What is Kappabashi Dougu Street!? Recommended Shops Introduced

Kappabashi Dougu Street refers to the wholesale district located between Asakusa and Ueno in Taito Ward.

This area is densely packed with shops selling kitchenware, packaging, cooking tools, food samples, as well as ingredients and cooking attire. You can also reach Tokyo Skytree with a short walk from here.

It’s a great area for professional chefs and anyone looking to purchase kitchen tools for home use, making it a popular spot visited by many people, especially on weekends.

In this edition of TOKYO LOCAL, we’re picking out some of the best shops from the many that line Kappabashi Dougu Street.

Read on to get some useful knowledge and make the most of your shopping experience.

One important note when visiting Kappabashi Shopping Street is to avoid carrying large bags or backpacks.

Many of the shops are small, and the area can get crowded, which might lead to you bumping into products on display.

If you must bring one, be extremely careful!

Wano Utsuwa Dengama

“Wano Utsuwa Dengama” is, as the name suggests, a store specializing in Japanese tableware.

You can see a wide range of plates, bowls, and more, sourced from pottery districts across Japan, so you’re sure to find a favorite piece.

Another feature of this store is its reasonable pricing.

By directly communicating with the potter, Mr. Kamimoto, they can offer these products at lower prices than department stores.

There are also sale items in the store, so if you find one you like, you’re in luck.

The staff is friendly and approachable, so don’t hesitate to ask if you need help.

Kitchen World TDI

Among the many small shops, Kitchen World TDI stands out with its spacious premises. It is a shop that imports and sells kitchenware, featuring around 10,000 items neatly displayed, making it an exciting place just to browse.

In addition to commercial-grade products, they also carry a range of handy gadgets for home use, so there is sure to be something for everyone.

It’s especially recommended for those starting a new life, such as those living alone or getting married. You can find everything you need here, so make sure to stop by at least once.

They also offer online shopping via Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, and Amazon.

Kamaasa Shouten

Kamaasa Shouten, a historic store with over 100 years of history, is a renowned shop in Kappabashi Dougu Street.

The store is split into two parts: one specializing in knives and ironware, and the other offering a variety of kitchen tools.

At Kamaasa Shouten, they describe their cooking tools as “Good Tools for Good Reason,” and they confidently sell products based on the concept that good tools have a good “reason” behind them.

This focus on quality is a key point of the shop, making it particularly recommended for those looking for knives.

Ganso Shokuhin Sampleya (The Original Food Sample Shop)

Ganso Shokuhin Sampleya has two locations in Tokyo: the “Kappabashi Store” and the “Tokyo Skytree Town Soramachi Store.” It is one of the shops in the city that specializes in food samples.

As the name suggests, you can purchase a wide variety of food samples here.

The realistic look of the food samples will make you want to shout, “Wait, that’s real!” The samples are so lifelike that if they were served at a restaurant, you might mistakenly try to eat them!

There are several stores selling food samples in Kappabashi, but what sets this one apart is the opportunity to experience making your own food samples (reservation required).

Additionally, they sell cute items that can also be used for room decor, such as pencil holders shaped like buckets, bacon bookmarks, and wafer flashcards.

They carry a variety of items that are especially popular among women, so it’s worth a visit.

The online shop also has exclusive food sample clocks that are quite popular!

Sekai no Coffee Union (World Coffee Union)

“World Coffee Union” is a general wholesaler of coffee and cafe equipment, and it is especially popular among coffee enthusiasts.

They sell professional-grade items such as siphons and roasters, along with a variety of coffee mugs. A personal recommendation is their drip pods, which come in a range of designs, from stylish to unique, making it easy to find one that fits your taste.

These items can help make your daily life more enjoyable.

Fuwari

Fuwari is a shop that sells stylish tableware and tote bags.

The store has the appearance of a general goods shop, with a warm, wooden ambiance, giving off a bright and inviting atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a mug for yourself or as a gift, this is a good place to start.

There are many different types available, so you’re sure to find one that you like.

Additionally, they offer many fashionable and useful items, such as wooden plates and chopstick rests, making it a great shop for picking up small souvenirs or gifts.

Asai Shoten

Asai Shoten is a specialty store for baking and bread-making tools. The shop offers everything you need for baking, including silicone spatulas, original rolling pins, and chiffon cake molds.

They also sell bread pans, so if you’re planning to try making bread, you might want to visit this store.

Asai Shoten is known for offering clever, super-convenient tweaks to common items, making it stand out from other shops. There are many unique items here that are “just right” for those little needs, so be sure to check them out.

Majimaya Confectionary Tools & Gear Shop

Majimaya Confectionery Tools & Gear Shop is a wholesale store specializing in baking supplies. They carry everything you need for making cookies, chiffon cakes, and other baked goods. They also sell bread pans.

This shop, which reopened in 2019, has a modern, luxurious look. Shopping here might just make you feel like your baking skills have leveled up.

Additionally, they offer a workshop on cake mold-making on certain days, making it a great option for friends or couples to participate in.

Kawahara Shoten

Lastly, we have Kawahara Shoten, a retro candy shop in the Kappabashi shopping street.

Shopping at Kappabashi can be tiring with all the back-and-forth walking, and that’s where this shop comes in.

Though there’s no eat-in space, it’s the perfect place for a quick snack.

My personal recommendation here is the juice. The retro Showa-era juices will evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Take a moment to sip a drink in front of the shop and think about “what to buy next” or “where to go next” to help you organize your thoughts and make your shopping more efficient.

It’s the perfect place to stop for a break during your shopping trip.

Summary

These are some of the must-visit spots in Kappabashi Dougu Street, packed with interesting sights and recommendations. I hope this information helps you plan your visit!

The places I’ve introduced are full of charm, so definitely try to visit at least once.