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A Historic Shrine Built in 1276, Famous for its Appearance in the Manga “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutujo”
Kameari Katori Shrine is located about 300 meters southeast of JR Kameari Station across the area’s main street (Kannana-dori). The torii gate you can see along the main road is known as “Urasando (back shrine approach),” so if you do not pass through it and continue right along the road, you can instead enter through the “Omotesando (front shrine approach),” located next to the large shopping center ARIO. If you see the “komagame (guardian turtle)” statues to either side of the torii gate, you’ve arrived.
Kameari Katori Shrine is a historic shrine, founded in 1276, that is beloved by locals, but it is also famous for its frequent appearances in the manga “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutujo,” which is set in Kameari. Along Omotesando is a statue of Ryo-san, a character from “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kameari Koen-mae Hashutujo.” As the statue is included in one of the maps that lead you around the Kameari area, many people stop by during their walks. The annual “Reitaisai” festival, held every September at Kameari Katori Shrine, is also the inspiration for the festival that happens in “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutujo.”
There are several small and medium-sized shrines dotted about Kameari Katori Shrine’s grounds that have been protecting the town of Kameari for many years, including “Doso Shrine.” The Kagura-den was relocated from the Edo period front hall, and it is a valuable building that has survived earthquakes and air raids.
Next to Urasando is a café called “Patisserie La Rose des Japonais,” a rare find within a shrine’s grounds. From both the seats inside the café and out on the terrace you can look out over the shrine’s grounds and main building. As the café is located along the way back to Kameari Station, it’s a great place to stop and take a break after worshipping at the shrine. (※Café hours are 11:00am-6:00pm. Closed Tuesdays.)
Omotesando and torii gate
Omotesando at dusk
Main shrine building
Shrine grounds
Right “komagame” statue before entering Omotesando
Right “komagame” statue before entering Omotesando
Doso Shrine
Turtles sit on top of the offertory box
Statue of “Shonenyo, Anohoshi wo Mezase! Ryosan” ©OSAMU AKIMOTO,ATELIER BEEDAMA/SHUEISHA
Map of Kameari within the shrine grounds ©OSAMU AKIMOTO,ATELIER BEEDAMA/SHUEISHA
“Reitaisai,” a festival held every year in September
Monument with shrine name
Exterior of “Patisserie La Rose des Japonais” along Urasando
Inside of Patisserie La Rose des Japonais
Cakes at Patisserie La Rose des Japonais
Some reviews are AI-translated.
In Kameari, Katsushika, Tokyo, the moment you spot the imposing giant stone monument marked “Katori Shrine” and the stone torii gate at the intersection, your anime spirit and pilgrimage radar instantly light up! This is the very neighborhood where Kankichi Ryotsu loves to hang out in the classic anime KochiKame, and stepping inside feels as real as being transported into a manga scene in an instant!
Passing through the towering white torii gate, ancient trees rise on both sides of the approach, and the stone-paved path stretches toward the green-roofed main hall, creating the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional Japanese downtown neighborhood amid the bustle. What will really drive fans wild is the limited-edition merchandise displayed in the shrine office’s glass case! Look up and you’ll find three bold ema designs made especially for Kankichi Ryotsu. His signature thick black unibrow and hearty, wide-mouthed grin are paired with phrases like “Good Fortune and Happiness” and “Certain Victory.” His energetic, comical expression makes you burst out laughing the moment you see it!
Buy a Ryotsu ema, write down your wish, and hang it on the prayer rack, then stop by the worship hall to pray for good luck and healthy legs. Combining an anime pilgrimage with a traditional shrine visit like this feels incredibly fulfilling. Everywhere in the shrine grounds brings back memories of Ryotsu, and the atmosphere is both peaceful and full of joy. It’s definitely a god-tier photo spot you can’t miss when visiting Kameari!
I followed the trail of Ryo-san statues and ended up at this small but beautiful shrine. The ema (votive plaques) here are really unique—they have Captain Tsubasa and Kankichi Ryotsu from Kochikame on them, which gives them a special meaning.
I really love the peaceful vibe in the middle of the busy city.
