Fukushima's first store opening! Hokkaido's popular takoyaki brand "Nakayoshi-ya" moves into Sukagawa, enjoy Rausu-style boiled octopus and shrimp yakisoba all at once.

If you're already a fan of Japanese street food, this new shop opening in Fukushima might make you want to specifically add it to your itinerary. Nakayoshi-ya's Sukagawa branch, specializing in takoyaki and ebi-yaki (shrimp-grilled skewers), will officially open on April 17, 2026, in Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. This marks the brand's first foray into Fukushima. For those looking to enjoy takeaway snacks in Japan that aren't just the common flavors found in tourist areas, but rather something more unique and interesting with local appeal, this shop is worth paying attention to.

The popular takoyaki brand that started in Sapporo has now come to Fukushima for the first time.

Chukichiya first expanded in Hokkaido. The official explanation states that the brand has now expanded to multiple locations, with a key characteristic being long queues during the initial opening period. This time, the Sukagawa store is located at 142 Nakanomachi, Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, within the parking lot of Big Tsubame Sukagawa, and is designed for convenient takeaway purchases. For travelers driving themselves, this location is actually very practical, as they can easily purchase a box to take with them on their journey.

The main selling point is the boiled octopus from Rausu, Hokkaido.

Unlike typical takoyaki shops, Chu Kichi Ya specifically emphasizes that the octopus they use comes from Rausu Town in Hokkaido, and is processed using the traditional "hama-ni" method by local octopus fishermen. The official copy repeatedly highlights that the octopus is "large and thick, yet still tender." This approach indeed easily differentiates itself from the common small, chewy octopus balls. For travelers, this is also its most worthwhile aspect: what you taste isn't just the sauce and batter, but the actual octopus itself, with a tangible presence you can sink your teeth into.

Furthermore, the batter used by the restaurant is not arbitrarily set. It's made with Hokkaido wheat called "Sarasa" mixed with bonito broth, aiming for a smoother texture and a lighter, refreshing taste. This ensures the overall flavor isn't just dominated by the rich sauce, but allows for a better balance between the octopus and the batter itself to be appreciated.

The signature flavor is "Famous Salted Takoyaki."

If it's your first time trying Chuukiya, the most recommended item to try first is their signature Salt Takoyaki. This dish uses salt called "Rauship" made from Rausu deep-sea water. It has a straightforward style that allows you to directly taste the freshness of the octopus itself. Compared to takoyaki with heavy sauces, the salt-flavored version allows you to better appreciate the differences in the ingredients and aligns more with the brand's intended Hokkaido origin impression. The Sukagawa branch's signature Salt Takoyaki is priced at 590 yen for 8 pieces.

Besides takoyaki, ebi-yaki is another star attraction.

Chukyūya doesn't just sell takoyaki. Another distinctive aspect of the brand is that they also sell "ebi-yaki" (shrimp-yaki), which replaces the octopus with shrimp. This gives customers who don't eat octopus or simply prefer the texture of shrimp a clear choice. From a product design perspective, this actually makes it easier to expand the customer base than many snack shops that focus on a single main ingredient. It's also more fun for families, students, and friends to share.

Shrimp yakis are available in salted, soy-glazed, cheese, teriyaki mayonnaise, and mentaiko mayonnaise versions. The signature salted shrimp yakis are 700 yen for 8 pieces, the house-special soy-glazed shrimp yakis are 790 yen for 8 pieces, and the most luxurious cheese version is 950 yen. If you and your travel companions want to eat octopus and shrimp respectively, the shop also offers a "Chukichi Mori" mix of 4 pieces of each. The salted flavor is 810 yen and the soy-glazed flavor is 900 yen, making it very practical.

The menu prices aren't too high, making it suitable for a light meal or snack during your travels.

Based on currently available public information, product prices at the Sukagawa store generally range between 590 and 950 yen. In addition to the signature salt flavor for takoyaki, there are also flavors like their original rich sauce, cheese, teriyaki mayonnaise, and mentaiko mayonnaise. The shrimp crackers have a similar structure. Overall, the price range is still considered relatively affordable for Japanese takeaway snacks, and it doesn't become overly inaccessible just because it's a popular brand.

If you were planning a free and easy trip to Fukushima, this kind of shop would be perfect for filling in gaps in your itinerary. For example, it's convenient for satisfying a craving in the afternoon, picking up a late-night snack before heading back to the hotel, or when a group wants to share different flavors. It's not necessarily the type of place you'd make a special trip for, but if you happen to pass by, it's definitely the kind of shop worth stopping at to buy a box.

Brands become popular easily because the key lies in the "octopus + shrimp" dual protagonists.

Zhong Ji Wu has a very accurate brand positioning. Takoyaki is originally a staple Japanese street food, but not everyone is particularly fond of octopus; shrimp is an ingredient with wider acceptance. Putting these two elements into the same brand essentially gives consumers the choice and makes the store more than just a "takoyaki shop," but rather a takeaway snack shop that can satisfy different taste preferences simultaneously. This is also one of the reasons why it easily sparks discussion on social media. Although this point involves speculation, it is consistent with the current publicly available menu design.

Store Information

Shop Name: Nakayoshiya Sukagawa Store (Takoyaki & Ebi-yaki Nakayoshiya Sukagawa Store)
Address: Fukushima Prefecture, Sukagawa City, Nakanomachi 142, within the Big Tsubame Sukagawa store parking lot
Opening Day: April 17, 2026
Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (while supplies last)
Holidays: No fixed days off, closed for New Year holidays
Phone: 050-8884-3820
Price range: ¥590 - ¥950
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/takotoebiyaki_nakayoshiya

Conclusion

If you enjoy Japanese street food and want to try a new brand of takoyaki that's more unique than the common chain offerings, then Nakayoshiya is a name worth remembering. They integrate elements like Hokkaido Rausu-hama boiled octopus, ocean deep-sea salt, and Hokkaido wheat into their takoyaki. Additionally, their dual star concept featuring shrimp yaki sets them apart from typical takoyaki shops, giving them greater recognition. This Sukagawa branch, being the first in Fukushima, is a new option that locals and tourists in Fukushima can easily add to their list of must-visit places.