Kitchen Town. 🍳
Just a 10-minute walk from Senso-ji is "Kappabashi." Look for the building with the giant chef's head on top. This street supplies every restaurant in Tokyo, selling everything from chopsticks to industrial ramen boilers.
Plastic Food
The hyper-realistic fake food samples seen outside Japanese restaurants are made here. You can buy a fake beer or sushi keychain as a souvenir.
Ceramics
You can find beautiful Japanese bowls and sake sets for a fraction of the price of department stores.
The Blade. 🔪
Kappabashi is the best place in Japan to buy a high-quality kitchen knife. These blades are forged using techniques derived from samurai sword making.
Tsubaya
Famous for their friendly service and huge selection. They will let you hold the knives to test the balance.
Kamata
Known for their sharpening services. They can engrave your name into the blade in Kanji for free.
Tax Free
Bring your passport. Quality knives are an investment (¥15,000+), so the tax exemption helps.
Traditional Craft
Cut Glass
Edo Kiriko. 💎
You will see beautiful red and blue glass cups with intricate geometric patterns cut into them. This is "Edo Kiriko," a craft native to Tokyo. It creates a stunning play of light when you pour sake or whiskey.
Where to Buy:
Look for official artisan shops along Nakamise Dori or in the **Edo Kiriko Museum** nearby. Real Kiriko is expensive but stunning.
Traditional Goods. 👘
Nakamise Dori isn't just for food. It is the best place in Tokyo to buy classic Japanese gifts that aren't cheap plastic junk.
Folding Fans (Sensu)
Essential for Tokyo summers. You can find hand-painted silk fans here for reasonable prices.
Yukata & Kimono
There are several shops selling second-hand or tourist-grade Kimonos. Great for wearing during your trip or taking home.