Located just in between Ueno and Asakusa stations, Kappabashi gets often overlooked due to its famous neighbors, but is nevertheless a gem that shouldn’t be passed up by any lover of kitchenware or anyone interested in getting another insight into Tokyo’s manifold subcultures. Spanning over almost one kilometer and boasting a whooping 170 shops selling anything from plastic food samples, to tableware, bakery equipment, lacquerware, packaging, bamboo wares, lanterns, uniforms and any other restaurant equipment imaginable, Kappabashi is not just Japan’s but one of the world’s largest areas dedicated to kitchen implements.

        When you leave Tawaramachi Station (Ginza Line), look out for the giant chef above Niimi, which (for obvious reasons) has become the street’s main landmark. Start your shopping tour at Dengama, on the opposite of corner of Niimi,  where you can find reasonably priced Japanese ceramic bowls, cups, tea pots and more. 

Your next stop should be Tokyo Biken, one of several manufacturers of Japan’s famous plastic food samples you can often find next to the entrance of restaurants and bars. Marvel at the intricately hand-made plastic foods in Tokyo Biken’s display and head inside for a great selection of food souvenirs such as sushi-charms, food phone cases, magnets and more. This would also be a great places to buy some new home decorations, that is, if you have always dreamed of surprising your partner with a fake rotisserie chicken or mug of ice-cold and very plasticy beer. 

        Make your way further North to Yokoyama, a specialist in baking supplies which has a great selection of cake and chocolate molds as well as Japanese cookie/ food cutters in beautiful, seasonal variations such as cherry blossoms, gingko, maple leaves, or mount fuji.

Only a few steps further is Komatsuya, which is hard to miss for its bold, open display of ceramic bowls, which are lined up in front and stacked up to the ceiling of the store. 

        Cross over to the other side of the street and be sure to marvel at the giant black beetle, another landmark of Kappabashi which is proudly hanging above Ganso Shokuhin plastic sample store. On the western side of the main street you will find Kondo, which has been operating for over 50 years and is Kappabashi’s only bamboo specialty store. Starting with simple bamboo skewers and baskets, dig deeper into the crowded shop displays and discover the most magnificent and intricately made vases, trays, tea utensils and more, produced by some of the best bamboo craftspeople across Japan.  

Finally, end your tour of Kappabashi at Manryo, a shop selling fun, over-the-top decorations, bamboo steamers, tea cups and any other magnificent kitch that we all love so much about our favorite Chinese restaurants.