The 10 Most Popular Souvenirs in Kappabashi — Tokyo's "Kitchen Town"

Tucked between Asakusa and Ueno, Kappabashi is hands down one of the best places to buy souvenirs in Tokyo. Historically the top shopping district for professional chefs and restaurateurs, it has become popular among tourists for its huge selection of high-quality, competitively priced cooking items.

But what are visitors actually buying? Amongst the endless choices along the 900-meter-long Kappabashi Street, 10 items have emerged as favorites, according to a special feature on Nippon.com.

Top 10 souvenirs from Kappabashi

There are close to 170 stores on Kappabashi Street, selling thousands upon thousands of products. Here are the most popular picks among international customers:

1. Japanese graters (oroshigane)

Copper and stainless-steel graters are a hit for their ability to create the perfect texture for wasabi and daikon radish.

2. Suribachi and surikogi (mortar and pestle)

The beautiful ceramic ridges of the Japanese mortar are highly appreciated as both a functional tool and a piece of art.

3. Onigiri molds and makisu (sushi-rolling mats)

No surprise here — these are essential tools for those wanting to recreate their favorite Japanese meals back home.

4. Specialty peelers and slicers

Japanese blades are world-famous — and these are a lot more compact and often easier to travel with than kitchen knives.

5. Tetsubin (iron kettles) and tea strainers

The timeless aesthetic of Nanbu Tekki (ironware) makes these a top choice for high-end souvenirs. The world is in its green-tea era.

6. Donabe (earthenware pots) and yukihira pans

The pots are pretty and practical. Meanwhile, the lightweight aluminum yukihira pans are surprisingly popular for their iconic hammered design and practicality. If you’ve watched any anime, you’ve seen them in action — a Japanese kitchen staple.

7. Frying pans

High-quality iron and carbon-steel pans are favored by those looking for “Made in Japan” durability.

8. Tamagoyaki pans and saibashi (long cooking chopsticks)

The rectangular pan for Japanese omelets is a unique souvenir that also makes you an excellent Japanese breakfast. The long chopsticks are old news; we remember buying them as souvenirs from the 100-yen store 20 years ago.

9. Cutting boards (manaita)

Soft wood boards (like hinoki) that are gentle on expensive Japanese knives are a common add-on purchase.

10. Soy-sauce dispensers and miso muddlers

Ingenious small tools — like dripless dispensers and miso muddlers for perfect measuring — are favorites for their cleverness.

Source: Nippon.com