Overview

Kappabashi is the wonderland of Japanese cuisine. It is no coincidence that every day hundreds of restaurateurs and amateurs walk along these streets to observe the extraordinary tools on display: ceramics, glasses, chopsticks and the highly renowned Japanese knives. But with so many options, where should you start? In our 3 hours tour we will take you on a discovery journey of the Japanese culinary tools.

① Dengama
Dengama is a typically Japanese shop with an excellent location facing the Kappabashi intersection. A wide variety of tableware collected from pottery production areas all over the country are gathered here, reason why this shop is always crowded with a large number of customers. first floor sells everyday utensils, lacquerware, chopsticks, sake vessels, and other items, while the second floor sells slightly more expensive tableware.

② Tsuchi-ya / Majimaya
These two very different shops stand one next to the other, giving you the possibility to experience two very different worlds. At Tsuchi-ya visitors can purchase the works of over 35 glass artisans from 13 prefectures throughout Japan, with the most famous product being Kiriko Glasses, a traditional Japanese cut glass technique.
Majimaya is, on the other hand, bakers' heaven, where you can find the perfect cookie mold among more than 400 molds on display.

③ Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya
Plasic Food Samples are a part of modern Japanese culture. It is a good way to show what kind of food the restaurants serves for prospective customers. They are usually handmade and here at Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya you can look at them up-close, buy them as souvenirs and, if you are up for the challenge, you can even try to make your own tempura and cabbage sample! Plastic Food Samples Workshop can be added with an additional ¥5,000 per person.

④ Musashi
Musashi is a Japanese kitchen knife brand with a blacksmithing history of 250 years. Every part of the knife is handmade and once you experience how it fits in your hand and the smooth cutting edge, you won't be able to go back to using any other knife. Whether you prefer traditional, multi-purpose Japanese chef knives or more unique knives, like Musashi's gold-carved Chokin Knives or their new Tsushima Knives with handles made out of marine plastic, Musashi have a knife to captivate every taste.
The second floor doubles as a Japanese sake journey, where you can sit down, relax and taste some of Japan's best alcoholic beverages.

⑤ Utsuwa Maesaka
Utsuwa Maesaka, located on the first floor of an apartment building, offers high quality pottery and glass with interesting, elegant and unique designs. The store has a high-class gallery-like exterior that catches the eye of the wholesaler district. Many of the utensils are sophisticated, like those served at Japanese restaurants, but there are also ones that are more affordable.

⑥ Seikyodo
Seikyodo is a small shop that offers a great variety of Japan traditional crafts and utsuwa tableware, all made by artisans based across Japan. The owners traveled all over Japan finding the items sold at the store, including ceramics, tableware such as sculpted glasses , lifestyle goods like bamboowork, and stylish clothing items such as hand-knitted fabrics. The masters also hold workshops and events themed around Japanese culture, like the traditional Japanese bookmark making experience. The Traditional Bookmark Workshop can be added with an additional ¥5,000 per person.
Seikyodo is closed on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.

⑦ Ifuji the box tailor
IFUJI is a small furniture shop who produces hand-made unique and essential pieces made with the finest materials and maximum care. They reproduce old objects from various cultures, seeking to create objects where beauty meets use. Ifuji main goal is create a way of living that is not disposable and not materialistic. Among Ifuji's selection you will find their famous and beautiful wooden boxes.
Ifuji the box tailor is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.