Chiyodaya

Tucked along a side street in Katsushika Ward's Yotsugi neighbourhood, Chiyodaya is a local Japanese confectionery shop lined with petite dango skewers and unpretentious rice dishes. The signature mitarashi dango features a gentle char that lends a fragrant depth, perfectly matched with a sweet-and-savoury soy sauce glaze clinging to the tender mochi. The counter also offers an accessible selection of anko dango, daifuku, and steamed manju in modest sizes, making it easy to pick up a small sweet treat on a whim.

Just as popular as the confections are the onigiri and norimaki displayed out front. Fillings include old-fashioned, tart umeboshi pickled plums, takana mustard greens blended with fragrant yukari shiso, and seasoned minced chicken—compact parcels that still offer solid satisfaction. With simple options like inarizushi, sekihan red-bean rice, and ume nori rolls, the shop is a frequent stop for people seeking an easy takeaway lunch or a bite to enjoy on a stroll.

Payment is cash-only, and the shop closes on Wednesdays. It is the kind of neighbourhood fixture where having a few skewers and rice balls wrapped up to enjoy at home feels like a quiet, comforting ritual.