Our Ultimate Guide to Japan for Pokémon Lovers!
- Published on : 21/03/2026
- by : Joshua
- Youtube
Pikachu plushes
@Rawpixel, CC0
Pokémon, the most successful media franchise in history, calls Japan home, making the island nation a must-visit destination for fans! Take a look at our guide to Japan with the amazing world of Pokémon in mind, written for fans, by fans.
Pokémon as a franchise really needs no introduction. The fact that it is the highest-earning media franchise in history is evidence of that, and with such success, there are truly countless fans around the world.
Of course, while Pokémon really has transcended cultural boundaries to be as internationally recognized as it has, the franchise sees its roots and largest market in Japan, of course. Because of this, Japan is the number one destination for true Pokémaniacs. Take a look at our guide to traveling around Japan with a focus on this iconic franchise, written by Pokémon fans for Pokémon fans.
From starters to evolutions
Pokémon first debuted in the form of Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Green Version for the original Nintendo Game Boy. The two games were released on February 27th, 1996 in Japan and were created by Satoshi Tajiri, who was inspired by his childhood hobby of bug-collecting, a common pastime for young children in the Japanese countryside.
The games would make their way to overseas markets in 1998, and what followed was a craze unlike any other. Into the modern day, the Pokémon media franchise has expanded into television, movies, card games, collectibles, and other merchandising and, into its 30th year (in 2026), is as popular as ever amongst all ages and demographics, with its 10th generation of games and characters on their way.
Original Pokemon games from Gen 1 to Gen 6
@Adam Purves on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Japan for Pokémon Lovers
While the franchise is internationally beloved and recognized, Japan is where it all began for Pokémon, and even now its presence is basically inescapable. It’s for this reason that fans of Pokémon often have Japan at the top of their list for destinations to visit.
However, there is a very real possibility that for these fans, there may be too much Pokémon in Japan to take in, where it can be difficult to know where to even start. Take a look at our suggestions for Pokémon-themed fun and enjoyment for your next trip out!
Pikachu Outbreak!
@YOSHIKAZU Takada on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Retail and Merchandise
Pokémon can no longer be described simply as a “video game” these days, as its presence as a franchise goes well beyond, with products of almost all kinds being produced or branded with signature characters. As of 2026, including all variations such as regional forms, Mega-evolutions and Dynamax forms, there are 1,164 different Pokémon within the series’s universe, all of which will find their way in merchandising someway or another. Take a look at some of the best shopping options to stock up on some of the best Pokemon products available in Japan!
Pokémon Center Stores
The ultimate retail spot for Pokémon, Pokémon Center retail stores are owned and operated by The Pokémon Company. They offer a medley of different products, from the video games themselves to card packs and card accessories to plushies to clothing to stationery and more!
Staff are often dressed in uniforms relevant to the relevant games at that time and original music from the soundtrack rings through the store. Truly, the Pokémon Center shops represent the franchise’s strong reach and presence, offering products that embody the character of the series well while simultaneously being tasteful and quite timeless.
Pokemon Center Osaka
@Millethills on Wikimedia, CC0 1.0
Pokemon Center Shibuya Parco
@江戸村のとくぞう on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Kutani from Pokemon Center Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Soft and adorable plush dolls are on display alongside fashionable earrings as well as nerd-savvy collectible goods, and different locations throughout the country boast different themes and mascot Pokémon! Examples of such are below:
- Pokémon Center SKYTREE TOWN (Tokyo): Opened in 2016, the legendary sky Pokémon Rayquaza and its fearsome mega-evolution variant are the mascots for this location.
- Pokémon Center Shibuya Parco (Tokyo): One of the most prominent locations with a lifelike installation of Mewtwo as he was in the series’s first full-length movie.
- Pokémon Center Kanazawa (Ishikawa): A smaller location nearby Kanzawa Station, a lifesize statue of the beautiful water Pokémon Milotic is the centerpiece. An exclusive Pikachu plush doll dressed in an elaborate Kimono is one of the most popular products
- Pokémon Center Osaka (Shinsaibashi): This Pokémon Center has the Legendary Bird Trio of Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos as its mascot.
These are just a few examples, as there are more than 20 permanent Pokémon Center locations throughout the country. New ones open up quite often, as well, with great efforts to tie local culture to the marketing. For example, when the Pokémon Center in Kanazawa opened, a limited run of ceramics featuring the Pokémon Milotic was on sale, crafted by local artisans in the traditional Kutani style that is local to the area.
Currently, Pokémon cards are seeing a huge surge in popularity. Pokémon Centers will, naturally, have the initial stock for new sets, but due to demand, often will have daily product limits per customer. But for avid collectors, getting them right from the source is always a great option.
Book your train tickets to these different destinations!
Pokémon Cafes
Many know Japan loves its character-themed cafes, and Pokémon is really the perfect franchise to feature something of this sort. There are two permanent Pokémon Café locations in Japan, one in Tokyo, connected to the Pokémon Center Shimbashi DX location, and one in Osaka, connected to the Pokémon Center Osaka Shinsaibashi location.
