Full of nostalgic downtown Tokyo atmosphere! Introducing 4 recommended souvenirs from Kameari

Kameari, located just beyond the three rivers Sumida, Arakawa, and Ayasegawa from the city center, is a town with a somehow nostalgic air where time flows as gently as the rivers. It is well known as the setting for the popular manga “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo (Kochikame).” Even today, Kameari retains the atmosphere of the Showa-era downtown, and here are some recommended souvenirs from the area.

1. Ryō-san Dorayaki

Iseya, a long-established Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1965. When it first opened, dango, daifuku, and manju were sold at two pieces for 25 yen. They quickly gained popularity and became loved as “Iseya’s big and delicious grilled dango, mame daifuku, and shio daifuku.”

In recent years, Iseya created the “Ryō-san Dorayaki,” featuring the face of Ryō-san, the main character of the manga “Kochikame.” Thanks to the goodwill of the original author, Osamu Akimoto, this dorayaki can be considered an official “Kochikame” sweet.

It is filled with chunky red bean paste slowly simmered from carefully selected Hokkaido-grown azuki beans and coarse sugar, wrapped in dorayaki batter baked using Iseya’s unique method. The moist skin combined with the mildly sweet bean paste makes for a perfect balance. Iseya also sells other “Kochikame”-themed sweets. While strolling through Kameari, be sure to visit Iseya’s main store.

2. Grilled Eel (Kabayaki)

Unagi Kawakame, located in Kameari Ginza shopping street, is a long-established shop that has been selling grilled eel kabayaki and river fish simmered in soy (tsukudani) for about 60 years.

The kabayaki is made from live, fresh eel prepared daily and sold directly at the store. Some may think eel is less tasty once cooled, but Kawakame has devised a way to make their eel delicious even when cold. For an additional 200 yen, it can also be served as “unajū” (eel over rice in a lacquered box), making it a great souvenir.

They also sell about 30 types of tsukudani, including small fish, locusts, squid crackers, tiny shrimp, seasoned fish powder, kelp, clams, and more. The variety is abundant, and you can enjoy nostalgic, traditional flavors.

This eel shop in Kameari Ginza overflows with the charm of old Tokyo. You can enjoy the irresistible aroma of grilled eel at reasonable prices. Be sure to stop by when in Kameari and pick up a souvenir.

3. Iwakame Rice Crackers (Senbei)

Located near Kameari Station’s north exit, this rice cracker shop is famous for its hand-grilled senbei. Among them, the “Iwakame Senbei” is particularly well-known. Slightly thick but easy to eat, these soy sauce-flavored crackers are baked in the shape of a turtle shell.

True to the name “Iwakame” (rock turtle), the crunchy texture also evokes the image of a turtle’s shell. This makes it a tasteful souvenir. In addition to soy sauce flavor, they also offer matcha and sugar-coated versions. For personal souvenirs, broken senbei are also sold at lower prices, making them a good deal.

4. Fruit Daifuku

Located right outside the south exit ticket gates of Kameari Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, “Suruga” is a confectionery shop known for being the first to commercialize dorayaki with chestnuts. Their original “Kuri Dorayaki” (chestnut dorayaki), “Ume Dorayaki” with a whole pickled plum (pit included), and simple “Ogura” made with Hokkaido-grown azuki beans are all fine souvenirs, each with its own charm.

Alongside dorayaki, “Fruit Daifuku” is another specialty of Suruga. Made fresh every morning with peeled seasonal fruits, these daifuku are never pre-made in bulk, ensuring freshness and making them ideal souvenirs. Depending on the season, you may find kiwi, mandarin, pineapple, muskmelon, pear, and more.

You can check which fruit daifuku are available today on the shop’s website. Some varieties sell out quickly, sometimes within an hour of opening, so if you have your eye on something specific, it’s best to call ahead to confirm availability.

◎ Summary

Kameari is a town where the nostalgic atmosphere of Showa-era downtown Tokyo still lingers strongly. With traditional delights such as Japanese sweets, tsukudani, and grilled eel, all make for excellent souvenirs. And don’t miss the newer specialty—“Kochikame”-themed sweets. After exploring the many sightseeing spots in Kameari, be sure to pick up some wonderful souvenirs to take home.

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Full of nostalgic downtown Tokyo atmosphere! Introducing 4 recommended souvenirs from Kameari