Discovering Japanese Masterpieces in Kappabashi Dougu Street

What Is Kappabashi Dougu Street?

Kappabashi Dougu Street, located between Asakusa and Ueno, is said to have originated in the early Taishō era (1912–1926), when merchants dealing in secondhand goods first set up shop here. During the post–Great Kantō Earthquake reconstruction period, more stores specializing in confectionery tools appeared, gradually attracting businesses related to food and cooking. Today, it is Japan’s largest district dedicated to kitchenware, with around 170 food-related shops lining the street.
Its appeal lies not only in the exceptional quality of Japanese kitchen tools but also in the astonishing level of specialization. Tools are meticulously categorized by use, offering a wide range of options.
At Iidaya, a long-established kitchenware store founded in 1912, more than 8,000 different tools are currently available. “We carry around 250 types of graters, about 100 peelers, and over 1,000 varieties of ladles,” says sixth-generation owner Yuta Iida. “Even if just one person finds exactly the size they’ve been looking for, that makes us happy.”
This extraordinary commitment to meeting every possible need through sheer variety is a distinctly Japanese approach, rarely seen elsewhere in the world.

The reason such an extraordinary variety of items exists is that Japan is home to countless skilled artisans who create products with meticulous attention to detail. Kappabashi Dougu Street brings together kitchen tools crafted by these craftspeople, making it Japan's largest culinary equipment district.

Discover Highly Specialized Kitchen Tools at Iidaya

Among the many long-established shops in Kappabashi Dougu Street, Iidaya stands out as a particularly renowned kitchenware specialist. Since Yuta Iida, the sixth-generation owner, became president, the number of products has more than tripled. The store now boasts a rich lineup of in-house original items, some of which have become major hits, widely featured in the media.
Inside, the store may appear chaotic at first glance, with a dense and somewhat mysterious layout. But this is intentional. “We want choosing kitchen tools to feel like entertainment,” says Iida. The result is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that sparks curiosity and invites exploration.
The top three items popular among international visitors are graters, kitchen scissors, and peelers. As the sharpness and reliability of Japanese blades have become widely recognized, more visitors are coming specifically to purchase cutting tools.

Encounter Regional Japanese Ceramics at DENGAMA

DENGAMA specializes in Japanese tableware sourced directly from kilns nationwide. Its selection ranges from affordable everyday pieces to rare, one-of-a-kind works by individual artists. From classic tablewares that preserve traditional patterns and techniques to designs that fit seamlessly into contemporary life, the shop offers a wide variety of pieces to suit different tastes and occasions.

Discover Japanese-Style Coffee Brewing Tools at Union

Founded in 1962, Union specializes in coffee and café equipment. Because it carries many of the tools commonly used in Japan’s classic kissaten (traditional Japanese coffee shops)—such as siphons and drippers—many customers visit after experiencing these coffee shops in Japan and wanting to recreate the same experience at home, explains Kanamori from the sales team.
Among the most popular items are coffee drippers and drip pots. These hand-drip brewing tools, developed within Japan’s deeply rooted café culture, are especially well-received by international visitors.

Explore Japanese Wooden Chopsticks at HASHITOU Honten

Established in 1910, HASHITOU Honten (the main store) is a specialty store offering around 500 varieties of chopsticks. Initially dealing in restaurant supplies more broadly, the shop later focused exclusively on chopsticks. “We wanted to help preserve Japan’s forestry and craftsmanship,” explains fourth-generation owner Uenaka. Inside the shop, renovated 11 years ago to highlight its wooden pillars, carefully selected chopsticks made from Japanese cedar, cypress, cherry, and other domestic woods are displayed—each finished by skilled Japanese artisans.

Take a Break at the Classic Dagashi Shop Kawahara Shoten

A stop well worth making between shops is Kawahara Shoten. Rare on Kappabashi Dougu Street, it specializes in food and operates as a confectionery wholesaler, warmly welcoming individual shoppers as well. Inside, shelves are lined with dagashi—nostalgic snacks that many Japanese grew up with. Items can be purchased individually or in bulk by the box. As many traditional dagashi are becoming harder to find due to declining production, this is the perfect opportunity to pick up anything that catches your eye.

On Kappabashi Dougu Street, professional-grade kitchen tools shaped by Japanese craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail are readily accessible to all. The search for the right tool becomes an experience in itself—one best enjoyed by exploring the street in person.