"Calling all Ultraman enthusiasts or those with a bit of time to spare! Venturing to this Shoshigaya station, nestled a bit of a distance from Shinjuku, is like stepping into a hidden Ultraman haven. The quaint stroll through the charming small streets, adorned with iconic Ultraman figures, adds a unique touch to the experience.
However, as much as I reveled in the nostalgic ambiance, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment. While the Ultraman presence is undeniably delightful, it seems like there's a missed opportunity to transform this gem into a bustling tourist spot. Perhaps the local authorities are cautious about allocating more funds to this ward, hindering its full potential.
Imagine the possibilities – interactive exhibits, themed events, or even a cozy Ultraman café. The station has the potential to be a captivating destination for fans and tourists alike, offering more than just a stroll down memory lane.
Despite the untapped potential, my visit was a pleasant nod to Ultraman nostalgia. With a bit of visionary investment, this could easily become a must-visit spot. Here's hoping for future enhancements that elevate this station to the legendary status it...
Read moreI'd never heard of Ultraman before coming to Japan; it is more well-known in Asia. Soshigayaokura is a shrine to people's nostalgia for the series. Although it means nothing to me, I can sense the enthusiasm that many people have. There are various full-size figures of Ultraman, a couple of them of him standing with hands on hips (the first one you'll see is right outside the railway station), some statues of the monsters and Ultraman themed lampposts (most with cards from the series on display). There're also a couple of Ultraman shops with merchandise. Every now and then, you'll see other bits n bobs relating to the series (a gatcha-gatcha machine, some sweets in the tea shop, a themed bottle of sake, etc). If this is your cup of...
Read moreSoshigaya-Okura aka Ultra Town. The station was adorned with Ultramen posters and upon exiting, we soon found one Ultraman statue. There were plenty of Ultramen flags on the streets. Ok, so we walked over to Toho Studios where there was a nice man-sized statue of Godzilla but it’s not a visitor centre. Hmmm. There’s also a cafe called Cafe Melody that sells Ultramen figurines and some dessert. Alas folks, this is it. For a pretty long trip to get here, it was a waste of time and complete emotional damage for Ultraman fans like myself....
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