Visiting Tokyo in the footsteps of Monchhichi: a fun route to Katsushika

Among the many experiences that Tokyo offers, exploring the less frequented areas allows you to discover a unique facet of the city. This is the case of Katsushika, northeast of the Japanese capital, who proudly celebrates Monchhichi, a local mascot and cult character born in 1974. This thematic walk will seduce both families and lovers of Japanese pop culture.

Monchhichi, an emblem of Katsushika

Created by Sekiguchi Co., Ltd, Monchhichi has conquered generations of children in Japan and around the world. This little monkey-shaped teddy with pacifier, available in toys, accessories and animated series, is now integrated into the identity of the neighborhood. Katsushika has in fact formalized Monchhichi as a symbolic mascot, in partnership with its creator.

Through the neighbourhood, visitors can meet with multiple tributes to this character: statues, sewage plates, theme park. This urban route is a pleasant activity for both young and old, while allowing you to better know Katsushika.

Monchhichi Park: a family space in the heart of the district

Located in Nishi-Shinkoiwa, Monchhichi Park, with its official name Nishi-Shinkoiwa Gochome Park, has become a focal point for fans. Enlarged in 2022 with the creation of the Monchhichi Zone, it offers a playful and colorful space.

The park offers a children’s playground, the Chibikko Hiroba, decorated with Monchhichi motifs scattered all over: on the play blocks, the walls of the facilities and the urban furniture. Visitors enjoy going looking for the characters hidden in the decor, creating a fun track game.

Easily accessible from Shin-Koiwa Station (less than 10 minutes on foot), this park is an ideal step on a family walk.

The statues of Monchhichi around Shin-Koiwa station

In the immediate vicinity of Shin-Koiwa JR Station, visitors can admire two emblematic statues: the Monchhichi statue and the Konoyubi-Tomare statue. These sculptures, inaugurated in 2022 on the north square of the station, offer a perfect setting for souvenir photos.

These facilities contribute to the warm atmosphere of the neighborhood. They stress the inhabitants’ attachment to their mascot and the municipality’s effort to make it a tourist asset. When leaving the station, the Monchhichi course starts naturally with this photographic stop.

An original hunt: the decorated sewage plates

Another curiosity awaits visitors in the streets surrounding the station: the Monchhichi sewer plates. Ten copies of these colourful plates, decorated with the effigy of the famous character, are distributed around Shin-Koiwa.

This original initiative transforms an urban walk into a real treasure hunt. Walkers, equipped with a plan or simply attentive to sidewalks, enjoy finding and photographing these unusual plates.

The plaque route also allows you to discover the small shopping streets of Shin-Koiwa and soak up the local atmosphere.

Katsushika: a neighborhood to explore beyond Monchhichi

While the Monchhichi universe is a pleasant guide to visit Katsushika, there are many other attractions in the area. Its residential character and its green spaces make it a relaxing area compared to the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo.

Close to Shin-Koiwa, you can for example reach the historic district of Shibamata, famous for its Taishakuten temple and its shopping alleys. This additional route allows to deepen the discovery of the district.

In addition, the local dimension of the Monchhichi theme offers a different approach to tourism in Tokyo: here, no great monuments or famous sites, but an invitation to wander and observe details.

Explore the streets of Katsushika in the footsteps of Monchhichi is an original way to discover an authentic Tokyo area. Accessible, fun and rich in wink to popular culture, this itinerary will seduce visitors in search of unusual experiences and warm memories.

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