As Osaka is famously known as ‘the nation’s kitchen’, it’s only natural that the city boasts a shopping street devoted to cooking and kitchenware. The 150-metre-long Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street is where chefs, restaurateurs and home cooks alike come to outfit their kitchens. You’ll find everything from ceramic bowls and lacquerware to coffee- and tea-brewing equipment, bento boxes and Sakai-made speciality knives, to name just a few. If it belongs in a kitchen, you’ll likely find it here.
Once a year in October, this kitchenware arcade hosts the lively Doguyasuji Festival (affectionately known as ‘Tool Day’). This year’s event takes place on Saturday October 11.
The 2025 theme roughly translates to ‘Everyone’s Tool Challenge’, with activities designed to test your cooking skills through a series of fun and quirky contests inspired by kitchen tools. There’s a bean-picking competition, a hamburger tower race, and, of course, the Tekokakote Tournament – an original Doguyasuji-created card game that quizzes players on their knowledge of kitchen utensils and the culinary arts. These activities are both fun and educational, definitely suitable for all ages.
The ever-popular Garapon Grand Lottery also makes its return. Simply present a same-day shopping receipt worth ¥500 or more to enter the draw for a chance to win shopping vouchers and exclusive Doguyasuji merchandise.
Whether you’re a professional chef, a food enthusiast or simply in search of a practical souvenir, the Doguyasuji Festival is the perfect occasion to explore Osaka’s vibrant kitchenware culture – and perhaps even take home a prize or two.