Shuwa! the Ultra city Sukagawa【Great spots in Sukagawa neighborhood 】
Shuwa! the Ultra city Sukagawa
【Great spots in Sukagawa neighborhood 】
Visited on May 2022
Sukagawa City in Fukushima is the birthplace of director Eiji Tsuburaya, the legendary “god of special effects” and creator of Ultraman.
Here, we’ll introduce shops connected to Tsuburaya, exclusive Ultraman merchandise only available in Sukagawa, and plenty of insights into tokusatsu culture.
These spots are perfect for families with children—and, of course, a must-visit for any special effects (tokusatsu) fan! 🌟🦸♂️
Otakiya shrine
Get ultra item from the guardian of Sukagawa
Otakiya Shrine, the guardian shrine of Oshu Sukagawa, is known for its unique and unusual name. “Otaki” means “cooked rice for the gods,” inspired by the legend of the enshrined deity Takemi Yorime no Mikoto, who cooked rice as an offering to the gods—a rare practice in Shinto rituals.
When Tameuji Nikaido, lord of Sukagawa Castle, enshrined the Shinshu Suwa deity here as well, the shrine became affectionately known by locals as “Osuwa-sama.”
Otakiya Shrine is also steeped in literary history: the famous poet Matsuo Basho visited during his journey described in Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Interior), making it a site of both cultural and historical significance. ⛩✨
Get lucky with Ultraman, Ultraman Seven and monster charms!
For ten years, purple and red Ultraman amulets have been sold here, and last autumn a new pastel blue, gender-neutral amulet was added to the collection.
Stylish Baltan Seijin amulets feature silver embroidery, while white-and-gold Kanegon amulets are said to bring luck with money.
You can also write your wishes on Ultraman and Ultraman Seven Ema—perfect for exams, competitions, or any important challenge! 🌟🦸♂️
Various lucky charm: 800 yen each
Great gift for yourself or for others! Birthday Goshuin stamp
The design of paper changes every two months. Get it together with seasonal Goshuin stamps!
Birthday Goshuin stamp: 900 yen
Otakiya shrine
Address: 45-1 Suwamachi, Sukagawa, Fukushima
Tel: 0248-73-2877
Opening hours: 9:00~16:30
Bakery ‘Tamakiya’
Ultra bread and baked sweets make ultra souvenirs !
Bakery Tamaki-ya is a beloved bakery located in front of the Kanegon monument along Taimatsu Street.
When the store was renovated, they began displaying the impressive collection of Ultraman and Kanegon statues that the second-generation president had gathered over many years. A majestic collection of finger puppets is also showcased on a handmade display stand, each labeled with the character’s name—showing the president’s deep passion for these beloved heroes.
And of course, the bakery’s handmade bread carries that same love for Ultraman! Each loaf is carefully crafted, with attention to how it will rise and bake, faithfully reflecting the design of the original characters. 🍞🦸♂️✨
Ultra delicious sweets for friends and families
Ultaraman shortbread
Ultraman cookies
Dorayaki with a cute Ultraman illustration on it. You can choose flavour from red bean paste, red bean and butter or cream.
Bakery Tamaki-ya
Address: 17-1 Nakamachi, Sukagawa, Fukushima.
Opening hours: 10:00~18:30
Closed on wednesdays and fourth sunday of every month.
Ultraman shop SHOT M78 Otsuka-ya
A treasure trove of Ultraman and Godzilla merch in the birthplace of director Eiji Tsuburaya
SHOT M78 Otsuka-ya is located near the Pigmon statue on Taimatsu Street, which is lined with statues of heroes and monsters.
Step inside and you’ll be greeted by iconic Ultraman music, including tunes from Ultra Q. The store is packed with Ultraman goods, including M78 items, and children will be captivated by the finger puppets and figures of countless characters.
Sukagawa City–exclusive Ultraman merchandise makes for a perfect souvenir for visitors. Rare Godzilla and Ultraman collectibles, passed down from other toy stores and enthusiasts, are also available—making this truly a dream shop for tokusatsu fans! 🦸♂️🎶✨
In one corner of the store, you’ll find a small exhibition dedicated to director Eiji Tsuburaya. See photos of him as a young man, his unique autograph—once nicknamed “Ski-Boy”—and a diorama of the miso storehouse where he crafted model airplanes as a child.
