Kappabashi Kitchen Street: 7 Must-Buy Tools for Cooking Enthusiasts in Tokyo
- Patia
- May 29
- 7 min read
HELLO, I'M AYU!
I am one of the staff members at Patia, where we offer cooking classes specifically designed for foreign tourists in Tokyo. I have two children, and I love cooking! I look forward to sharing my passion for cooking with you and making your experience in Japan truly memorable!
If you’re a foodie visiting Tokyo and love discovering unique kitchen tools, there’s one place you can’t miss: Kappabashi Kitchen Street—Tokyo’s legendary “Kitchen Town”.
Located between the popular neighborhoods of Asakusa and Ueno, Kappabashi is a shopping street lined with hundreds of specialty stores selling everything from high-quality Japanese knives and tamagoyaki pans to sushi mats, ramen bowls, and beautiful tableware. Whether you’re a professional chef or a passionate home cook, this is the perfect spot to find authentic tools that will elevate your cooking back home.
In this article, we’ll introduce what makes Kappabashi so special, how to get there, and highlight seven of the best kitchen tools that are easy to pack and ideal as souvenirs. And for those who want more than just shopping, we’ll also share a fun hands-on experience: a ramen-making class at Patia, where you can learn to make your own Japanese noodles right in the heart of Tokyo.
Let’s explore the best of Japan’s kitchen culture—starting with where to find the tools the locals swear by.
Table of Contents
What is Kappabashi Kitchen Street? A Paradise for Cooking Lovers
Discover Japan Through Cooking: Join a Ramen-Making Class After Exploring Kappabashi Kitchen Street!
For Those Interested in Exploring Other Japanese Cuisine: "Patia’s Japanese Cooking Classes"
What is Kappabashi Kitchen Street? A Paradise for Cooking Lovers
Located between Tokyo’s Asakusa and Ueno neighborhoods, Kappabashi Kitchen Street is one of Japan’s largest shopping streets specializing in kitchenware. It’s loved by everyone from professional chefs to passionate food-loving travelers.
The name “Kappabashi” is said to have two possible origins. One theory traces it to “kappa” raincoats that were made by local samurai and foot soldiers as a side job during the Edo period. On sunny days, they would hang these raincoats out to dry along a bridge in the area, eventually giving the name “Kappabashi” to the street.
The other, more mythical theory involves a local merchant named Kappaya Kihachi, who lived around 180 years ago during the Bunka era. Concerned about the frequent flooding due to poor drainage, he invested his own money to start a canal construction project. According to legend, kappa—mythical water creatures from Japanese folklore—were so moved by his selfless act that they helped him with the construction at night. It’s said that those who saw the kappa became lucky and prosperous in their businesses.
Thanks to these charming stories, you’ll find kappa mascots and statues all along the street, adding a whimsical and welcoming touch for visitors.
Stretching about 800 meters, this vibrant shopping district offers everything you can imagine related to cooking: Japanese knives, pots, tableware, traditional dishes, noren curtains, and even restaurant signs and professional kitchen equipment. Just walking around feels like visiting a theme park dedicated to cooking.
If you love cooking, Kappabashi is truly a must-visit “Kitchen Town” in Tokyo. You’re sure to find authentic Japanese tools that will inspire and enrich your kitchen life at home.
Access to Kappabashi Kitchen Street
Kappabashi Kitchen Street is conveniently located in Taito Ward, Tokyo, and is easily accessible by public transportation.
The closest stations are:
・Tawaramachi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) – about 5 minutes on foot
・Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express) – about 5 minutes on foot
Other nearby stations include:
・Iriya Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) – about 6 minutes on foot
・Asakusa Station (Toei Asakusa Line / Tobu Isesaki Line) – about 13 minutes on foot
・Ueno Station or Uguisudani Station (JR Yamanote Line / Keihin-Tohoku Line) – about 15 minutes on foot
・Asakusabashi Station (JR Sobu Line) – about 25 minutes on foot
With several convenient train lines nearby, it’s easy to include a visit to Kappabashi Kitchen Street in your Tokyo itinerary.
Top 7 Japanese Kitchen Tools to Buy in Kappabashi
Kappabashi Kitchen Street is a treasure trove of high-quality kitchen tools that showcase the craftsmanship of Japan. In this article, we’ve carefully selected seven popular items that are especially loved by international visitors who enjoy cooking. Each item is both practical and beautiful—perfect as a souvenir or gift that offers a glimpse into Japanese food culture. We’ll also introduce some recommended shops where you can find these items, so be sure to check them out during your visit.
Japanese Knives
Japanese knives are renowned worldwide for their exceptional sharpness and precision. For any cooking enthusiast, owning a genuine Japanese knife is a dream come true.
Many shops in Kappabashi offer a variety of knives, from traditional single-bevel sushi knives to versatile multi-purpose blades. Plus, most stores provide international shipping options, so you don’t have to worry about carrying heavy knives on your flight.
If you're looking to buy a Japanese kitchen knife, we recommend Seisuke Knife
Tamagoyaki Pan
If you enjoy fluffy Japanese-style rolled omelets, a tamagoyaki pan is a must-have kitchen tool. Its distinctive rectangular shape makes it ideal for layering and rolling eggs to create the classic tamagoyaki, a popular dish in Japanese cuisine. The pan is designed to distribute heat evenly, helping you achieve a smooth and uniform texture without overcooking.
