Sennichimae Doguyasuji

**Knife shopping:** Multiple shops specialize in Japanese chef knives (和包丁 wabocho) — gyuto (chef's knife), santoku (all-purpose), deba (fish butchering), yanagiba (sashimi slicing). Sales staff guide knife selection based on use case, hand size, and budget. For tourists, a 16–18cm santoku (¥12,000–25,000) is most practical — versatile size, TSA-compliant (blade <6cm width), and suitable for home cooking. Staff sharpen and adjust before purchase. Higher-end shops include Aritsugu (有次) and Tsukiji-brand knives. **Plastic food samples:** Japan's hyper-realistic plastic food displays (食品サンプル shokuhin sampuru) originated in Osaka. Shops like Maiduru sell sample replicas: ramen bowls (¥5,000–8,000), sushi sets (¥3,000), tempura (¥1,500), desserts (¥1,000–2,000). The samples function as quirky souvenirs — fridge magnets (¥800), phone straps (¥600), keychains (¥400). The craftsmanship is remarkable — wax and resin molded to mimic food texture, color gradients on meat, glistening sauce on noodles. Even non-purchasers should browse to appreciate the artistry. **Restaurant supply finds:** Browse for professional tools unavailable in consumer stores: tamagoyaki pans (rectangular omelet pan, ¥3,000–8,000), donabe clay pots (¥5,000–15,000), takoyaki pans (¥2,000–6,000), mochi molds, sushi rolling mats, specialty graters. The shops also sell noren curtains (暖簾, split entrance curtains ¥3,000–10,000) and lacquerware (¥2,000–20,000). Serious home cooks can spend hours exploring professional-grade options that elevate cooking capability.