Treasure trove of kitchenware, plastic food samples and crockery
A beloved spot for professional and amateur chefs alike, Kappabashi Kitchenware Town is within walking distance of Asakusa's Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Metropolitan Ueno Park. The entrance to this center of everything cooking related is guarded by an enormous statue of a chef,
complete with a towering white hat.
Tips
- Browsing the endless racks of colorful and well-priced Japanese ceramics
- The chance to shop for incredibly realistic food samples
The main road and side streets of the kitchenware district boast approximately 160 shops, offering everything from high-quality Japanese knives and lacquerware to professional-grade stoves. Most stores are open to the public, so you can get great deals on tableware, kitchen tools, and plenty of other useful little gadgets you never knew you needed. Make sure to stop by the food sample shops, where you can see ultra-realistic plastic versions of all sorts of dishes and ingredients. Sushi magnets and food-themed smartphone covers are particularly popular souvenirs, as are noren curtains, ceramic cups, and fanciful chopstick rests.
Even if you aren't in the mood for shopping, Kappabashi is worth a visit to see the elaborate storefronts and signs. Besides the aforementioned giant chef, you will come across huge knives, whisks and teacups adorning the buildings. Kids will have a great time looking for the many cute statues of kappa, a mythological water imp from which the street takes its name.
