1. Kappabashi, also known as Kitchen Town, is a shopping district located in Tokyo’s Taito ward. It is famous for its stores selling kitchenware, cooking utensils, and restaurant supplies. The street is approximately 800 meters long and has more than 170 shops catering to professional chefs, home cooks, and tourists alike.
One interesting fact about Kappabashi is that it is home to the world’s largest plastic food model, which spans almost the entire length of a building. These food models are used by many restaurants in Japan to display their menu items, and they look so realistic that it’s hard to tell they are not real.
Another interesting fact is that Kappabashi has been around since the early 20th century, and it is said that during World War II, the district played a crucial role in providing soldiers with food and supplies.
2. The opening hours of the shops in Kappabashi vary, but most of them are open from 9 am to 5 pm. Some shops may be closed on Sundays or national holidays, so it’s always best to check before visiting. Unfortunately, there is no central phone number for Kappabashi.
3. There is no entrance fee for Kappabashi, and it is easily accessible via public transportation. The closest station is Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, which is just a few minutes’ walk away. Alternatively, Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree Line and Tsukuba Express Line is also nearby. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll from the famous Sensoji Temple in Asakusa to reach Kappabashi.