
For chefs: Kappabashi
Also known as ‘Kitchen Town’, this neighbourhood got its start in the early Taisho period and holds a collection of 170 stores that stretch for about 800m north to south between Asakusa and Ueno. These wholesale stores carry every kind of pot, dish and kitchen utensil imaginable, along with interior décor and food-related products. While many are geared towards professional chefs, all foodies are bound to enjoy this shopping experience. As you walk down Asakusa-dori from Tawaramachi Station towards Kitchen Town, you will notice the giant chef’s head on the roof of the Niimi building. From here, turn right into Kappabashi-dori. Looking for one of those plastic food samples you see outside restaurants all around Tokyo? Find them at stores such as Ganso Shokuhin Sample Store, Tokyo Biken, and Iwasaki Kappabashi Showroom, where you can even watch them being made. Note that most stores are open on Saturdays but closed on Sundays.
Closest station: Tawaramachi Station
Map and more details here.