About
Kappabashi Dougu Street, located between Asakusa and Ueno in Tokyo’s downtown area, is a sacred place for chefs and food enthusiasts. Stretching approximately 800 meters from north to south, this shopping street is lined with about 170 specialty stores, offering all kinds of food-related tools, including cooking utensils, tableware, kitchen equipment, packaging materials, and food samples. (t-navi.city.taito.lg.jp)
The history of this area dates back to the early Taisho era. At that time, antique dealers set up shops on both banks of the Shinbori River, which is considered the beginning of Kappabashi Dougu Street. After the Great Kanto Earthquake, the river was filled in, forming the current shopping street. (t-navi.city.taito.lg.jp)
Near the entrance to the shopping street, a giant chef statue wearing a white chef’s hat stands to welcome visitors. This statue is beloved as the symbol of Kappabashi Dougu Street. (gotokyo.org)
There are various theories regarding the origin of the name “Kappabashi Dougu Street.” Some say it comes from drying raincoats (“kappa”), while others say it derives from a merchant named Kappaya Kihachi, who supported the excavation of the Shinbori River. However, the kappa statues and decorations seen throughout the shopping street suggest a connection to the mythical creature “kappa,” and among locals, kappa legends have been passed down. (en.wikipedia.org)
Around October 9th every year, the “Kappabashi Dougu Festival” is held. During the festival, each store offers special bargains, and events such as lotteries and parades take place, drawing large crowds. (kappabashi.or.jp)
Kappabashi Dougu Street is open not only to professional chefs but also to home cooking enthusiasts and tourists, allowing anyone to obtain all kinds of food-related tools. There are also shops where you can experience making food samples, providing an opportunity to experience Japanese food culture. (t-navi.city.taito.lg.jp)
Walking through this shopping street, you can immerse yourself in a space filled with passion and history for food. Kappabashi Dougu Street is a place where you can fully enjoy the charm of Tokyo, the city of food.