🔖 10 min read

A Pokemon tour is a great way to see Japan. If you’re a die-hard Pokemon fan, you wouldn’t want to miss the references all around. With our handy Pokemon guide and reliable connectivity from an eSIM to keep you connected every step of the way, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable journey through the ultimate Pokémon playground.

With the help of Jetpac, you’ll be able to experience Pokemon-related activities all around the nation. As a result, it has never been easier to get around Japan. You won’t miss a Pokestop, battle, or event as you move from city to city with an eSIM. You’ll be just like Ash Ketchum and his Pokedex on his famous trip through the Pokemon world. 

Get ready for the Pokemon tour! We’ll show you all the must-see Pokemon locations for fans of the beloved franchise. From Pokemon Go Labs, which are only available in Japan, to Pokemon Go Coordinates, which have the rarest Pokemon, let us tell you all about the most important sights.

Map Of A Pokemon Tour of Japan

Pokemon Centers in Japan

Japan Pokemon Centers are known for their complete Pokemon merchandise and life-sized Pokemon statues! Photo Credit: trip.pref.kanagawa.jp

Each Pokemon Center location has themed displays and store-exclusive goodies, making it a special experience. People really like the modern, high-tech interiors and fully stocked Pokemon merchandise at the Pokemon Center Tokyo DX and Pokemon Center Shibuya, in particular. 

Aside from shopping, there are a bunch of other activities you can do at a Pokemon Center. The Pokemon Centers also have life-size statues and wall decals that are great for taking pictures. Don’t miss a photo-op with the huge Mewtwo at Pokemon Center Shibuya Parco! Not only that, they typically also hold events and raffles within the centers, so if you’re lucky, you can join these gacha-style events. You can even learn to play the classic Pokemon Trading Card game here. The staff is very knowledgeable and will answer your questions about the game to the best of their ability. You can even play video games on Switch or Wii!

Our Complete List of All Pokemon Centers in Japan:

Tokyo Area

  • Pokemon Center Tokyo Mega: Located in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, this flagship location is a top tourist destination for Pokémon fans.
  • Pokemon Center Tokyo DX: Situated in Nihombashi Takashimaya, this center offers exclusive merchandise and is close to the heart of Tokyo’s shopping districts.
  • Pokemon Center Shibuya: Found on the sixth floor of Shibuya PARCO, it features a massive Mewtwo statue and is a must-visit for anyone in Tokyo.
  • Pokemon Center Skytree Town: Located within the Tokyo Skytree complex, this center provides great views and a memorable Pokémon shopping experience.

Kansai Region

  • Pokemon Center Osaka: Found in the Daimaru Umeda Store, this center offers Pokémon delights in the heart of Osaka.
  • Pokemon Center Osaka DX: Located in Shinsaibashi, this branch provides a sophisticated shopping experience in Osaka’s famous shopping district.
  • Pokemon Center Kyoto: Located in the KYOTO Economy Center, this center showcases Kyoto’s cultural heritage alongside exclusive Pokémon merchandise.

Kanto Region

  • Pokemon Center Yokohama: Housed in Marui City, Yokohama, near the bay. Yokohama also hosted the Pokemon World Championships 2023, making it a key destination for fans.

Other Regions

  • Pokemon Center Nagoya: Located in Sakae, Nagoya, this center provides a mix of historical charm and exclusive Pokémon items.
  • Pokemon Center Fukuoka: Found in JR Hakata City, this is a bustling stop for fans in Kyushu.
  • Pokemon Center Sapporo: Located in the Daimaru Sapporo Store, this is ideal for Pokémon fans visiting Hokkaido.
  • Pokemon Center Kanazawa: Recently opened in Kanazawa FORUS, serving fans in the Hokuriku region.
  • Pokemon Center Okinawa: The latest addition in Aeon Mall Okinawa, perfect for a tropical Pokémon experience.
YouTube video

Shop Pokemon Merch

As we said earlier, though, the star of these Pokemon Centers is all the merchandise you have access to. You definitely come to these stores in order to shop all things Pokemon!

Pokemon plushies come in many shapes and sizes and are the most popular things at these stores. You’ll be pleased to know that there’s everything from tiny charms to life-sized plushies, even a fabulous Snorlax that you can lay down on! All kinds of Pokemon merchandise are sold in these shops, but fans typically walk out with a plushie of their favourite little pocket monster! 

