Ryugasaki Croquette: Where to Eat & Prices (Ibaraki)

Born on the shopping streets of Ryugasaki, this local croquette is a beloved specialty. Built on fluffy potato, each shop devises its own distinctive seasoning and fillings, serving them crisp and fresh from the fryer. Growing out of town revitalization, this dish reminds you of the joy of eating while strolling.

This croquette grew from efforts by the shopping district to bring bustle back to the town center. It is said to have started in the early 2000s when volunteers of the Ryugasaki chamber of commerce offered croquettes to visiting children, and in 2003 an association of participating shops was formed, letting it take root as a local specialty. In 2014 it drew attention at a nationwide local gourmet contest, greatly widening its recognition.

Highlights

From the classic potato to versions with unusual fillings, you meet new flavors the more shops you visit. Items with local ingenuity, such as a rice flour cream croquette, have also emerged. Break open the crisply fried coating and the rustic sweetness and savoriness spread out with the steam, whetting your appetite.

Enjoying the Seasons

Freshly fried croquettes are especially welcome in the cold season, and during lively festivals and events each shop lines up creative versions. The experience of tasting them while walking the town is itself the charm.

Access and Basic Information

They can be bought at butcher shops and delis mainly along the shopping streets of Ryugasaki. You can enjoy strolling among the participating shops, and it is a charm that seasonings and fillings differ from shop to shop. To enjoy them fresh from the fryer, it helps to check each shop opening hours and frying timing.

Practical Travel Notes

• Origin: A local croquette born from town revitalization, spread in the 2000s as a shopping district effort. Some items show ingenuity, such as a rice flour cream croquette.
• How to enjoy: Strolling among the participating shops is the classic way. Since seasonings and fillings differ by shop, comparing a few shops is recommended.
• Budget sense: Each piece can often be bought at a modest price, making it easy to snack while strolling.
• Takeaway: Easy to carry home as a deli item, but since it is best fresh from the fryer, enjoying it on the spot is recommended.

A Quick Tip

Aim for ones fresh from the fryer, and if you can, compare a few shops. It is fun that the flavor changes with or without sauce.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Main area where it is served: Ryugasaki City. The "Croquette Club Ryugasaki" (Korokke Club Ryugasaki), based within the city's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (4264-1 Kanmachi, Ryugasaki City / tel. 0297-62-1444), publishes a "Croquette Map" listing member shops; the 10th edition is the September 2024 (Reiwa 6) version. An English-language version of the map has also been produced.
• Public facility where you can buy them: Ryugasaki City Tourism and Products Center (645-1 Sanuki-cho, Ryugasaki City, Kantetsu Sanuki Building 2, south side of the 1st floor / tel. 0297-94-1093). Open 10:00-18:00 on weekdays and 10:00-17:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Closed every Monday (the following day when Monday is a public holiday) and from January 1 to 3. It sells local specialties including croquettes.
• Access: The center is inside the station building in front of Ryugasakishi Station on the JR Joban Line.

Note: Opening hours and prices at individual shops vary from shop to shop.

(Sources: Ryugasaki City official website; Croquette Club Ryugasaki (Ryugasaki City Chamber of Commerce and Industry) official website)

Information Sources

This article is compiled from Ibaraki Prefecture tourism guidance and information published by each shop. Prices and menus differ by shop and are subject to change, so please check the official information of each shop for details.

Sightseeing Checklist

• Budget guide: Affordable per piece; also well suited to eating as you stroll
• Where to eat them: Butcher shops and delicatessens in the shopping streets of Ryugasaki City
• Recommended time of day: Time your visit to when they come out of the fryer; they can sell out in the evening
• Avoiding the crowds: Lines can form during festivals and events; it is efficient to split your visit across several shops
• Enjoy it together with: A tasting tour with the Croquette Map in hand, and a walk through Ryugasaki's shopping streets