The seasonal menu for these cafes features cute references to the series’ characters, both well-known and for more savvy fans. Curries with rice colored and shaped like Pikachu, Eevee, and Snorlax are available as well as cute parfaits and refreshments like Moo Moo Milk and smoothies. One of our personal favorites is the matcha set served in drinkware shaped like Poltchageist and Sinistcha!
Of course, there is exclusive merchandise at these cafes as well that isn't even available at the connected Pokémon Center. And to answer your question, yes, that includes an adorable plushy of Pikachu in a chef’s hat.
Reservations are required to go to these cafes and can be done online. Be aware though, they are in high demand, but for good reason! For any Pokémon lover, a visit to one of the cafes will be one of the more memorable experiences for their Japan trip!
Tour around some of Japan's best cities with help from our guides!
Card shops and other retail
Trading cards are a huge hobby in Japan, and the Pokémon card game is far and away the most popular one. There are dedicated card shops throughout the country in different towns and cities that sell products such as packs, boxes, single cards and more! There’s a selection of card game-relevant options, such as staple Pokémon cards and trainer cards, though the selection will likely be all in Japanese.
There’s also plenty of older product for collectors. Depending on the shops, some may specialize in high-end graded offerings, while others more everyday, raw singles.
In Tokyo, neighborhoods with the most card shops include Ikebukuro, Akihabara, and Nakano. Going to these neighborhoods for cards specifically entails stopping by multiple locations and perusing different shops' offerings. In Osaka, Ota-Dori in Nipponbashi will see the highest concentration of card shops!
A lot of anime goods stores will also sell Pokémon-related goods other than cards. Figures, rarer plushies, and other products will be available in abundance! One of our personal favorite spots for these kind of things is the retro-rich Nakano Broadway mall in Nakano, Tokyo.
Pokemon Cards
@Japan Experience
Stay at our accommodation in Ikebukuro and Nakano!
Promotions and Collaborations
Pokémon really runs through the veins of Japanese pop culture, to the point where it has intersected with everything from food marketing to the promotion of local governments! Hunting for or just stumbling on these is an adventure on its own when traveling in Japan!
Pokémon-themed Manhole Covers (PokéLids)
First introduced in 2018 by The Pokémon Company as part of the “Pokémon Local Acts” initiative, these decorative covers feature unique artwork of Pokémon characters and are installed in cities and towns across the country.
Each design is one-of-a-kind and often reflects the character or environment of its location, encouraging visitors to explore different regions while hunting for the covers. Today, hundreds of Pokéfuta (PokéLids) can be found nationwide, turning ordinary infrastructure into playful public art and popular photo spots for both fans and travelers.
PokeLid in Kyoto
@nekotank on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Prefectures with Pokémon Mascots
Many prefectures in Japan have adopted specific Pokémon as their mascots, often reflecting their local culture and attractions! Visiting these prefectures makes for a great way to enjoy yourself as a Pokémon fan while also exploring parts of the country you may not initially think of!
Here are a few examples of prefectures with Pokémon mascots!
- Hokkaido: Vulpix and Alolan Vulpix
- Iwate: Geodude
- Miyagi: Lapras
- Fukushima: Chansey
- Fukui: Dragonite
- Mie: Oshawott
- Tottori: Sandshrew and Alolan Sandshrew
- Kagawa: Slowpoke
- Kochi: Quagsire
- Miyazaki: Exeggutor and Alolan Exeggutor
The background on a number of these is quite fun and interesting! For Iwate, the kanji for the prefecture (岩手) means “rock hands,” which Geodude has two of! The kanji for Fukushima (福島) means “lucky island,” and Chansey, being a Pokémon that represents good luck, fits this!
Kagawa Prefecture’s signature food is Udon, and Slowpoke’s name in Japanese, Yadon, sounds similar. And then Miyazaki Prefecture is one of the most southern prefectures in Japan with a tropical climate, perfect for Exeggutor and Alolan Exeggutor, who crave that sweet Alola sun!
Pokémon-themed Hotel Rooms
Throughout Japan, especially in the aforementioned prefectures with Pokémon mascots, specialized hotel rooms with Pokémon decorations and themes are available! In Kagawa Prefecture, a number of ryokans and hotels have Slowpoke rooms with pink decor and Slowpoke evolution line plushies!
The MIMARU Hotel Chains have dedicated Pokémon-themed rooms at select locations in Tokyo and Kyoto, some of which have a giant Snorlax plush doll, which is great for families or any passionate fans!
Many other options like these are available at different hotels, but be sure to book as early as possible since their unique premise makes them high in demand!
Travel across Japan with the JR Pass!
Want to visit these prefectures and see their Pokémon mascots? The JR Pass allows for unlimited travel across the wide-ranging Japan Railway network for 7, 14, or 21 days! Book your JR Pass to explore Japan in a whole new way!
Shinkansen at Mount Fuji
@waverider22 on Pixabay
Brand collaborations
Japan loves its seasonality and collaborations, and basically every major chain out here will release something Pokémon-themed sometime during the year. Here are some frequent collaborators and what they offer for Pokémon fans!
