Kappabashi Kitchen Town guide: choosing a Japanese knife and making food replicas
Published: 2026-10-20 · Last verified: 2026-10-16
Kappabashi, between Ueno and Asakusa, is a street of professional cookware shops, and more and more visitors come for Japanese knives and tableware. Here's how to pick a knife, where to make your own food replica, and why to avoid Sundays.
The short version
| Kappabashi Kitchen Town | |
|---|---|
| Where | Between Ueno and Asakusa (a short walk from Tawaramachi Station) |
| Popular buys | Knives (santoku, gyuto and more), tableware, noren curtains, food replicas |
| Experience | Making food replicas (booking required) |
| Note | Many shops close on Sundays, and many close in the early evening |
Look for the giant chef on a rooftop at the south entrance. Walk north from there and the cookware shops keep coming.
The places
The giant chefKappabashi's symbol, watching over the street from a rooftop.
Knife shopsCooks from around the world come for Japanese knives; some shops engrave your name.- Food replica workshops run at Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya, by reservation. Check the menu and how to book on the official site.
- Every year around October, the street holds the Kappabashi Dougu Matsuri (tool festival).
Food replica making workshop (Klook)
Make your own lifelike plastic food in Tokyo. Pick a date and time to book.
Japanese knife sharpening workshop in Asakusa (Klook)
Learn how Japanese knives are sharpened and cared for. Check the details on the booking page.
The route
Tap the map to move it
- Tawaramachi Station — Tokyo Metro Ginza Line; walk west from here↓ about 4 min walk
- The giant chef building (Niimi) — The south entrance of the street, marked by the giant chef on the roof↓ about 7 min walk
- Kama-asa — A long-established cookware shop with a wide range of knives↓ about 2 min walk
- Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya — Food replica shop with hands-on workshops (booking required)
- Senso-ji is within walking distance. More on our Asakusa page.
Etiquette and tips
- Knives can't go in your carry-on. Always pack them in checked luggage.
- Keep knives in their box or bag while you're out. In Japan it's illegal to carry blades without a good reason.
- Ask staff before handling items, especially blades.
Find a hotel in Tokyo (Klook)
Compare and book Tokyo hotels by area and dates, including Asakusa and Ueno.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go on a Sunday?
Many shops are closed on Sundays. Go on a weekday or Saturday.
Can I get my name engraved?
Some shops engrave names. It can take time, so ask in store.
Can I shop tax-free?
Some shops offer tax-free shopping; bring your passport. See Tax-free shopping in Japan.
Official websites
Hours, prices and rules can change. Check the official websites for the latest before you go.
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