Chiikawa Park Kurimanju Shijimi Miso Soup Monaka Review: How to Make It and What It Tastes Like

If you are looking for a unique souvenir from Chiikawa Park in Tokyo, the Kurimanju Shijimi Miso Soup Monaka is one of the most memorable choices.

At first glance, it looks like an adorable Kurimanju-shaped Japanese wafer. Inside, however, you will find instant miso soup filled with shijimi clams and green onions.

I bought it as a souvenir and was pleasantly surprised by how authentic and flavorful the soup tasted. It is not just cute—the miso soup itself is genuinely delicious.

In this review, I will show you what is inside the box, how to prepare it, what it tastes like, and whether it is worth buying as a Chiikawa Park souvenir.

Product availability, price, packaging, and ingredients may change. Please check the latest information at Chiikawa Park when you visit.

What Is the Kurimanju Shijimi Miso Soup Monaka?

The official Japanese product name is:

Chiikawa Park Kurimanju Shijimi-jiru Monaka
（ちいかわパークくりまんじゅうしじみ汁もなか）

Monaka is a traditional Japanese wafer made from glutinous rice. It is usually filled with sweet red bean paste, but this version contains instant shijimi clam miso soup.

Shijimi are small freshwater clams commonly used in Japanese miso soup. They add a rich, savory flavor to the broth.

The box features Kurimanju holding a bowl of steaming shijimi miso soup. Its brown-and-cream color scheme is cute without looking too childish, making it suitable as a gift for both adults and children.

Product Information

Product information	Details
Product name	Chiikawa Park Kurimanju Shijimi Miso Soup Monaka
Japanese name	ちいかわパークくりまんじゅうしじみ汁もなか
Price	¥1,200 including tax
Quantity	2 individually wrapped pieces
Net weight	24.6g total—12.3g per piece
Water required	Approximately 150ml per serving
Calories	40 kcal per serving
Storage	Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity
Allergens listed	Milk, mackerel, and soybeans

The allergen information above is based on the package I purchased. Always check the current packaging yourself, especially if you or the person receiving the gift has food allergies.

What Is Inside the Box?

The box contains two individually wrapped Kurimanju-shaped monaka wafers.

Kurimanju’s face, arms, legs, and other small details are carefully molded into the wafer. It is much more three-dimensional than a printed character snack and almost feels too cute to eat.

Each monaka contains the ingredients needed to make one serving of shijimi miso soup.

Because the wafers are individually wrapped, you do not have to use both at once. You can enjoy one yourself and save the other for later or share it with a family member.

How to Make Kurimanju Shijimi Miso Soup Monaka

The soup is easy to prepare, but there is one important step: remove the soup mixture from inside the monaka before adding the wafer to the bowl.

Instructions

Carefully make a small hole in the back of the Kurimanju monaka.
Empty the miso soup mixture from inside the wafer into a bowl.
Add approximately 150ml of boiling water.
Stir well until the miso has completely dissolved.
Gently place the Kurimanju monaka on top of the soup.
Wait for the wafer to soften slightly, then enjoy.

The monaka is delicate, so make the hole slowly and avoid pressing too hard.

For the best presentation, dissolve the miso first and place Kurimanju on top at the very end. This helps the character keep its shape long enough for you to take a photo.

Be careful when handling boiling water. A bowl and spoon are not included with the product.

Taste Review: Surprisingly Authentic Shijimi Miso Soup

Once the hot water is added, pieces of shijimi clam and green onion spread throughout the bowl.

The soup had more ingredients than I expected from a character souvenir. The shijimi flavor was noticeable, and the broth had a satisfying savory taste.

Character-themed food is sometimes more about appearance than flavor, but this miso soup was genuinely delicious. It tasted much more authentic than I expected from an instant souvenir product.

The monaka wafer also adds an interesting texture.

At first, it is light and slightly crisp. As it absorbs the soup, it gradually becomes soft and blends into the broth. The mild roasted flavor of the wafer works well with the miso soup.

Watching the adorable Kurimanju float in the bowl is also part of the fun. It is a souvenir that you can enjoy from the moment you open the box until the last spoonful.

Is It a Good Chiikawa Park Souvenir?

Yes. I think this is an excellent choice for both yourself and other people.

It is especially suitable for:

Kurimanju fans
Visitors looking for a savory Chiikawa souvenir
People who do not want another sweet or cookie
Fans who value both appearance and taste
Anyone looking for a unique Japanese food souvenir
Friends or family members who enjoy miso soup

Many Japanese souvenirs are sweets, so an instant miso soup makes a refreshing alternative.

It can also be stored at room temperature, which makes it relatively easy to take home after your trip. However, the monaka wafer is fragile, so it should be packed carefully.

Tips for Taking It Home

Keep the Box Away From Heavy Luggage

Monaka wafers can crack or break when pressure is applied to the box.

Do not place the package underneath heavy shopping bags or at the bottom of your suitcase. If you are flying home, pack it between soft clothing or place it in a protected section of your carry-on luggage.

Check Food Import Rules

If you plan to take this product outside Japan, check the food import rules for your destination country before traveling.

Regulations concerning seafood, dried ingredients, and processed food vary by country. You may also need to declare food products when passing through customs.

Chiikawa Park Is Cashless

Chiikawa Park does not accept cash. Credit cards, transportation IC cards, and selected digital payment methods are accepted.

Make sure you have a suitable cashless payment method before visiting.

Important Information Before Eating

The Monaka Can Break Easily

The shape and material make the wafer fragile. Small cracks or chips may occur during transportation, so handle the package carefully.

Be Careful of Small Shell Fragments

The package explains that the shijimi clams have been processed, but small pieces of shell may occasionally remain.

Eat carefully and check the soup if necessary.

Check the Allergy Label

The product I purchased listed the following allergens:

Milk
Mackerel
Soybeans

Ingredients and manufacturing information can change. Always check the current package instead of relying only on online information.

Where Can You Buy It?

The Kurimanju Shijimi Miso Soup Monaka is sold as an original Chiikawa Park food item.

Chiikawa Park is located in the Sunshine City Annex building in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Admission tickets must be purchased in advance, so plan to shop for souvenirs during your scheduled visit.

The park’s shops sell a variety of exclusive merchandise and food products that are only available at Chiikawa Park.

Stock can change, and popular products may sell out. Check the official Chiikawa Park goods page and official social media accounts before your visit if this item is one of your priorities.

Final Verdict: Cute, Delicious, and Uniquely Japanese

The Chiikawa Park Kurimanju Shijimi Miso Soup Monaka combines an adorable character design with authentic Japanese flavor.

Preparing it is also part of the experience: make a hole in the monaka, empty the soup mixture into a bowl, add hot water, and finally float Kurimanju on top.

I was especially impressed by the strong shijimi flavor and the amount of ingredients in the soup. It was not simply a cute novelty product—it was a genuinely enjoyable bowl of miso soup.

If you are visiting Chiikawa Park and want a souvenir that is different from the usual cookies and sweets, this is definitely worth checking out.

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