Kappabashi Neighborhood Guide: Kitchen Supplies in Tokyo

Kappabashi is a community known for two things: kitchen supplies and the Japanese mythological existence, namely Kappa. The latter is best described as a creature like two turtles, known for causing mischiefs in and around the waterways and tasting cucumbers. But, what does this have to do with Kappabashi?

There are two theories about the origins of the Tokyo niche, both of which are explained by the landmarks of the region. First of all, about 160 years ago, the area was prone to flooding. Tired of the locals, Kappaya Kihachi deceived himself into doing the drainage project, but the project struggled – some nearby Kappa noticed this, and he obviously kept in good shape with him and helped him finish the building.

The second story says that samurai and walking soldiers would hang raincoats (Kappa) in a bridge (Bashi) in the area to dry. So the name translates to the raincoat bridge or the fabulous water-dwelling bridge. No matter which one you decide sounds closer to the truth, there are plenty of interesting ways to spend an afternoon here.

Kitchen Connoisseur

Kappabashi as a community is mainly centered on a street and is often called Kappabashi Kitchen Street. Depending on the end you reach, positioning the street is as easy as finding the huge bust of a bearded chef rising from the roof of a building. When every store sells kitchen knives or cutlery, you will also know you are in the right place. Or, when you start to notice images and statues of Kappa, your friendly community on storefronts and overhead signage.

In recent years, Japanese kitchen knives have been known for their outstanding clarity. Inbound visitors from around the world can be found on Kappabashi Kitchen Street to find blades to add collections, and some of the stores even offer engraving services so that each knife can be personalized with the owner’s name.

On the kitchen street you will find merchandise made in modesty, earthy tones, as well as items with vibrant hand-painted designs. The choice feels endless: everything from plates and bowls down to chopstick stands. There are also many professional chopstick shops, such as Hashitou, where customers can test (impossible, sadly) different styles, lengths and materials to find a pair of drives that are perfect for their hands.

Make food, eat food

In Japan, copies can usually be exhibited outside restaurants and cafes, a large Japanese enterprise. Some of the best fake foods in Tokyo can be found in the Kappabashi Center in Tokyo Biken and Ganso Shokuhin samples. Both stores sell a wide range of plastic Japanese dishes, including full-size and more practical keychain varieties.

At Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya, customers can also book copy food workshops to make their own non-food. The workshop lasted 40 minutes, costing ¥3,000 per person, allowing participants to make two tempura projects and a piece of lettuce using the traditional wax method. Booking is necessary and can be made online via the Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya website.

If you are looking for food that you can actually eat, most options are found on the small streets near Kappabashi Kitchen Street. Notable mentions include Shochiku-en Cafe, a vegan and gluten-free restaurant with menus including Margherita Pizza, Yakitori Burger and Tiramisu, and Coffee Cisz, a small Kissaten, a large record collection that is perfect for caffeine pairing with Retro Vibe.

Local myth

Today, Kapabashi has a very good identity as contemporary kitchenware. However, this modern image does not mean that the roots of the region have lost contact. Those with sharp eyes will find cute (and some not too comfortable) Qaba characters, many of whom are designed to dress up as storefronts and windows. There are even human-sized gold halfway along the way along the kitchen street.

But this is in the back street of Soningji Temple where you may find the most interesting Kappa artifacts. At the bottom of this small temple are many concrete kappa statues that usually leave behind a glass of sake and favorite cucumber snack. But the most interesting thing is on the top of the stairs in the hall. If you look closely at the glass on the left, you may notice that Kappa’s mummy hand is neatly displayed in its own small situation. As for whether it is a real article, we will decide for you.

Arriving at Kappabashi from Shibuya Station is as simple as catching the Ginza Line to the Tawaramachi Station. This trip takes more than half an hour. If you are around Asakusa in hot spots such as Senso-Ji Temple, Kappabashi Kitchen Street is within walking distance.

Related Articles