Whenever we had a family tour in Japan it was a must-visit to Kappabashi Street for my mom. It’s literally heaven for her cause of the variety of kitchenware in there. Kappabashi Street, also known as Kitchen Town, is a must-visit destination in Tokyo for anyone passionate about cooking. It is situated between Ueno and Asakusa, this vibrant street is lined with shops offering everything from traditional Japanese knives to modern kitchen gadgets. Here are my recommendations for top stores to visit for your kitchenware needs.
1. Kamata Hakensha
Specialties:
- Japanese Knives: Known for their high-quality Japanese-style knives, Kamata Hakensha offers a range of knives from everyday use to professional-grade.
- Knife Sharpening Classes: Learn to maintain your knives properly with their in-store sharpening classes.
2. Kappa Bashi Umanosuke
Specialties:
- Kitchen Tools: This store is renowned for its wide variety of kitchen tools, including utensils, pots, and pans.
- Traditional Japanese Products: Find unique items that reflect Japanese culinary culture.
3. Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya
Specialties:
- Fake Food Samples: Famous for its hyper-realistic fake food displays, perfect as souvenirs or restaurant displays. If you are maintaining a cafe or family restaurant or you just love to collect fake foods then this place is for you.
- DIY Kits: Create your own fake food samples with their DIY kits.
4. Yamashita
Specialties:
- Ceramics and Pottery: Offering a stunning array of traditional and modern ceramics, Yamashita is the go-to place for beautiful dinnerware.
- Tea Ceremony Items: Find everything you need for an authentic Japanese tea ceremony.
5. Dengama
Specialties:
- Two-Story Shop: The first floor offers affordable daily use ceramics, while the second floor features high-end pottery by famous artisans.
- Wide Variety: From tea containers to plates, this store has it all.
6. Maeda
Specialties:
- Ramen Bowls and Matcha Cups: Known for their extensive collection of ramen bowls and matcha cups.
- All-In-One: Besides ceramics, Maeda also sells knives, chopsticks, and glassware.
7. Kama-Asa Shoten
Specialties:
- High-Quality Kitchen Tools: Kama-Asa offers carefully selected kitchen tools designed to enhance your cooking experience.
- Historical Significance: Established in 1908, this store combines tradition with modern needs.
8. Hashitou
Specialties:
- Chopsticks: Offering a wide range of chopsticks from everyday use to exquisite handcrafted pieces.
- Accessories: Find chopstick rests and other related items to complete your dining experience.
9. Seisuke Knife
Specialties:
- Artisanal Knives: Seisuke Knife showcases knives from renowned craftsmen, combining functionality with artistic design.
- Portland Connection: They also have a store in Portland, OR, making their products accessible internationally.
10. Kimura
Specialties:
- Signage and Memorabilia: This store is a treasure trove of vintage signs, perfect for adding a nostalgic touch to your kitchen or restaurant.
- Unique Finds: From Coca-Cola memorabilia to antique telephones, Kimura offers unique items not found elsewhere.
Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, Kappabashi Street offers an unparalleled shopping experience. From traditional Japanese knives to realistic fake food samples, you’ll find everything you need and more. Make sure to visit these top stores to enhance your culinary adventures.