While it has a bit of weight to it, smaller sizes are available, making it easy to pack in your suitcase and bring home as a practical souvenir. Loved by both professional chefs and beginners alike, this pan is perfect for anyone who wants to recreate authentic Japanese dishes in their own kitchen.
If you're looking to buy a tamagoyaki pan, we recommend KAMA-ASA
Bamboo Sushi Rolling Mat
Lightweight and flexible, bamboo sushi rolling mats are an essential tool for making homemade sushi rolls. Their foldable design means they take up very little space in your suitcase, perfect for travelers. Plus, using an authentic bamboo mat adds a traditional touch to your sushi-making experience.
If you're looking to buy a bamboo sushi rolling mat, we recommend KAMA-ASA
Japanese Tableware
Japanese tableware, such as small plates and teacups, is not only beautiful but also practical for travelers. Many items are lightweight and compact, making them easy to pack and carry home as souvenirs.
You’ll find an abundance of designs that reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage—ranging from elegant, traditional patterns to colorful, seasonal motifs that change throughout the year. These pieces don’t just serve a functional purpose; they bring a sense of Japanese aesthetics and hospitality to your dining table. Adding just one or two of these items to your kitchen can instantly brighten up mealtime and remind you of your journey to Japan.
If you're looking to buy a Japanese tableware, we recommend Kappabashi Maeda
Ramen Bowls
For ramen lovers, a ramen bowl makes a perfect souvenir from Japan. Lightweight and durable options made from plastic or melamine are easy to carry in your suitcase and less likely to break during travel. Using one at home allows you to recreate the authentic ramen experience and relive the flavors of Japan anytime you like.
These bowls come in a variety of designs—from simple styles to traditional Japanese patterns—so they also make attractive display pieces. They’re a thoughtful and unique gift for any ramen enthusiast.
If you're looking to buy a ramen bowl, we recommend Kappabashi Maeda
Grater with Tray
A grater with a built-in tray is a popular and ractical kitchen tool commonly used in Japanese households for grating ingredients like ginger and daikon radish. Thanks to its integrated tray, the grated ingredients are neatly collected without making a mess on your hands or countertop, making food preparation cleaner and more efficient. Compact, lightweight, and made from durable materials, it’s easy to pack and carry home as a useful souvenir.
With its simple design and easy-to-clean structure, this tool fits seamlessly into everyday cooking. For travelers interested in Japanese food culture or those who want to try Japanese-style dishes at home, handy kitchen tools like this are especially appreciated. Bring home not only memories of Japan, but also a little bit of its culinary tradition.
If you're looking to buy a grater, we recommend Iidaya
Long Cooking Chopsticks
Long wooden cooking chopsticks are indispensable for frying tempura, stir-frying vegetables, or handling hot foods. They are lightweight and take up very little space, making them convenient for travelers. Beyond their functionality, they bring an authentic Japanese touch to your cooking routine.
If you're looking to buy a grater, we recommend Iidaya
Discover Japan Through Cooking: Join a Ramen-Making Class After Exploring Kappabashi Kitchen Street!
Looking for the perfect addition to your culinary adventure in Tokyo? After shopping for Japanese kitchenware at Kappabashi Kitchen Street, why not roll up your sleeves and make your own bowl of authentic ramen?
At Patia’s Ramen-Making Class, you’ll:
・Visit a local Japanese supermarket with your instructor
・Learn to make ramen from scratch in a hands-on cooking session
・Enjoy a fun and delicious cultural experience you won’t forget!
Whether you’re a passionate foodie or just curious about Japanese cuisine, this experience is the perfect way to connect deeper with local food culture—and take home not just souvenirs, but real skills and tasty memories.
Why Kappabashi is a Must-Visit for Food Lovers
Tokyo’s Kappabashi Kitchen Street is truly a paradise for anyone passionate about cooking. From expert chefs to enthusiastic home cooks, this vibrant shopping district offers an incredible selection of authentic Japanese kitchen tools that can inspire and elevate your culinary creations. Whether you’re hunting for a sharp Japanese knife, a traditional tamagoyaki pan, or beautiful tableware, Kappabashi has something special for every food lover.
By visiting Kappabashi, you’re not just shopping—you’re experiencing a unique part of Tokyo’s rich culinary culture. And if you want to dive even deeper into Japanese cuisine, don’t miss the chance to join a hands-on ramen-making class at Patia, where you can bring home both skills and memories.
So, next time you’re in Tokyo, make sure to explore Kappabashi Kitchen Street. It’s the perfect place to discover unique kitchen treasures that will make your cooking adventures even more exciting—no matter where you live in the world.
For Those Interested in Exploring Other Japanese Cuisine: "Patia’s Japanese Cooking Classes"
In this blog post, we introduced our Jiro-style Ramen making class, but we also offer a variety of other Japanese cooking experiences. From sushi-making classes to creating cute kyaraben (character bento) that represent Japanese culture, these are unique cooking experiences you can only have in Japan. Be sure to check out our other classes as well!
We share behind-the-scenes moments, cooking tips, and beautiful photos from our classes on Instagram! Follow us and join the Tokyo food adventure.
Find us on Instagram @patiajapanesecooking
Contact Us
If you have any questions or want to learn more about our cooking classes, feel free to get in touch! We’re here to help you create unforgettable culinary experiences during your stay in Japan.