The store also features miniature sets that you can photograph and interact with freely, letting you step into the world of Eiji Tsuburaya and experience the magic of his creativity firsthand! 🎬✨
《SHOT M78 Otsukaya》Just between us…
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The shop owner, Makoto Tsuburaya, is the grandson of Eiji Tsuburaya’s uncle, and he grew up alongside Eiji like a true brother.
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Even before Sukagawa officially pursued a sister city relationship with Ultraman’s hometown—the M78 Nebula Land of Light—local volunteers were already celebrating Godzilla, Ultraman, and director Eiji Tsuburaya, starting around the time the airport opened.
Ultaman shop SHOT M78 Otsukaya
Address: 14 Nakamachi, Sukagawa, Fukushima
Opening hours: 10:00~17:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Tel: 0248-73-2488
Coffee shop Otsuka-ya
Relaxing space filled by home-roasted authentic coffee aroma
After picking up your favorite Ultraman items, there’s a perfect spot to take a break: Coffee Shop Otsuka-ya, located just behind the Ultraman shop!
The shop was opened in 2001 by Mr. Makoto Tsuburaya, who grew up watching his father run a coffee shop and followed in his footsteps. Here, you can enjoy coffee beans sourced from around the world, rich home-roasted cold brew, and aromatic flannel-drip coffee.
The calm and cozy atmosphere is perfect for relaxing while enjoying hot dogs, toast, scrambled eggs for breakfast, hearty lunch options, or seasonal desserts like classic gateau chocolat and fresh strawberry cheesecake. Kids will love the locally made Sukagawa apple juice!
Treat your taste buds and your stomach—enjoy a lovely, relaxing time at Coffee Shop Otsuka-ya. ☕🍰✨
Morning menu
Lunch of the day
To sell freshly roasted beans, they roast every 2-3 days.
It is a must to take pictures at the Eiji Tsuburaya’s birthplace monument in the alley next to the shop.
Otsukaya Coffee shop
Address: 15 Nakamachi, Sukagawa, Fukushima
Tel: 0248-73-2488
Opening hours: 8:00~20:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Parking available (Up to 10 vehicles)
SheiShei Ramen Shoki
Try classical ramen served in an original Ultraman bowl!
It’s been 16 years since this ramen shop opened in front of Sukagawa Arena, after the owners trained at Shei Shei Ramen in Kagamiishi Town.
At Shei Shei Ramen Shoki, every bowl of ramen is served in a special Ultraman bowl! These bowls are so popular that customers from as far away as Okayama have even ordered them by phone.
The rich yet gentle ramen broth is loved by everyone—from children to elders. Bring the whole family and enjoy a delicious meal together! 🍜🦸♂️✨
Great news for Shio ramen lovers! Light and delicious Shio ramen
Over ten years ago, ramen demand among office workers fell sharply during the financial crisis. To adapt, the owner created elder-friendly Shio Ramen. The thin noodles are smooth and easy to eat, while the soup delivers rich umami from a carefully blended mix of three kinds of salt.
The shop also takes great care with its char siu pork, using locally sourced pork belly that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, as well as soft chicken breast char siu. You can even compare the two types and enjoy their distinct flavors side by side. 🍜✨
Shio ramen
Beyond your imagination! Tomato ramen
Tomato Ramen is packed with fresh vegetables and a rich, flavorful soup made from a blend of tomato puree and ketchup.
Topped with bean sprouts, carrots, and Chinese cabbage, it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty serving of vegetables. The cherry tomato on top adds a pop of color and makes the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious! 🍅🍜✨
Tomato ramen
The owner also throws unique events such as a challenge where you can finish the super spicy ramen in 10 minutes.
Shei Shei Ramen Shoki
Address: 101 NY building, 123-1 Ushibukuro machi, Sukagawa, Fukushima
Tel: 0248-72-2402
Opening hours:
-Weekdays: 11:00~15:00/ 17:00~21:00
-Weekend, Holidays: 11:00~21:00
(Shop might close early when everything sell out)
Closed on Mondays *Open only between lunchtime If Monday is a public holiday.
Parking available (Up to ten vehicles)