Cast iron cookware
Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware occupies a unique position in the Japanese kitchen: it is simultaneously the most ancient and the most enduring choice for serious cooking. The tradition of Japanese ironware stretches back over four centuries, centred particularly in Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan, where the combination of mineral-rich local clay for molds and pure regional iron produces castings of exceptional quality. The pieces made today in Morioka and the surrounding area are direct descendants of that tradition, made using techniques that have changed remarkably little over time.
The properties that make cast iron so valued are well established. It holds heat longer than any other common cookware material, which means a pan stays at temperature even when cold ingredients are added, critical for achieving a proper sear on meat or maintaining the precise oil temperature needed for tempura. Once heated evenly, it cooks with exceptional consistency. And unlike non-stick coatings, which degrade over time, cast iron actually improves with use as it builds up a seasoning layer that becomes naturally non-stick and adds depth of flavour to everything cooked in it.
The collection here focuses on the two most respected producers of Japanese cast iron: Iwachu, established in 1902, and Oigen, established in 1852. Between them they cover every category of cast iron cookware, from the iconic tetsubin kettles and rice cookers to frying pans, takoyaki plates, Dutch ovens and trivets. Each piece is cast individually in a sand mold, which means there is a small degree of natural variation between items, a mark of authenticity rather than inconsistency.
Cast iron cookware purchased today will still be in use in your grandchildren's kitchen. That kind of longevity justifies the investment many times over.
Discover more in our subcategories:
Browse our Japanese knives to complete your cooking setup, or explore cutting boards for the perfect prep surface.
The beginner's guide to Japanese cast iron cookware, seasoning, cleaning and how to choose your first piece.
Showing 30 products
AVAILABILITY: In stock (499 items)
The Iwachu Taiyaki Frypan, cast iron pan with two fish-shaped cavities for making Japanese taiyaki, the beloved fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet anko red bean paste or custard. In the Box 1 Japanese Cast Iron Frying Pan Manufacturer Iwachu (Morioka,...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (-1 items)
The Iwachu Omelet Frying Pan, Japanese cast iron rectangular pan for making tamagoyaki rolled omelettes. Precise rectangular shape produces perfectly layered Japanese omelettes every time. In the Box 1 Japanese Cast Iron Omelette Pan Manufacturer Iwachu (Morioka, Japan) Dimensions Ø8.7...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (499 items)
The Iwachu Large Casserole is a generous cast iron pot with an enamel interior, ideal for family-sized Japanese stews, curries, and slow-simmered dishes. Includes 1 cast iron casserole pot Dimensions 30 × H11.5 cm, 4.8 kg Heat sources Gas, electric,...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (499 items)
The Iwachu Cast Iron Trivet Kiku, decorative chrysanthemum-patterned cast iron trivet for protecting table surfaces from hot pots, pans, and teapots. Beautiful enough to leave on permanent display. Includes 1 cast iron trivet Dimensions 17.5 × H1.5 cm (6.8 ×...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (6 items)
The Iwachu Hot Sand Frypan is a Japanese cast iron sandwich maker for making hot sand (hot sandwich) toasties - a beloved Japanese cafe culture staple - with the superior heat retention of Nambu Tekki cast iron. Brand Iwachu (岩鉗)...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (500 items)
The Sukiyaki Pot, wide, shallow cast iron pan designed for Japanese sukiyaki hot-pot. Broad surface allows ingredients to cook in the sweet soy sukiyaki sauce at the table. Includes 1 cast iron sukiyaki pot Dimensions 24 × 25 × 7...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (500 items)
The Nanbu Tetsubin Kettle Sakura is a Japanese cast iron kettle in the celebrated Nambu Tekki tradition, decorated with delicate cherry blossom Sakura relief patterns on its black iron surface. Origin & Craft Handmade in Japan 🇯🇵 | Nanbu Tekki...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (500 items)
The Nanbu Tetsubin Kettle Gidai, prestige Japanese cast iron kettle from Iwate in a bold Gidai ceremonial design. Enamel-lined interior and superior heat retention make it as functional as it is magnificent. Traditional Vessel Typology Tetsubin (Authentic Raw Iron Water-Boiling...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (500 items)
The Kakigori Black Swan is a sleek, manual shaved ice machine in an elegant black design. Produces ultra-fine, fluffy Japanese kakigori snow ice for refreshing summer desserts. Dimensions & Weight 22 x 20.2 x 39.5cm, 7kg Construction Cast iron, manual...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (0 items)
The Iwachu Yaki Frypan, Japanese cast iron skillet designed for high-heat searing of fish, meat, and vegetables. Thick base creates intense, even heat for a proper sear and natural non-stick surface. In the Box 1 Japanese Cast Iron Frying Pan...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (500 items)
The Iwachu Tempura Fondue Pot Fryer is a cast iron deep fryer with a built-in thermometer and oil draining rack, everything needed for crisp, light Japanese tempura at home. Includes 1 cast iron pot Dimensions 22 × 17 × H10.5...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (500 items)
The Iwachu Rice Cooker, premium Japanese cast iron pot for cooking perfect short-grain rice on any hob. Cast iron's even heat creates the sought-after okoge crispy crust at the bottom. Includes 1 cast iron pot + heavy-duty lid Dimensions 28...