Japan is a dream destination for Pokémon fans. But did you know that playing Pokémon GO can also be a fun way to discover places you might otherwise miss?
From Pokémon-themed manhole covers hidden around the country to regional Pokémon, local parks, and special in-game events, there are plenty of reasons to open Pokémon GO during your Japan trip.
As a Japanese resident, I love how Pokémon connects the country’s pop culture with its local communities. You can hunt for Pokémon while exploring a historic city, take a detour to find a special Poké Lid, or visit a regional park dedicated to a Pokémon that represents the area.
In this guide, I’ll introduce some of the best ways to enjoy Pokémon GO in Japan, including regional Pokémon, Poké Lids, local sightseeing ideas, and practical tips for travelers.
1. Why Play Pokémon GO During Your Japan Trip?
Japan is the birthplace of Pokémon, so it’s already an exciting destination for fans of the franchise. But there’s more to discover than Pokémon merchandise and themed stores.
Explore Pokémon Stops, Gyms, and Gifts
As you walk around Japan, you’ll find PokéStops and Gyms featuring local landmarks, public art, and other interesting places. Some locations also feature official Pokémon-themed designs.
You can send Gifts to your friends featuring the places you’ve visited, making Pokémon GO a fun way to share little souvenirs from your trip without buying anything extra.
Keep an eye out for unique designs as you explore different neighborhoods and cities. They can become memorable digital souvenirs of your time in Japan.
Visit Pokémon GO Lab in Ikebukuro
If you’re visiting Tokyo, consider stopping by Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro.
The store is a major destination for Pokémon fans, and Pokémon GO Lab has been associated with the location as an official Pokémon GO space. It’s a particularly appealing stop for players who want to combine the game with a visit to a Pokémon Center.
You can also explore the surrounding Ikebukuro area, which has plenty of shopping, restaurants, and other anime and gaming attractions.
For more ideas, check out my guide to Pokémon Centers in Tokyo.
2. Regional Pokémon and Special Pokémon in Japan
One of the most exciting parts of playing Pokémon GO while traveling is the possibility of encountering Pokémon that are not normally available in your home region.
Pokémon You May Encounter in Japan
Farfetch’d is a classic example of a regional Pokémon associated with East Asia in Pokémon GO. Depending on the current game rules and events, international visitors may have an opportunity to encounter one while traveling in Japan.
However, regional Pokémon availability can change during special events, so don’t assume that every Pokémon associated with a particular region will always appear there.
Before your trip, check the official Pokémon GO news for the latest information about regional spawns, event bonuses, and special encounters.
Look Out for Special Pokémon Forms
Japan can also be an interesting destination for collectors interested in special Pokémon forms.
For example, Furfrou has several different trims, and the trims available to you can depend on your location or a particular event. The Kabuki Trim is especially associated with Japan in Pokémon GO’s regional form system, but its availability has varied with game updates and events.
If collecting special forms is one of your goals, check the current in-game options and official event announcements before making plans around a specific Pokémon.
My tip: Treat regional Pokémon as a fun bonus rather than the only reason to visit a destination. That way, you’ll still have a great trip even if the Pokémon you want isn’t currently available.
3. Discover Poké Lids Across Japan
If you’re looking for a uniquely Japanese Pokémon experience, don’t miss Poké Lids!
What Are Poké Lids?
Poké Lids, known in Japanese as Poké Futa (ポケふた), are colorful utility hole covers decorated with Pokémon artwork.
They can be found in towns and cities across Japan, often featuring Pokémon selected to represent the local area.
The official Pokémon Local Acts project even gives these manhole covers a playful backstory: the covers are said to mark places where Diglett has dug holes, with artists leaving pictures as signs of their discoveries.
It’s a charming idea, isn’t it?
Beyond their cute designs, Poké Lids are part of regional efforts to promote local attractions and encourage visitors to explore different parts of Japan.
Where Can You Find Poké Lids?
Poké Lids are installed in locations across Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south.
Some are easy to incorporate into a sightseeing day, while others can give you a reason to visit a destination you hadn’t considered before.
If you’re staying in Tokyo, you can find a Poké Lid in Ueno Park, making it a convenient stop while exploring one of the city’s best-known parks.
Other areas have particularly strong connections with Pokémon through regional promotion projects. These include Hokkaido, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Fukui, Mie, Kagawa, Kochi, Tottori, Nagasaki, and Okinawa.
The number and location of Poké Lids can change, so use the official Poké Lids map to find current locations and plan your route.
Turn Poké Lid Hunting into a Travel Adventure
Finding Poké Lids can be a sightseeing activity in its own right.
You might visit a park, explore a local shopping street, or take a short walk through a city you would otherwise have passed through. Each Poké Lid gives you another reason to stop, look around, and discover something new.
Some Poké Lids are also featured in Pokémon GO as in-game locations. Depending on the available features and current campaigns, you may be able to collect related Gifts or participate in special stamp-rally activities.
If you enjoy collecting them, you can turn your trip into a personal Poké Lid challenge!
For a more detailed introduction to these Pokémon-themed manhole covers, read my guide: Let’s Go on a Trip to Find Poké Lids in Japan.
4. Enjoy Pokémon GO Beyond Tokyo
Tokyo has plenty of places to play Pokémon GO, but Japan’s regional cities offer a different kind of adventure.
