (385×233×10mm)
キッチンスター
- ✅It is scratch resistant and prevents food debris from accumulating.
- ✅Since It has almost no water absorption, it drains well.
- ✅Because It has an appropriate weight, you can securely place ingredients on it and cook.
- ✅With a soft impact on the blade, it reduced fatigue during long cooking sessions and is resistant to damage from knives.
- ✅There is a mark for distinguishing between sides, making it convenient to separate usage for meat, fish, vegetables, etc.
- ✅Dishwasher Instructions: Stand the cutting board almost vertically. Do not place it at an angle, rest it across other items, or force it into place, as improper placement may cause warping.
Dishwasher-safe rubber
Kitchen Star Tsukihoshi Rubber Cutting Board Made in Japan,Dishwasher-Safe Size:13.54×8.38×0.39inches(344×213×10mm) Equipped with a Cutting Board Scraper for Synthetic Rubber Cutting Boards (M)
キッチンスター
- ✅Cutting Board:It is scratch resistant and prevents food debris from accumulating.
- ✅Cutting Board:Since It has almost no water absorption, it drains well.
- ✅Cutting Board:Because It has an appropriate weight, you can securely place ingredients on it and cook.
- ✅Cutting Board:With a soft impact on the blade, it reduced fatigue during long cooking sessions and is resistant to damage from knives.
- ✅Cutting Board:There is a mark for distinguishing between sides, making it convenient to separate usage for meat, fish, vegetables, etc.
- ✅Cutting board sharpener: This cutting board sharpener is designed specifically for synthetic rubber cutting boards. Do not use on places or objects where scratches would be a problem.
- ✅Cutting board sharpener: If you are worried about scratches, please test it on an inconspicuous area before using it.
- ✅Cutting board scraper: Dirt that has penetrated deep scratches may not be able to be removed.
Compact wood
Shun Cutlery Small Hinoki Cutting Board, 10.75" x 8.25" Small Wooden Japanese Chopping Board for Kitchen, Medium-Soft Wood Preserves Knife Edges, Forest Stewardship Council Certified
Shun
- SMALL CUTTING BOARD: The Shun Cutlery Small Hinoki Cutting Board is expertly designed to be the perfect cutting surface for any knife. Medium-soft wood "gives" as you cut, helping to preserve knife edges.
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: This Shun wood cutting board is made from hinoki, a type of Japanese cypress long-renowned for its beauty and delicate natural fragrance. Forest Stewardship Council certified for sustainable forest management practices.
- VERSATILE DESIGN: The small size and double-sided functionality of this kitchen cutting board makes it perfect for general-purpose tasks while remaining compact and easy to store.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: To resist staining, dampen the board before each use. Clean with a mild detergent, towel dry, and then air dry away from direct sunlight. For stubborn stains, rub a cut lemon over the area to restore its beauty.
- JAPANESE CRAFTSMANSHIP: Each Shun knife is meticulously handcrafted in Japan, reflecting a legacy of traditional knife-making expertise and a dedication to superior quality.
Small surface
Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Professional Grade Cutting Board Japanese Sashimi Chef's Tool Made in Japan (Small)
Hayate Yoshihiro
- Size Dimension: Small 15.8" x 8.8"x 0.8"(40cm x 22cm x 2cm)
- A cutting board has a significant impact on knife edge durability, more so than the food itself.
- The Hi Soft cutting board is constructed to be the best cutting surface for high carbon steel knives.
- Features a high quality synthetic material specifically designed to minimize stress on your hand and impact on the blade, resulting in better edge retention and a longer lifespan for your knives.
- Allows for easy cleaning and provides odor resistance.
- Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-A, XX-Large, XXX-Large available. Made in Japan.
- Not made of wood. Made with LDPE Plastic.
Knife set
Joseph Joseph Folio Icon 8-Piece Multi Colour coded Cutting Board Set with Japanese Stainless Steel Knives, Slimline case for organized Kitchen storage, Silver
Joseph Joseph
- 4 food-specific, non-slip chopping boards plus 4 knives
- Stylish case for easy-access and organized storage
- Elevate knives with Japanese stainless-steel blades and integrated tool rests to improve hygiene and reduce mess
- Knives included: 3.5 Paring knife; 4.5 Serrated knife; 5.5 Santoku knife; 6.5 Chef's knife
- Board size: 20 x 30 cm (7?x 11? inches)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which cutting board is best for preventing knife damage?
Shun Cutlery Hinoki boards are made from soft Japanese cypress, reducing blade wear.
Are there non-porous options for hygiene?
Kitchen Star Tsukihoshi Rubber Cutting Boards are non-porous and dishwasher-safe.
What material is most durable for frequent use?
HIBINO Titanium Cutting Board offers a 99.5% pure titanium surface resistant to deep cuts.
Which board provides the largest surface area?
Shun Cutlery Large Hinoki Cutting Board (17.75"x 11.75") is the largest single board.
Are there eco-friendly options?
Yoshihiro Hi Soft boards are made from sustainable Japanese wood.
Does any board come with multiple sizes?
Shun Cutlery Hinoki 3 Piece Set includes small, medium, and large boards.
Which board is lightweight for easy handling?
Kitchen Star Tsukihoshi Rubber boards are thin and lightweight despite durability.
