Kappabashi-Dori - Tokyo

Have you ever wonder where most Japanese restaurants in Tokyo are purchasing those mouth-watering, but fake, sushi and ramen? Well stop wondering since they must have been probably been purchased in one of the many specialized stores in Kappabashi-Dori!

Located between Ueno and Asakusa, Kappabashi-Dori is almost entirely populated with shops specialized in supplying goods and other kitchenwares to Tokyo, and indeed Japan’s, restaurants and cafes. These stores sells pretty much everything form the fake plastic display food to knives and even ovens and furniture.

To be fair, Kappabashi is not the most exciting tourist destination you may find in Tokyo. Nevertheless it is a place worth checking if you have an hour or two to spare, especially if you’ve ever dreamed of having your very own fake food sample.

Finally while it is still unclear from where this street gets its name, it’s similarity with the Japanese mythical creature “Kappa” or River child (河童) has made it the favorite choice of the shop owners for many years, and a few years back it became the official mascot of the area.