Make Your Own Food Samples in Japan! Fake Food Workshops in Tokyo & Osaka
Make Your Own Japanese Food Samples in Tokyo and Osaka – Unique Cultural Workshops for Travelers
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From sushi magnets to sizzling wax tempura, Japan’s hyper-realistic food samples are more than restaurant displays—they’re a beloved cultural craft. In recent years, hands-on workshops in Tokyo and Osaka have made it possible for travelers to create their own fake food souvenirs. Here’s everything you need to know about joining the fun.
What Are Japanese Food Samples?
In Japan, restaurants often display hyper-realistic plastic dishes—called food samples (shokuhin sampuru)—in their windows to show what’s on the menu. These food replicas are not just eye-catching but also helpful for customers, especially tourists unfamiliar with Japanese menus, offering a clear, visual guide to what each dish looks like.
Japan’s food replicas originated in the Taisho era (1912–1926), when photography wasn’t yet common. Early models were handmade from agar molds filled with wax and painted by artisans. Today, advanced polymers create even more lifelike results—some nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
These displays are now everywhere and have gained new life beyond restaurants. Food samples are sold as quirky souvenirs and featured in hands-on workshops, especially in major tourist hubs like Tokyo and Osaka.
Where to Find Food Sample Workshops in Tokyo: Kappabashi Dougugai (Kappabashi Kitchen Town)
Known as “Kitchen Town,” Kappabashi in Tokyo has been a hub for culinary tools since the early 1900s. Located near Asakusa, the area is packed with shops selling everything from knives to restaurant supplies—including food replicas. While most stores cater to professionals, one standout location now draws tourists with its hands-on food sample workshops, making it a must-visit for curious travelers.
With nearly 90 years of history, Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya in Kappabashi offers a fun mix of souvenirs—like sushi magnets and fake omurice—on its first floor. Upstairs, visitors can join traditional wax workshops to craft items like tempura and lettuce. On special days, unique options like gyoza or taiyaki replicas are also available.
Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya Kappabashi Showroom (元祖食品サンプル屋 合羽橋店)
Address: 3-7-6 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00 – 17:30
Workshop Fee: 3,000 yen per person
Where to Find Food Sample Workshops in Osaka: Sennichimae Douguyasuji (Sennichimae Kitchen Street)
Nicknamed the “Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka boasts its own version of Tokyo’s Kappabashi: Sennichimae Douguyasuji. Located near Kuromon Market and the lively Dotonbori area, this street is packed with culinary tools for restaurant pros. While less touristy than Tokyo’s version, Sennichimae still offers food sample workshops perfect for hands-on travelers exploring Osaka’s food culture.
Design Pocket in Osaka overflows with ultra-realistic food replicas—from fake ramen to sakura mochi—and even displays “fresh” veggies out front. Inside, visitors can join modern workshops using plastic bases, paints, and powders to create lifelike food items. Popular options include takoyaki, sushi, and matcha parfaits—perfect souvenirs just minutes from Namba’s real street food scene.
Design Pocket (デザインポケット)
Address: 10-11 Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka
Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
Workshop Fee: 2,980 yen per person
Hands-On: Making Takoyaki Food Sample in Osaka
Curious about making our own fake food, the Japankuru team joined a workshop at Design Pocket in Osaka. We chose to craft takoyaki magnets—one of several souvenir options alongside sushi keychains and parfait memo clips. With everything the same price, we picked what best fit our fridge décor and dove into this uniquely Osaka-style experience.
At Design Pocket, we received kits with paints, tools, and blank takoyaki bases—plus finished samples for reference. The workshop was casual and self-paced, with staff offering guidance when needed. We carefully painted each piece with toppings like pickled ginger, green onion, and glossy sauce, then sealed our finished magnets in cute takeaway-style containers—safe for the journey home by train and shinkansen.
Make Your Own Fake Food in Japan
Japan’s food samples are more than display items—they’re miniature works of art. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a pro to join the fun. Whether using traditional wax or modern painting techniques, these hands-on workshops let you create your own lifelike dish and take home a uniquely Japanese souvenir.
This content has been edited and republished from JAPANKURU with permission. The original article was published on April 17, 2024. ©JAPANKURU of Global Daily Co., Ltd All rights reserved.
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Japankuru means "come to Japan," and you'll find everything you need to plan your next trip at Japankuru.com, from in-depth guides and travel tips to unique cultural insights. Whether you're looking to explore Japan's most amazing sightseeing destinations, feast on local delicacies, discover unique events, or uncover hidden gems, the Japankuru team is here to help you enjoy Japan like a local! SNS: ▷Instagram ▷Facebook ▷X
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