Click here to see the latest Pokemon merchandise released for the holiday season!

YouTube video

Pokemon Apparel

The Pokemon Centers around Japan offer a wide range of apparel to fans that come through its doors. Whether it be sweatshirts, sleepwear, or even souvenir jackets – all with Pokemon-themed print on them – they have something for every Pokemon fan out there. What makes some of these merchandise stand out is their attention to detail and style. You can wear these going out and you won’t look out of place! Gone are the days where weeb apparel sticks out like a sore thumb. You’ll look sleek and stylish in all of these clothing pieces.

With Christmas just around the corner, spot their Pokemon-themed Christmas Sweaters to welcome the holiday season!

What isn’t there to buy at a Pokemon Center? Photo Credit: jw-webmagazine

Pokemon Accessories & Collectables

Little knick knacks are available all across the Japan Pokemon Centers, too! Whether it be mugs, stickers, placemats, towels, or even skateboards – they have you covered. You can practically represent the Pokemon brand wherever you go. There are even bags, pins, keychains, folders, books, puzzles, and lighting fixtures with Pokemon-themed print ready for purchase.

Why not send a postcard back to your friends with all the Pokemon postcards or impress your parents with home improvement objects like welcome mats or garden statues, as well. 

Pokemon Cards

Don’t forget the official Pokemon Trading Card Game! Available here are all kinds of booster packs and even the game’s accessories. This is the ultimate candy store for wide-eyed Pokemon fans. You can have anything Pokemon-themed that you can think of, straight after a visit to a Pokemon center during your Pokemon tour. 

Pokemon Center Online

If you can’t go in person, the Pokemon Center Online offers another way to buy Pokemon merchandise remotely. 

Why visit a Pokemon Center in Japan?

The in-store experience, on the other hand, is unbeatable. You can see life-size Pokemon figures, talk to employees dressed as Pokemon characters, and soak up an energetic environment full of Pokémon fans from all over the world.

These Pokemon Center locations are easy to get to by public transportation. For example, the Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo Ikebukuro nearest station is Ikebukuro Station at the JR Yamanote Line. This is only a few minutes walk away from the stop! 

Additionally, the Shibuya Pokemon Center is just a short stroll from Shibuya Station. It is a great place for tourists to stop while visiting the Hachiko statue and Shibuya crossing. Going to the Pokemon Center Osaka Umeda? It’s in Daimaru Umeda, and you can get there through Osaka Station.

Visiting the Pokemon Cafe in Tokyo

Visit a Pokemon Cafe for a once-in-a-lifetime Pokemon tour experience Photo Credit: Voyapon

Fans of Pokemon need to experience Pokemon Cafe Tokyo. At this one-of-a-kind cafe, you can have a memorable experience with special Pokemon-themed food and goods. Reservations are required for this cafe because places fill up quickly. In fact, if you checked the site right now, the next month is probably fully booked. Pokemon Cafe Osaka is in Shinsaibashi, similar to the one in Tokyo, but you may have better luck reserving at this locale. A trip to Osaka is typically not as trendy as a trip to Tokyo for tourists, so booking online should be easier!

Thanks to the cafe’s thoughtful interior, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the world of Pokemon. As soon as you walk in, staff members dressed as Pokemon figures will meet you. Also, the whole café is decorated with artwork and details related to Pokemon. Aside from the special food and unique merch, the Pokemon Cafe locations in Tokyo and Osaka provide an immersive experience for fans on a Pokemon Tour.

YouTube video

Pokemon Cafe Menu

One glance at the Pokemon Cafe menu, and you would do anything to secure a visit! The menu includes seasonal and themed meals based on your favourite Pokemon. Pikachu-shaped rice and various tasty sides like avocado potato salad and seafood gratin make the Pikachu Curry Plate a fan favourite. You should also try the Pikachu Soufflé Pancake, a fluffy treat served with fresh fruits and cream that looks especially great on Instagram!

