Kappabashi

Kappabashi, the Kingdom of Cooking. Japan’s No. 1 street for kitchen utensils

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Kappabashi is the street located between Ueno and Asakusa with shops dealing in cookware. With over 100 years of history, customers from all over Japan, whether they be amateur cooks or professional chefs, come to the street. And even in recent years, it has become a hit with the overseas tourists as well.
Business Hours
Saturday ( 9:0 AM ~ 5:0 PM )
Sunday ( 9:0 AM ~ 5:0 PM )
Weekdays ( 9:0 AM ~ 5:0 PM )
Address
3-18-2 Matsugaya Taito-ku Tokyo
Phone
(03) 3844-1225

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How to enjoy Kappabashi

There are 170 shops spanning a distance of approximately 800 meters which sell anything having to do with cooking.

The Western tableware store, Niimi, has a huge model of a cook at the entrance to the street which has become a landmark. The store itself has amassed just about everything that has to do with cooking including Western and Japanese tableware, bar utensils, cookware and bakeware. At Kama-Asa Shoten, which deals in knives and Nambu ironware, there are English explanations for the knives, and there is also a name engraving service for purchasers in which their names are converted into kanji. Nambu ironware kettles have the ability to rid water of any chlorides which brings a mellow quality and therefore makes tea taste better.

The famous plastic display foods of Kappabashi

Iwasaki Be-I, the original store for plastic food samples, has a giant rhinoceros beetle as its logo. The store deals in samples that are specific to Japanese culture. You can also create your own samples (reservations necessary). As it has been for ages, the material is wax. Through very fine temperature control, the wax goes from liquid to solid as it gains its final impressive appearance. Keyholders and straps are popular as souvenirs.

The name “Kappabashi” apparently derives from a story about Kappa sprites living in the nearby Sumida River. It was once said that the Kappa were water deities who often saved the commercial area from flooding. In fact, the statue of Kappa Kawataro is the area symbol which is also a marvelous spot for taking a picture. It’s fun to walk around and search for the other Kappa in the neighborhood. Along with the fine quality of the specialized shops geared toward professional chefs, it’s also worthy to note that many of them are closed on weekends and holidays. On Saturdays, 90% of them are closed while that rate is 30% on Sundays. Even on weekdays, most stores are only open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Moreover, since there are few restaurants on Japan’s No. 1 kitchen goods street, it is better to head for either Ueno or Asakusa on foot if you really want to eat.

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Reviews

9 years ago
You want kitchen stuff? Good!
Man, Kappa-bashi is rad. If you need ANYTHING for your kitchen or restaurant/cafe. You WILL find it here! Even if you don't, the novelty value of this place is quite high. Gaze upon all the strange plastic foods people buy to demonstrate their menu's. There are quite a few good coffee shops in the area too. Kappa-Bashi Coffee is the best in the vicinity (and that's coming from a coffee addict). Sometimes there are festivals on or around the streets of Kappa-bashi, especially in the mid/late summer times. Go to these, the food is to die for (especially the Yaki-Soba). Pretty much what I'm trying to say is. Go to Kappa-bashi, it is cool. Woo!
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9 years ago
For all your kitchen and mythical lizard needs
I love wandering down Kappabashi Street, passing statues of mythical lizard creatures, kitchen shops, and plastic fish. One of the best things here though are the regular events. Usually once a month there is Kappa Day; when the event is taking place (usually at a weekend) the road is closed to vehicles, and small stalls are set up along the road selling gifts and delicious street food. There are live shows from local street performers, or musical acts, and a chance to have your photograph with the street's mascot character!
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