Ryogoku 両国 - Igarashiya Ice Cream Shop

So, since the last post dealt with Ryogoku and the sumo-centric spots that you might want to enjoy, I thought today’s post should focus on something of interest in the area for those with a sweet tooth.

Igarashiya (いがらしや) an ice cream shop in Ryogoku (両国) is just the spot.




Igarashiya is best know for the ice cream and parfaits that they serve. In fact at one time this particular shop used to be mobbed because it was a favorite stop in the area for Takanohana, one of the top sumo champions on the 1990’s.

They offer items sure to appeal to the ice cream lover in us all; however, you have to try the Inaka Parfait (田舎パフェ) It is this towering parfait sundae filled with a few different types of ice creams, cream, crushed senbei rice crackers, azuki beans, all topped with whipped cream and a cherry - you'll certainly not be hungry when you finish it and push away from the table!

Inaka means country, so I can only imagine the shop owners created this incredible dessert with the idea of fortifying farmers heading to the fields in the countryside, so they could have the energy to do their work - if only they could create something similar to fortify office workers heading to their cubicles....the days would no doubt pass much quicker.




If ice cream is not your cup of tea, then another item that I recommend is their daifuku (大福) Basically this is rice cake dish with sweet bean paste inside. The particular one that I tried was a cheese daifuku and was very nice. Cheese on top, cheese inside.....cheese, cheese, cheese - yum. Certainly very different from the parfait, but if all we ever ate was ice cream what fun would that be – right?

While it is really easy to find and on a main street, I’ve listed the address as well just in case: Igarashiya, Tokyo Sumida-ward Ryogoku 2-17-17, Ryogoku ST Bldg., 1st Floor (いがらしや、東京墨田区両国2-17-17 両国ST ビル,1st Floor)

All the best….Mark