Kappabashi is Your One-Stop Kitchen Shop
Kappabashi might not be glamorous, but tourists love flock there. That’s for good reason. Some go to buy kitchenware. Others go to look. It is an interesting place, especially if you for cameras.
I bet everything known to the cooking world is on this 170-plus store-lined street. You name it, Kappabashi has it. There are knives, coffee grinders, stacks of low-priced plates, and fake food. The list is endless. But first, do you want to know the origin of its name?
How did Kappabashi get its name?
Kappabashi’s kappa is a type of yōkai. Yōkai are supernatural. They come from Japanese folktales. They take many forms and are magical.
Kappa are curious creatures. They are associated with water and love cucumbers. Some say they look like turtles but stand on two legs. They have duckish beaks, webbed hands, and have a dish on their head.
What is their connection with Kappabashi? One theory concerns a local 17th-century merchant, Kappa Kawataro. He lived in the area and sold raincoats (in Japanese they are called Kappa).
During the Bunkyo era (1804–1818), Kappabashi often had floods. Even the smallest amount of rain caused havoc in the rice fields. To solve the problem, Kawataro decided to fund the construction of a new waterway.
The kappa that lived in the nearby rivers saw Kawataro’s generous act. They decided to help build the new river under the cover of darkness. The local people became prosperous and named the area after them.
The name has another origin. Samurai and foot soldiers made kappa raincoats to sell for extra income, during the Edo period. They hung them over one of the bridges as part of the process.
Marky Star has a great article about this on his website JapanThis. He explains it in great detail. Actually, he writes many great articles about the country. Please check him out.
What is at Kappabashi?
It’s everything culinary. Do you run a restaurant? Yes? You need to go there! It’s for those with an interest in food and cooking. The kappa are a bonus.
Second-hand shops opened in the area around 1912. In the years following WW2, the main street became a shōtengai (shopping mall). Many kitchenware retailers called it home. Now, most stores sell something cooking-related.
I go to Kappabashi from Tawaramachi Station, so I start at Nimi Tableware. It’s so easy to find. An oversized head of a chef is on top of the building. He’s like the god of Kitchen Town (the area’s nickname). The shop opened its doors in 1907. Inside is an array of food-adjacent items from Japan and abroad.
Kappabashi’s stores are all about specialty. Many of them have been selling their products for decades. Akusaya sells the noren (curtains) that you’ll find at the entrance to many Japanese shops. They have beautiful products. Actually, they’d even look great in a house.
Knife shops are many. One of my favorites is Seisukue Knife. They have great products and display them beautifully. Their staff speak English too. But whatever shop you enter for one of these cooking tools, they get expensive!
If you are a coffee lover, Union Coffee is a must-visit. It goes back to 1962. The store has an antique atmosphere. Anything you need to make the best cup of your favorite brew will be there. Beans abound!
Japanese restaurants are famous for their display cases. They are filled with models of what diners can eat. Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya is one of the companies that makes them. It has been selling beautiful food replicas since 1932. Their products are so lifelike and look edible!
By the way, halfway along the shōtengai is a tiny park. Inside is a golden statue of Kappa Kawataro himself. It was put there in 2003 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the street. Take a selfie with him. It might bring good luck to your business too.
Of course, the area has many other images and statues of kappa. They are all over the place, and a few are semi-hidden. But most of all, people go to see things associated with kitchens and cooking.
Is Kappabashi photographer-friendly?
Many shops in Tokyo don’t allow photos. But Kappabashi is different. Most shops seem camera-friendly. But do the polite thing and ask before you start. That way, you’ll avoid any trouble.
Conclusion
Kappabashi has much to offer photographers. There are the knives, cutlery, colors, and shapes. Some novelty stuff is there too, like the huge chef’s head! It’s a good place for camera fun. I think you also understand why it is nicknamed Kitchen Town.
This article only covers a little of the area. I will go for more photos one day. You can even see Tokyo Skytree from there.
Have you been to Kappabashi? Let us know if you have. I’d love to hear about your experiences there. One last thing. Asakusa and Sensoji are within walking distance! You could spend a full day in the area. Leave questions and comments below.
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