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Niimi on Kappabashi Dougu Street is a must-visit for anyone who loves cooking, offering over 20,000 kitchen tools in a building crowned by a giant chef statue.
Why Niimi Stands Out on Kappabashi Street
Whenever we visit Tokyo’s Kappabashi Dougu Street (合羽橋道具街), Niimi is always the shop I look forward to the most. You can’t miss it—the main building is crowned with a giant smiling chef statue, one of the street’s most recognizable landmarks and a must-take photo spot.
Open since 1907, Niimi has earned the trust of both professional chefs and home cooks. The business now spans two buildings across from each other:
- Main Store – Traditional Japanese cookware and knives
- Second Store – Western-style tools and kitchen appliances
Between the two, you’ll find more than 20,000 items, from specialty chef gear to practical tools for everyday cooking.
What You’ll Find at Niimi
Niimi’s selection is impressive, whether you’re just starting to cook Japanese food or equipping a restaurant. During our visit, we spotted:
- Traditional Japanese Cookware – Donabe clay pots, takoyaki pans, tamagoyaki pans, ramen stock pots, sushi mats
- Japanese Tableware – Everyday dishes and artisanal ceramics
- Knives and Cutlery – Gyuto, nakiri, petty knives, and more
- Appliances & Tools – Rice cookers, scales, blenders, and prep tools
The store layout makes browsing easy, with sections organized by cooking style and purpose. Even with kids along, we found it simple to navigate.
Why We Keep Coming Back
It’s the combination of variety, quality, and friendly service that keeps us returning to Niimi. The selection ranges from basic utensils to unique specialty tools, and everything feels built to last. Some staff members speak some English and are experienced in helping international visitors.
While Niimi is our personal favorite, Kappabashi Street as a whole is a treasure trove for kitchen lovers. For me, Niimi captures the spirit of the street perfectly and sets the tone for a memorable visit. If we weren’t visiting with kids, I could easily spend the entire day exploring the shop!
How to Get to Niimi
Train
- From Tawaramachi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) – about a 5 minute walk. From the JR Ueno Station Iriya Exit, head west towards the Kappabashi area. The walk takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Look for the building topped with the giant chef statue. That is Niimi’s main store and the gateway to Kappabashi Street.
Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for easier browsing and quick photos before crowds.
Should You Visit Niimi?
Without a doubt, Niimi is one of the most rewarding stops on Kappabashi Street. The mix of history, craftsmanship, and sheer variety makes it a highlight for both serious chefs and curious travelers. Even if you only browse, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for Japanese kitchen tools.
More to Explore Nearby
After visiting the iconic Niimi shop at the entrance to Kitchen Town, you are perfectly placed to delve deeper into the professional cookware of Kappabashi or explore the world-famous temples and markets of the nearby Asakusa area.
- Kamata Knife Shop – Step inside one of Kappabashi’s premier specialty stores to find high-quality Japanese knives, perfect for professionals and cooking enthusiasts.
- Exploring Plastic Food Samples (Sampuru) – Check out the fascinating stores specializing in realistic plastic food models, a traditional craft essential to Japanese restaurants.
- Senso-ji Temple – Take a short walk to Asakusa to visit Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, the centerpiece of the area’s traditional culture.
- Ameyoko Market – Head over to the nearby Ueno area for this bustling street market, offering bargain shopping, a variety of food stalls, and an energetic atmosphere.
