Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Kappabashi Kitchenware Street, a historic shopping district located between the Tokyo districts of Asakusa and Ueno, is experiencing a remarkable surge in foreign visitors as international tourists flock to the area in search of the famous high-quality Japanese kitchen goods.
According to local shop owners, the number of overseas customers has noticeably increased in recent months, with many arriving from North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Throughout the day, groups of travelers can be seen moving from store to store, examining handcrafted knives, kitchen gadgets, and professional-grade cookware.
Japanese knives, particularly santoku and gyuto models, have become the top-selling items. Tourists cite the knives’ sharpness, durability, and the craftsmanship of Japanese artisans as the main reasons for their purchase. Some stores even offer on-the-spot engraving services, allowing visitors to take home a personalized souvenir.
Social media platforms have played a major role in boosting the district’s popularity, introducing global audiences to the quality of Japanese kitchen tools and the unique atmosphere of Kappabashi.
With the growing interest in Japanese cuisine worldwide, Kappabashi Street is emerging as a must-visit destination for both culinary professionals and enthusiastic amateur cooks traveling to Japan.
The number of foreign visitors to Japan between January and September rose 17.7 percent from a year earlier to around 31.65 million, marking the fastest pace on record to 30 million within a year, data from the Japan National Tourism Organization showed.
It expects the annual number to surpass the record 36.87 million hit in 2024 and may even reach the 40 million range.
AloJapan.com