DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
2025.10.07
A specialty store for “food samples,” where you can also try making them yourself
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This is a specialty store for “food samples” aimed at the general public, operated by "Iwasaki B-I," a company with 93 years of history in food samples production. Located on Kappabashi Tool Street in Taito Ward, the store offers lifelike “food samples” like those displayed in restaurants and cafés, playful and unique goods, and DIY kits that allow you to make your own samples. In addition, workshops are held where you can experience the traditional method of making samples using wax.
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Food samples" are three-dimensional models of restaurant menus that look exactly like the real thing and are displayed in cafes, restaurants, and other eating establishments. This is a uniquely Japanese culture that is said to have originated in Japan during the Taisho era (1912-1926). The "Ganso Shokuhin Sample Ya" (Original Food Sample Shop), located in Kappabashi Dokugugai in Taito-ku, Tokyo, was originally a showroom for receiving orders from restaurants, but it opened for general consumers as it began to attract attention as a work of art and a souvenir. The store is filled with a variety of delicious-looking "food samples. In addition to products, there are also many archival samples, and visitors are free to take commemorative photos.
A luxurious bag made from marbled beef, a must for taking photos.
A soda water sample that looks as if it would feel cold to the touch.
A dreamy tower of pancakes.
“Food samples,” as a uniquely Japanese culture, are gaining popularity as souvenirs with high artistic value. Today, more and more creative “food samples” goods are being developed. In addition to classic keyrings and magnets, the lineup includes stationery such as bookmarks and pen stands, as well as miscellaneous goods like clocks and accessory cases. Every item is astonishingly realistic and looks good enough to eat.
The most popular souvenir is the sushi magnet. Tuna, salmon roe, and sea urchin look just like fresh sushi, but with a magnet on the back. (1,540 yen – 1,760 yen)
Clips shaped like hamburgers or baked potatoes that can hold memos or business cards in the middle. (2,640 yen – 3,850 yen)
Accessory cases shaped like cream puffs or pancakes, with lids that open so you can store small items inside. (3,740 yen – 4,950 yen)
A “Spaghetti Napolitan (intermediate)” DIY sample kit that lets you recreate the floating fork often seen in café display windows. (2,420 yen)
Today, “food samples” are mainly made from synthetic resin, but in the past, melted wax was used. In the workshop, you can experience making “food samples” with this traditional wax method. The fee is 3,300 yen per person, the required time is about 40 minutes, and reservations are required. The standard items you can make are tempura and lettuce. With live demonstrations and careful guidance from the staff, even first-timers can enjoy the process.
Wax dropped from a high position bubbles up and instantly transforms into tempura batter.
Stretching and curling two colors of wax, white and green, creates crisp lettuce.
The wax “food samples” you create can be taken home immediately.
The information contained this article was correct as of October 07, 2025 (the time of publication)
