Kappabashi Street which is also known as Kappabashi Dogugai or kitchen town is a wonderful wholesale district lined with specialty shops selling tableware, cooking utensils, and other food, beverage, and kitchenware items.
SWitting between the famous tourist destinations of Asakusa and Ueno. The street is renowned for its vast array of stores specializing in kitchenware, restaurant supplies, and food-related items. A must-visit for chefs, restaurateurs, and food enthusiasts.
A Paradise for Culinary Enthusiasts
Kappabashi Street is a one-stop destination for all your kitchen and culinary needs. The street is lined with stores selling a wide variety of products, including cookware, tableware, knives, appliances, and baking tools. The comprehensive selection ensures that both professional chefs and home cooks can find everything they need to create their culinary masterpieces.
Japanese Knives
One of the highlights of Kappabashi Street is its collection of knife stores, where visitors can find high-quality Japanese knives. These stores offer a wide range of knives made by skilled artisans, including sushi knives, chef’s knives, and specialized knives for various culinary tasks. Some stores even provide engraving services, allowing you to personalize your purchase or create a memorable gift.
Plastic Food Samples
Kappabashi Street is also famous for its plastic food sample stores, which offer realistic replicas of dishes used by restaurants for display purposes. These intricate and lifelike models are not only a unique souvenir but also an excellent way to appreciate the artistry involved in creating these detailed replicas.
Traditional Japanese Tableware
In addition to modern kitchenware, Kappabashi Street is also an excellent place to find traditional Japanese tableware, such as lacquerware, ceramic plates, and tea sets. These items can add an authentic touch to your dining experience and serve as beautiful reminders of your time in Japan.
How to Get There
Kappabashi Street is easily accessible by public transportation. The closest stations are Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Iriya Station on the Hibiya Line. The street is also within walking distance from the popular tourist spots of Asakusa and Ueno, making it a convenient addition to your sightseeing itinerary.
Tips for Visiting
- Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring Kappabashi Street to make the most of your visit.
- Be aware that most stores on Kappabashi Street are closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Don’t forget to look for the iconic Kappa statue and other kappa-themed decorations, which add a touch of whimsy to the shopping experience.
Kappabashi Street is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese cuisine, offering a unique and enjoyable shopping experience. Whether you’re a professional chef or a culinary enthusiast, you’re sure to find something to inspire your next meal.
It is said to have originated in 1912 and now has more than 170 shops where you can find all kinds of restaurant and kitchen utensils. In 2003, the symbolic statue of “Kappa Kawataro” was erected to commemorate the 90th anniversary of his birth.
The photo shows a famous food sample shop and a robot of a rice cooker in front of a cookware shop.
Details
| name | Kappabashi Street Kappabashi Dogugai かっぱ橋道具街 |
|---|---|
| business hours | 9:00-17:00 (Varies by store) |
| business holiday | Sundays and national holidays (varies by store) |
| Location | 3-18-2 Matsugaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Tokyo Kappabashi Shopping Street Promotion Association) |
Access
About 3 minutes on foot from Tawaramachi Station on the Ginza Line.
