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The real-life "Kochikame" police station is here in Tokyo – you might even spot Ryo-san on patrol!

Published: 2026-09-23 👁 103 views
Last updated 2026-09-23 — Katsushika Ward in Tokyo was once known primarily for its manufacturing industry, but in recent years, it has risen to fame as a popular new attraction for anime fans visiting Tokyo, thanks to being the inspiration behind the manga and anime series "Kochikame." Just step out of the station and wander through the alleys, and you’ll find yourself posing for photos with hidden statues of characters like Kankichi Ryotsu, Nakagawa, and Reiko, as well as the real-life "Kochikame Police Station." If you’re lucky, you might even bump into Ryo-san himself patrolling near the station area.

Reporter Cai Wenjun / Reported and photographed in Japan

Katsushika Ward in Tokyo was once known primarily for its manufacturing industry, but in recent years, it has become a popular new attraction for anime fans visiting Tokyo—thanks to its status as the inspiration behind the beloved manga and anime series Kochikame. Just step out of the station and wander through the alleys, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by hidden statues of characters like Kankichi Ryotsu, Nakagawa, and Reiko, as well as a real-life version of the “Kochikame” police station—all perfect for photos. If you’re lucky, you might even spot Ryotsu himself patrolling near the station!

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ Want to meet Kankichi Ryotsu in person? Then head to Katsushika Ward in Tokyo right away.

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ JR Kameari Station is the gateway to the real-life Kochikame.

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲%There are plenty of photo opportunities with the statues near the station.% (strong)

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ You can even take interactive photos with Ryotsu.

Katsushika Ward is easily accessible via JR, with Kameari Station—the district’s main hub—just a direct ride away. Following the massive popularity of Kochikame, the local government got creative and installed nearly 20 intricately crafted bronze statues of the characters, ranging in size. Just at the station’s south and north exits alone, there are at least five large statues that fans can enjoy photographing to their heart’s content.

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ Colorful statues of Kankichi Ryotsu, Nakagawa, and Reiko in front of the station.

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ The mini version of Chief Oono is super cute.

For example, right in front of Kameari Station’s south exit, you’ll find life-sized, colorful statues of Ryotsu, Nakagawa, and Reiko. Take a closer look, and you might even spot an ultra-miniature version of Chief Oono at Ryotsu’s feet—a fun detail that’s sure to max out your phone’s storage with all the photos.

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ The real-life prototype of the Kochikame police station is located right in front of Kameari Station’s north exit.

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ Because the Reiko statue is so popular, it’s been placed right next to the police station for protection.

At Kameari Station’s north exit, you can also find the real-life prototype of the Kochikame police station—don’t miss the actual police station itself. While taking photos with the station, be sure to snap a shot of the mini golden Reiko bronze statue nearby. A local government official shared: “Because Reiko is so popular, we’ve placed this statue right next to the police station to keep it safe from being stolen.”

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲%The arcade on the third floor of Ario Kameari Mall has the actual manga version of Kochikame.%

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ Even the office is fully recreated.

About a 10-minute walk from the station’s south exit, on the third floor of Ario Kameari Mall, you’ll find a real-life version of the “Kochikame” police station. From the entrance gate to Ryotsu’s desk and even the messy drawers—all 100% faithfully reproduced—it feels like stepping straight into the manga world, making it a top photo spot for fans.

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲%Here’s where fans can capture the real Kochikame.% (strong)

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

To help fans complete their collection of all the Kochikame character statues in Kameari, the Katsushika District Office has thoughtfully created a Chinese-language map that visitors can pick up for free. With this map in hand, you can follow the trail of the amusing Ryotsu while also enjoying the serene townscapes of Katsushika Ward.

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ The Kameari Station statue pilgrimage map.

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ The cute mini version of Ryotsu.

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ Another manga scene spot: Katori Shrine.

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ There’s also a statue of Kankichi Ryotsu here.

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ Fans come here to take photos with Ryotsu.

Additionally, between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM every Sunday, you might even run into Ryotsu, Nakagawa, and Reiko patrolling the streets. Not only can you take photos with them, but Ryotsu will also enthusiastically interact with the public and tourists. If you want to meet Ryotsu in person, be sure to visit during this time slot!

▲%The police station in Tokyo’s Kameari, the Kochikame police station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and Kankichi Ryotsu. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)%

▲ Every Sunday, you can also spot Ryotsu, Nakagawa, and Reiko out on patrol!

Tokyo Katsushika Ward: Kochikame Pilgrimage
Transportation: Kameari Station on the JR Joban Line

©OSAMU AKIMOTO,ATELIER BEEDAMA/SHUEISHA
©76 OA / ©96-17 A

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