As Eevee has evolved into different “Eeveelutions”, the Eevee Mixed Rice Plate is one in a colourful dish you shouldn’t miss. You can also get a Choose-Your-Pokemon Latte, which you can customize with your favourite Pokemon with latte art. The cuteness and taste of the Pokemon Cafe food make it a huge hit with its fans worldwide. The Pokemon Cafe Tokyo menu regularly rotates to include seasonal dishes and the latest lovable creatures from the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet editions, so each visit provides something new to try.

In addition to food, the experience has special Pokemon Cafe merchandise like plush toys and various Pokemon Cafe themed accessories. Additionally, many exclusives are only available at the cafe. Securing a visit is a great chance to cop exclusive Pokemon merchandise that the average tourist can’t.

Book a Pokemon Cafe Visit

Online reservations are required to visit Pokemon Cafe Tokyo. The Pokemon Cafe reservations page needs to be visited at least 31 days before your planned visit to guarantee your spot. That’s right—you must make your reservation before 8:00 AM on your visit. Reservations start at 6:00 PM JST, exactly 31 days in advance. If successful, you’ll get a confirmation email from @mail-pokemon-cafe.jp after making your reservation!

You should make separate reservations for groups bigger than six people under another email address. Remember that your groups should book under the same name and in a specific time slot. You’re more likely to sit next to each other if you do this. 

The Pokemon Cafe Tokyo reservation team will do their best to meet requests, but seats cannot be guaranteed.

Poke Lids: Discovering Pokemon Manhole Covers Across Japan

Pokemon manhole covers are stepping stones towards a Pokemon tour completion! Photo Credit: Timeout

Discovering the famous Pokemon manhole covers, also called Poke Lids, is another exciting part of a Pokemon Tour. These artsy pieces with different Pokemon designs were first implemented in Kagoshima in 2018. The cool story about these manhole covers is that they were created in order to attract tourists to less popular areas! 

Since then, they have expanded to many other commonly visited locations around Japan. Every pokelid is made to honour the area it’s in, with a different Pokemon picked to symbolise the essence of that region. Also called “Pokefuta” locally, there are pokelids all over Japan, but some of the most famous ones are in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Okinawa. 

Japanese Poke Lids bring Pokemon to life in public places, and fans of all ages will enjoy this treasure expedition! There are a bunch of these Pokefutas to see, so don’t forget to take photos of them to collect them like they’re gym badges while on your Pokemon tour.

Pokemon manhole covers around Kyoto bring out the tranquil charm of the tourist area Photo Credit: kura-in-japan

At Ueno Park, you’ll find covers featuring Wynaut, Tyrunt, and Bronzor, adding a playful touch to the park’s peaceful setting. In Machida, the manhole covers showcase classic first-generation Pokémon like Poliwag, Rattata, and Oddish, with fan-favorites Squirtle, Charmander, and Bulbasaur also making an appearance. Meanwhile, in Yokohama, the streets near Sakuragicho Station come alive with Pikachu, Psyduck, Machop, and Pelipper adorning the manholes.

Each Pokelid reflects the spirit of its location, creating a whimsical Pokémon trail across Japan. In Kyoto, for example, you’ll spot a Ho-oh cover that blends seamlessly with the city’s historic and traditional charm, while Okinawa embraces its tropical vibes with designs featuring Exeggutor. These covers don’t just beautify the streets—they also allow fans to feel like they’re stepping into the Pokémon world, making them an essential part of any Pokémon tour through Japan.

Pokemon GO: Best Coordinates for Pokemon GO in Japan

Pokemon GO Fest was held just this past year in Japan! Photo Credit: Pokémon GO Fest 2024

Pokemon GO, also called PoGo, is a game that’s been around for quite some time. It was revolutionary at the time – a way for people to get off their chairs and encourage them to go for a walk while playing the beloved franchise. 

Pokemon GO players will love Tokyo because it has many places to catch rare Pokemon, explore PokéStops, and fight in Gyms. You mustn’t miss these five best Pokemon GO locations in Tokyo:

Odaiba 

Because it has so many PokéStops and Gyms spread out over a large area, Odaiba is a great place to get Pokemon GO coordinates. It’s also a great place to catch many different Pokemon because it’s a picturesque spot for both tourists and local players. Odaiba is surrounded by Tokyo Bay and a few beaches; expect some water Pokemon in this area! You’ll bump classic Pokemon such as Psyduck, Horsea, and Staryu at Odaiba.

