If you grew up in the nineties and early noughties there’s no doubt you got caught up in the Pokémon craze. It has had a serious resurgence recently with the release of Pokémon GO, new episodes and new games. If you’re a fan, you no doubt have a dream to visit the home of Pokémon, Japan.
Pokémon is literally everywhere throughout the country and there’s something for everyone. Here are 6 must-see attractions in Japan for Pokémon lovers!
Pokémon Centers
Just like in the game, most major Japanese cities have their very own Pokémon Centers where you can get all your Pokémon gear! They stock huge selections of plushies and all sorts of merchandise. They even do limited edition merch that coincide with in-game events. Check out a list of the Pokemon Centers around Japan on their website. https://www.pokemon.co.jp/shop/en/
Pokémon Café and Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café
In Tokyo and Osaka, you will some of the cutest cafés around, the Pokémon Café, where you will find adorable plates of food, desserts, and drinks in the shapes of all your favourite Poké-friends. If you’re wandering around Tokyo and find yourself in the Tokyo Sunshine City Specialty Store, you’ll find Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café. This takeaway café offers charming sweet treats fit for any Pokémon Trainer on their journey! There’s also a Pokémon Center there to stock up on your essentials! Find out more about the Pokémon Café and Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café on their websites.
Pokémon manhole covers
An incredibly unique and adventurous attraction that covers the country are the custom-painted manhole covers in the streets of Japan. The manhole covers are painted to represent your favourite Pokémon and some iconic scenes from the show! To make it easier to fill your Pokédex and see them all, the PokéLids website has a very handy map!
Pokémon room at Mimaru hotel
Really get into the Pokémon spirit and lay your head down at the end of a long day of Pokémon training in a room that wouldn’t look out of place in the show or games. With Pokéball motifs around the room, including the linen and crockery, you’ll really feel like you’re a part of the Pokémon world! Check out photos and locations on the Mimaru hotels website.
Pikachu Outbreak
What’s better than one Pikachu… how about thousands of Pikachu taking over the streets of the Yokohama Minato Mirai area! At Pikachu Outbreak, that’s exactly what you’re going to get. With performances by Pikachu against iconic backdrops and parades of adorable Pikachu and Eevee in the streets. The festival was cancelled the past couple of years due to the pandemic, but it will be back soon. Check out more information on their website.
Pokémon With You Train
Take in some incredible scenery in the Tochigi prefecture, approximately 100km from Tokyo, aboard East Japan Railway Company’s Pokémon With You Train! This two-car train, running between Ichinoseki and Kesennuma Stations, has something for everyone – with a conversation car for chatting and relaxing, and a playroom car for the kids to try their hand at being the conductor or playing with the other gadgets that surround the giant Pikachu in the middle! For more information on the train and its schedule, check out the JR-East website.