Traveling beyond the major tourist destinations can introduce you to local food, regional history, beautiful scenery, and Pokémon-related attractions that many international visitors don’t know about.
Visit Pokémon-Themed Parks in Tohoku
The Tohoku region in northeastern Japan is particularly interesting for Pokémon fans.
Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima each have a Pokémon associated with local promotional activities:
- Iwate: Geodude
- Miyagi: Lapras
- Fukushima: Chansey
These Pokémon help promote their respective prefectures, and the region has attractions inspired by the partnerships, including Pokémon-themed parks known as Chansey Parks in locations associated with the project.
If you’re already hunting for Poké Lids in Tohoku, visiting one of these parks can be another fun reason to explore the area.
Of course, Tohoku has much more to offer than Pokémon. You can enjoy local specialties, historical sites, scenic coastlines, mountains, and relaxing hot springs.
For travelers who want to combine Pokémon collecting with regional sightseeing, it’s a great place to start.
Combine Pokémon GO with Local Sightseeing
You don’t have to make Pokémon GO the main purpose of your trip. It can be just as enjoyable to open the game while exploring somewhere you already wanted to visit.
For example, you could:
- Look for Poké Lids while visiting a regional city.
- Check Pokémon GO while walking between sightseeing spots.
- Visit a Pokémon-themed park during a family trip.
- Collect Gifts featuring local landmarks to send to friends.
- Explore a less familiar neighborhood while searching for Pokémon.
Pokémon can be a surprisingly good travel companion. It may even introduce you to places you wouldn’t have discovered through a conventional sightseeing guide.
If you’re interested in planning a Pokémon-themed journey, take a look at my guides to Pokémon in Tohoku and Pokémon in Hokuriku.
5. How to Find Pokémon GO Events in Japan
Special events can make playing Pokémon GO in Japan even more exciting. However, event schedules and activities change regularly, so checking official announcements before and during your trip is essential.
Check the Official Pokémon GO News
The best place to start is the official Pokémon GO news page.
Check for information about:
- Community Days and special Raid Battles
- Seasonal events and limited-time bonuses
- Regional Pokémon encounters
- Pokémon GO Fest and other major events
- Collaborations with Japanese companies, cities, and attractions
Some events take place throughout Japan, while others are limited to specific locations or require tickets.
If you’re planning your itinerary around a particular event, check the dates, location, participation requirements, and ticket availability before booking your travel.
Look for Local Events During Your Trip
Japan also has collaborations involving local governments, businesses, tourist attractions, and public events.
For example, Pokémon GO has featured location-based activities and collaborations connected with sightseeing destinations. Some campaigns may encourage players to visit particular areas or explore designated routes.
You can also check official announcements from the Pokémon Company, local tourism organizations, and the attractions you plan to visit.
One important point: not every Pokémon-related attraction has an active Pokémon GO event. Always confirm the current details rather than relying on old travel posts or event announcements.
6. Tips for Playing Pokémon GO While Traveling in Japan
A little preparation can make playing Pokémon GO much easier during your trip.
Stay Connected to the Internet
You’ll need an internet connection to play Pokémon GO while exploring Japan.
If your mobile plan doesn’t include affordable international data, consider arranging a travel eSIM, a physical SIM card, or a portable Wi-Fi router before you arrive.
Check that your phone supports your chosen option and that your plan provides sufficient data for navigation and gameplay.
It’s also a good idea to bring a power bank. Using GPS, mobile data, and Pokémon GO for several hours can drain your battery quickly.
Use Trains and Walking Routes Efficiently
Japan’s public transportation system makes it relatively easy to explore multiple neighborhoods and cities during a trip.
Rather than traveling long distances solely to catch Pokémon, try incorporating the game into your existing sightseeing plans.
For example, you could explore a park before visiting a nearby museum, search for Poké Lids while walking around a historic district, or check nearby PokéStops while waiting for your train.
If you’re planning to visit several regional attractions, research the train connections and local bus services in advance. Some Pokémon-related spots are outside major city centers and may require additional travel time.
Remember that trains and buses are for transportation, not gameplay. Put your phone away while boarding, getting off, and moving through crowded stations.
Be Respectful at Shrines, Temples, and Public Places
Japan has many beautiful shrines, temples, parks, and historic sites that are also interesting places to explore in Pokémon GO.
However, remember that these locations may be places of worship or important cultural sites, not just places to play a game.
Follow posted rules, avoid entering restricted areas, and be considerate of people praying or visiting for religious reasons. Some temples and shrines may prohibit photography or phone use in particular areas.
In crowded places, avoid stopping suddenly in the middle of a path or blocking entrances while checking your screen.
The golden rule: Stay aware of your surroundings and enjoy the game without disturbing the people around you.
7. Explore Japan Through Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO can be much more than a game to play between sightseeing stops. In Japan, it can be a way to discover local communities, explore unfamiliar neighborhoods, and find places that don’t always appear on standard tourist itineraries.
You might start with a Poké Lid in Tokyo and end up planning an entire trip around regional Pokémon, local parks, and destinations you had never considered visiting.
And even if you’re traveling with friends or family members who don’t play Pokémon GO, many of these places are worth visiting for their scenery, food, culture, and local character.
Tokyo has plenty of great places to play, but why not take the opportunity to explore somewhere new?
Open Pokémon GO, follow your curiosity, and see what you can discover in Japan!