Akihabara

Tokyo’s tech and anime hub, Akihabara, is a crowd-pleasing area to find top Pokemon GO coordinates in Tokyo. It shouldn’t be difficult to explore this top Pokemon GO Coordinate, as you can play the game while being stimulated by the many recognisable sights and sounds of this neighborhood. Common catches around Electric City are Magnemite, Voltorb, and Porygon, which makes sense given the fast-paced and technology-driven city in Tokyo.

Shibuya Crossing

A landmark known worldwide, popular Pokemon like Eevee can be found here, and players can enjoy the lively environment. Imagine walking back and forth through the hectic crossing, one of the best coordinates in Tokyo for Pokemon GO. Occasionally, Pokemon GO treats tourists to a good old Pikachu and even a Charizard! This comes as no surprise since Shibuya is arguably the first thing you should check out the moment you have some free time in Japan.

Tokyo Tower

This famous spot in Tokyo has stunning panoramas and an unconventional method to catch Pokemon. Tokyo Tower’s Pokemon GO locations are especially crowd-pleasing with tourists who want to see the city skyline. On sunny days, visitors to the iconic Tokyo Tower may take in breathtaking views of the cityscape below, as well as Mount Fuji. This is a good Tokyo Pokemon GO coordinate since it sounds like you can catch a Ho-Oh here, similar to the location you catch it in Pokemon Gold!

Ueno Park

Beautiful scenery and the chance to find rare Pokemon make this a great Pokemon GO coordinate in Tokyo. In the springtime, visitors flock to Tokyo’s Ueno Park to see the cherry blossoms and enjoy the park’s many cultural attractions, which include a zoo, museums, and temples. As a top destination for cherry blossom season, it comes as no surprise that Ueno Park is a top Tokyo Pokemon GO coordinate. Visitors and locals alike love the park for its picturesque walks, tranquil ponds, and fun seasonal celebrations – what more alongside Lapras! Hopefully you see some Gyarados instead of a splash from a Magikarp, though.

Some of the best places in Japan to play and catch Pokemon are marked with these Pokemon GO coordinates in Tokyo. Whether or not you’re seeking a particular Pokemon or a fresh place to play, these coordinates will give you a memorable Pokemon GO experience in the city during your Pokemon tour.

Pokemon GO Lab

YouTube video

Another great Pokemon GO coordinate for another reason is the Pokemon GO Lab. 

It is part of Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro. The Pokemon GO Lab provides a one-of-a-kind experience for Pokemon GO players. This lab has life-sized figures of the game’s fan favourites, including Professor Willow and the team leaders. 

It also has interactive screens that show real game stats, like how many Pokémon are in the gym and which team has the greatest number of members. Here, you can even discuss more intricate elements of the game, such as the Pokemon GO evolution calculator. Crucial to the game’s mechanics are powering up the Pokemon you catch, evolving your newly caught Pokemon and calculating their CP or combat power, which is a topic of discussion among PoGo fans.

Players may meet other enthusiasts, browse limited goods, and even gather rare in-game items with their Pokemon GO friends. The Pokemon GO web store is another way players can enhance their gaming experience. With events like the 2024 Pokemon GO Fest attracting enthusiasts from all around Tokyo, the Pokemon GO Lab has become a centerpiece of Pokemon GO players on a tour. 

Final Words

Photo Credit: Forbes

Going on a Pokemon tour across Japan is the ultimate adventure. With Jetpac’s eSIM, you can stay connected and seamlessly navigate your trip. This indispensable tool allows you to navigate the streets of Japan while you explore famous spots like Pokemon Centers and themed Pokemon Cafes.

From busy Tokyo to peaceful Kyoto, the Jetpac eSIM lets you catch Pokemon, find PokéStops, and fight in Gyms without skipping a beat. The eSIM’s all-day connectivity keeps you online whether you’re looking for Pokemon GO friends or taking pictures with life-sized Pokemon statues and murals. It would be so cool to find Pokemon sewer covers all over Japan, each with a different Pokemon representing that place’s spirit.

Jetpac lets you access the whole Pokemon world in Japan, giving you a linked Pokemon tour experience you’ll never forget. That’s right—just like trainers travel across regions to catch them all, you’ll be able to discover, connect with, and make the most of every Pokemon stop along the way.