- Uniqlo: Graphic tees featuring Pokémon designs are a staple for this well-established purveyor of quality yet affordable clothing.
- Mister Donut: The popular doughnut chain often sells doughnuts shaped like beloved Pokémon like Pikachu and Eevee.
- All Nippon Airways: One of Japan’s premier airlines has a few airplanes in their fleet with Pokémon designs and decorations.
- McDonald’s Japan: The golden arches often also feature Pokémon collaborations with special toys and even exclusive cards and packs!
Pokemon doughnuts at Mister Donut
@Kyu3a on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Events and Activities
Throughout the year and in different parts of the country, different events of varying scale are held with Pokémon at their core! They range from game-centered to other forms of entertainment and amusement, all of which promote the essence of Pokémon: providing joy and fostering community around the franchise’s world and beloved characters!
Pokémon Day (February 27th, annually)
As mentioned before, the original Pokémon games were released on February 27th, 1996. Every year, the Pokémon Company commemorates these beginnings on this date, often with special announcements in regard to game releases as well as other events.
During this period and on the day of in Japan, Pokémon Centers will often have special promotions, giveaways, and stamp rallies, and different collaborations with different chains and shops will hit their stride.
Pokemon GO!, the mobile game created by Niantic, often has special events and promotions as well! For 2026, the 10th generation of games was announced as well as partnerships with the famous LEGO Brand!
Poke-Park Kanto
PokePark Kanto is based off of the first-ever Pokémon region from the initial games. For those who don’t know, the Kanto region of Pokémon is actually named after the actual Kanto region of Japan that includes Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures like Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, and others.
Opened in 2026 to commemorate the 30th anniversary, this Pokémon-themed amusement park is located inside Yomiuriland, a staple of inner-city Tokyo. Designed for fans of all ages, the park features themed zones inspired by different regions of the Pokémon universe, where visitors can see beloved characters from all regions (not just Kanto!), participate in mini-games, and explore detailed recreations of iconic settings
See our amusement park activities in Japan!
Japan is home to some of the world's best amusement parks! Book your tickets to these fun-filled attractions!
Fuji Q Highland main gate
@Wikimedia
Pokémon GO Fest/Pokémon GO Events
Held annually as part of the global celebration of Pokémon GO, Pokémon GO Fest in Tokyo is a vibrant, real-world event that transforms the city into an interactive playground for fans.
The 2026 edition takes place from May 29 to June 1 in the Tokyo waterfront area, with a main hub around Odaiba and additional gameplay spread across the city with tickets going for 4,000 yen.
Outside of GO Fest, however, Pokémon GO remains a popular app in Japan, with many users actively playing on the train and in parks. Going to popular PokeStops is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and maybe make a few friends with fellow PokéFans!
Pokemon GO in Ueno Park
@Dick Thomas Johnson on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Pokémon TCG Events
The world’s most popular trading card game (TCG) sees no shortage of following in Japan. Many card shops and venues in Japan host local tournaments, such as “Gym Battles,” where winners will often get special packs. Typically, these “Gym Battle” tournaments will be the easiest for foreign visitors to participate in.
Though local shops in Japan often require cards printed in Japanese, if it’s something that potential participants are able to do, signing up and participating is a great way to grow your TCG community and experience the competitive scene in one of the most game's most prominent markets!
Research online local shops and their tournament schedules as well as ones that may be more foreign-language friendly.
Pokemon TCG
@Japan Experience
Exhibitions and Galleries
Being such a prominent pop culture icon, special exhibitions with Pokémon themes and official endorsements are held throughout the country during any given time of the year. A few examples are as follows:
- POKEMON x KOGEI: A specialty art exhibition with works featuring prominent international and Japanese artists, reinterpreting motifs from the Pokémon franchise through traditional and fine art. Exclusive merchandise also available! Held in Hokkaido, Hiroshima, and Miyagi in 2026.
- Pokémon Fossil Museum: A highly popular traveling exhibition that blends the world of Pokémon with real-world paleontology. In 2026 it will be held at the Mie Prefectural Museum up until April 5th, 2026.
- Pokémon Astronomical Observatory: A space-themed exhibition that explores astronomy through Pokémon associated with the cosmos. The traveling exhibition is open until June 14th, 2026, at the Kenshin Koriyama Cultural Center in Fukushima Prefecture.
POKEMON x KOGEI
@Japan Experience
POKEMON x KOGEI
@Japan Experience
Exploring Japan and Exploring the Wonderful World of Pokémon
From bustling city streets to quiet countryside surprises, Japan offers Pokémon fans a journey that feels like stepping into the world of Pokémon itself. Whether you’re spotting a familiar Pikachu on a manhole cover, visiting themed attractions, or joining fellow Trainers at special events, every moment brings a new sense of discovery. As the home of the global phenomenon Pokémon, Japan blends nostalgia, creativity, and real-world adventure in a way no other destination can, making it a must-visit for anyone who’s ever dreamed of catching ’em all.
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