Given the short stay that we had in Tokyo I wasn’t able to make it to the world famous Tsukiji market. While that was kind of disappointing, I made sure to visit Kappabashi Market, also known as Kitchen Town, a less well known foodie destination.
Most famous for the enormous chef’s head sitting atop the Niimi building, Kappabashi Market is the restaurant and kitchen supply district in Tokyo. The only window I had to stop at Kappabashi was fairly late in the day which meant that all of the stores were closing just as we began strolling past. We saw many shops selling specialty kitchen and restaurant items ranging from tables and chairs to uniforms, custom knives, and every kind of bowl and spoon or other eating implement that you can imagine. It didn’t take long for us to come across the section of shops that sell what usually catches people’s attention at Kappabasi: plastic food models that Japanese restaurants are famous for.
I considered picking something up as a souvenir, but given that these were very high quality models the prices were not cheap. $50 for a delicious looking plastic fish makes sense when you are drawing patrons into your restaurants. Unfortunately $50 is also a little pricey for something that Mrs A|T probably won’t let me display in our living room.
I was almost convinced to pick up one of these thirst inducing fake beer cans. Something like this would look great on my desk at work but I also realized that it looks real enough to get me in trouble.
I did manage to find a kitchen and restaurant supply shop that was open a bit later than everyone else. I managed to pick up a teeny tiny mandolin that I might use for garlic if I ever need to slice up 20 or 30 cloves. The best stuff, however, was the industrial equipment which was far too large to bring home.
As we made our way back to the subway station we passed this nice couple selling charcoal grilled skewers. While the family stopped at a grocery store up the street I sampled a few items which were quickly devoured. I then pretty much ordered one more of everything, secretly hoping that my family would stay in the grocery store long enough for me to eat it all.
Next time I’m in Tokyo I’ll be sure to try getting there earlier in the day so that I can explore all of the little shops.
Directions to Kappabashi Market
The closest metro station is Tawaramachi on the Ginza Line. When you come out of the station head west on Asakusa-dori for 3 blocks and you’ll see the giant Niimi chef’s head. Turn tight and head North to check out all the stores. Shops are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Most shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Check out more Travel posts at Travel Photo Thursday hosted by Nancie at Budget Traveler’s Sandbox.
I love Kappabashi too…
Wow, those icy cans of beer looks so so real. Yeah, it sure can get you in trouble:) Those plastic food looks real and delicious but for $50 I rather buy many of those real real, delicious charcoal grilled skewers.
Glad you found some real food that was easy on the pockets.
Some of the best food is easy on the pockets!
A most interesting place; I’d never heard of it before.
Looks like quite an interesting market and I can almost taste those skewers!
They were yummy!
I passed by this area right before the shops were closing so I missed getting a chance to see the cool gadgets and other cookware, but the place is fascinating to visit even with the shops closed.
Wanted to invite you to a Monday photo linkup called Travel Photo Mondays on my blog, come and join us on Mondays.
I’m limiting the number of posts that I put into linkups so I won’t be in every week but I’ll be sure to check it out every Monday. Thanks for the invite!
Those fake beer cans look amazingly real. If they were a lot cheaper than $50, I would have to buy one. They would make a fantastic gift. I did not know about this fake meal deal 🙂
What a fascinating market. I agree the prices are high for a memento, far better to spend it as you did on the real deal!
I didn’t make it to this place when I was in Tokyo, in fact, I didn’t even know about it. I loved snacking from the street stalls all over the city and those skewers are really tasty! The only problem is that I just keep eating more and more of them.
I don’t totally understand the plastic food displays, but those beer cans did look tempting.
How funny! I would never have guessed that those beer cans, or any of the “food” in that display case, was fake! Everything looks so real, and really delicious too. Like you I would probably have been tempted to buy something, but you’re right, the price is a little steep. Great find though!
I wanted to stop by this place but didn’t have a chance. Buying fake beer would have been great! They look so icy and cool.