Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
Kappabashi is Tokyo’s kitchenware street: around 160 shops selling Japanese knives, ceramics, lacquerware, chef’s tools and the famous plastic food samples you see in restaurant windows. Between Ueno and Asakusa, it is one of the best places in Tokyo for useful, unusual souvenirs.
Quick answer
Getting there: Tawaramachi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line), about 5 minutes on foot
Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
Best time: Weekday daytime. Shops generally open around 10:00 to 17:00, and hours vary by store
Good for: Japanese knives, ceramics, food samples and kitchen souvenirs
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Overview
| Getting there | Tawaramachi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line), about 5 minutes on foot |
| Time needed | 1 to 3 hours |
| Best time | Weekday daytime. Shops generally open around 10:00 to 17:00, and hours vary by store |
| Good for | Japanese knives, ceramics, food samples and kitchen souvenirs |
Best Things to Do
Shop for Japanese knives
Kappabashi has many knife shops with English-speaking staff. Jikko Cutlery, a knife maker from Sakai in Osaka, opened its Kappabashi gallery-style shop in 2021, with around 150 knives on display, custom orders and international shipping.
See (and buy) plastic food samples
Food-sample shops sell realistic plastic versions of dishes, from sushi to parfaits. Small items such as sushi magnets and phone covers make fun souvenirs.
Browse ceramics and glassware
Colorful, reasonably priced ceramics are one of Kappabashi’s highlights. TSUCHI-YA, opened in 2022, sells about 1,000 handmade glass pieces by more than 35 artisans, including kiriko cut glass.
Spot the giant chef and the kappa
Look up at the shop fronts: a giant chef’s head marks the street, and oversized knives, whisks and teacups decorate the buildings. The street is named after the kappa, a water imp, and children can hunt for kappa statues along the way.
Food & Drink
Kappabashi is a shopping street, not an eating district. Asakusa, a short walk east, has plenty of places to eat. See our Asakusa guide and How to eat out in Tokyo.
Shopping
- Knives: specialist shops with English support, sharpening advice and shipping.
- Tableware: Japanese ceramics, lacquerware and glassware.
- Baking tools: Majimaya has about 3,000 cookie cutters on display, about 1,500 of them for sale, plus molds and branding irons.
- Small souvenirs: noren curtains, ceramic cups, chopstick rests and food-sample magnets.
- Professional gear: many shops sell to restaurants, but most are open to the public.
Flying with a knife? Pack it in your checked luggage, not your carry-on. See our Tokyo souvenirs and shopping guide.
Where to Stay
Kappabashi sits between Asakusa and Ueno, two of Tokyo’s most popular areas to stay. Both have hotels for every budget and direct trains to the airports. See Best hotels in Asakusa and Best hotels in Ueno.
Getting There
- Subway: Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, about a 5-minute walk.
- On foot: within walking distance of Senso-ji in Asakusa and of Ueno Park.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
Kappabashi fits neatly between Ueno and Asakusa:
- MorningUeno Park and museums
- Ginza Line or walk
- MiddayKappabashi Kitchenware Town
- Walk
- AfternoonSenso-ji and Nakamise-dori in Asakusa
See our Ueno and Akihabara guide and Asakusa guide.
Travel Tips
- Hours and closing days vary by shop. Use the store search on the official Kappabashi website, or check the shop’s own website, before you go.
- Some shops may offer tax-free shopping for visitors, so bring your passport. See Money in Tokyo.
- Knives must go in checked luggage when you fly.
- Ceramics are heavy and fragile: ask the shop to wrap them well, or ask about shipping.
FAQ
What is Kappabashi known for?
Kitchenware: Japanese knives, ceramics, lacquerware, chef’s tools and plastic food samples.
How do I get to Kappabashi?
Walk about 5 minutes from Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. It is also within walking distance of Asakusa and Ueno.
Are Kappabashi shops open on Sunday?
It depends on the shop: opening days and hours vary. Check the store search on the official Kappabashi website, or the shop’s own website, before you go.
Travel Essentials
Airport Transfers
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Train Tickets
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Sources
Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Shops and hours change, so please check before you go.
