This is a fabulous place for anyone interested in cooking. Knife and kitchen shops galore! Some notes: there are 2 metro stations « nearby » but both require a walk. One is I believe 10 min and the other is 15 min. The stores close at 5 pm!! Despite what you read elsewhere, the majority close at 5 pm. Tax free office closes at 6 pm. Beware not all stores are selling items with a focus on Made in Japan (which is a mark of stellar quality). You should have a photo with the characters for made in Japan (日本製) or ask when in doubt - « Nihonsei deska? »

The tax free office is also towards the end on the left hand side if Nimi store is behind you. Not all the stores participate, and some do their own instantly which is convenient. Others allow you to combine receipts from other stores.

There are a few favourite shops. The large Nimi shop with the huge chef head on display on the roof is a hit. They do not do tax free, but they do have a toilet. always end up buying loads from here, particularly because the store is large and has everything including knives. Staff speak English, French and gestures to get the point across. Some of their staff have been working there for 30+ years. The old grandpa is a favourite, and very sweet and so is the man who can parle français.

The store in my 2nd photo- look for the duck sign. Yoshida’s Co. They do not do vat back but their prices are competitive and they have some of the kindest and gentle employees working there. If you have questions, they are very eager to help, will try to answer and make you feel welcome. The shop is small but it goes in deeper towards the back and you will definitely find things you cannot live without. They do have a large section on baking goods and procure a majority of made in Japan goods.

Iida- this store is large but packed full to the brim. Everywhere your glance lands, your eyeballs will fight to focus on the hundreds of items to be processed in your cerebrum. Even if you look up, there are sieves hanging from the ceiling! The aisles are tiny, and you will feel a bit claustrophobic especially when it’s busy. BUT. It’s a haven for chefs. They have such a large selection of products to choose from. Need a tamago pan? Here, choose from a wall full of them! Need a sieve? They have an entire section dedicated to it. Also they do the vat instantly which means no having to trek anywhere after. Don’t forget they have an upstairs section as well.

My advice is to start in the morning. Bring the carryon suitcase (if going with a friend who can take turns to wait with it outside if the store is too small and you know you are going to go crazy) to fill it to the brim. Bring water and a banana or lunch as you will be so busy trying to hit every single shop, and inevitably end up starving yet desperate to continue on. 2 hours is not enough time for here. You could easily spend the whole day here but at least allocate 4-5 hours, and plan to come back if you are crazy about kitchenware.

Asakusa is a short 10 minute walk from here, with the shrine, loads of restos, shopping, etc. I would do Kappabashi first and then head to Asakusa when you get hungry. Remember It is massive, and there are hidden streets and areas. Don’t forget to venture further to the area where the traditional senbei are made! Update: 10/8-10/14 had some kind of festival with all the stores having special prices on front stands. I went on 10/14 and it was sheer madness. Every store had deals- the patisserie store Majimaya Confectionery had 10% off storewide. Found another public bathroom in the public library kitty corner and north of the tax refund counter.