Pokémon Center Tokyo: A Complete Guide for Pokémon Fans
Pokémon
2023.02.10
If you love Pokémon, visiting a Pokémon Center in Japan is one of the most fun things you can do during a trip to Tokyo.
Pokémon Centers are the official Pokémon stores in Japan, selling Pokémon games, Pokémon Card products, plush toys, stationery, clothing, household goods, and a wide range of exclusive merchandise. They also host special events and campaigns throughout the year.
And no, you definitely don’t have to be a child to enjoy one!
I have visited Pokémon Centers in Tokyo many times, and one thing I’ve learned is that each store has its own atmosphere and nearby attractions.
There are currently four Pokémon Centers in Tokyo, so if you are visiting Tokyo for the first time, you may wonder:
Which Pokémon Center should you visit?
In this guide, I’ll introduce all four locations, what makes each one special, and how to choose the best one for your Tokyo itinerary.
Looking for a detailed comparison? I’ve also compared all four Tokyo Pokémon Centers in a separate guide:
There are currently four Pokémon Centers in Tokyo:
Pokémon Center
Area
Best for
Pokémon Center TOKYO DX
Nihombashi
Tokyo Station, Pokémon Café
Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO
Ikebukuro
Pokémon GO, Pikachu Sweets
Pokémon Center SHIBUYA
Shibuya
Shibuya sightseeing
Pokémon Center SKYTREE TOWN
Oshiage
Tokyo Skytree
You don’t need to visit all four during one trip.
Instead, choose the store that fits naturally into your sightseeing plans.
Pokémon Center TOKYO DX
Pokémon Center TOKYO DX is located on the 5th floor of the Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. East Building.
It is particularly convenient if you’re staying near Tokyo Station or visiting the Nihombashi area.
The store is about a 5-minute walk from the Yaesu North Exit of JR Tokyo Station. It is also directly connected to Nihombashi Station via the B2 entrance.
Why Visit Pokémon Center TOKYO DX?
One of the biggest reasons to visit TOKYO DX is its location.
You can easily combine it with:
Tokyo Station
Nihombashi
Ginza
Tokyo Character Street
Other central Tokyo attractions
But there’s another big reason to come here.
Pokémon Café TOKYO
Pokémon Café TOKYO is located in the same building and on the same floor as Pokémon Center TOKYO DX.
If you want the full Pokémon experience, this is the Tokyo location to consider.
The café features Pokémon-themed food, drinks, desserts, and decorations.
However, there is an important difference between the café and the Pokémon Center:
You can shop at the Pokémon Center without a café reservation, but the Pokémon Café requires advance reservations.
Reservations are made online, and the reservation system and release dates can change, so always check the official Pokémon Café website before your visit.
The café’s merchandise can also be purchased without a café seating reservation.
My Tip
If Pokémon Café is on your Tokyo itinerary, plan your day around Nihombashi.
You can visit Pokémon Center TOKYO DX, have lunch or a snack at the café, and then continue sightseeing around Tokyo Station or Ginza.
Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO
Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO is located inside Sunshine City in Ikebukuro.
The store is on the second floor of Sunshine City alpa.
It’s about a 3-minute walk from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station and approximately an 8-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station.
MEGA TOKYO is one of the most popular Pokémon Centers in Tokyo, and for good reason.
Pikachu Sweets
You’ll find Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café next to the Pokémon Center.
Unlike Pokémon Café TOKYO, this is not a full restaurant-style café experience.
It’s a good option if you simply want Pokémon-themed sweets or drinks without planning a full café visit.
Pokémon GO Lab.
MEGA TOKYO is also home to Pokémon GO Lab., making it particularly interesting for Pokémon GO players.
The store regularly hosts Pokémon GO-related activities and events, so check the official store announcements before visiting.
Sunshine City
Another advantage of MEGA TOKYO is everything else you can do nearby.
You can combine your Pokémon visit with:
Sunshine Aquarium
Sunshine 60 Observatory
Namjatown
Shopping
Restaurants
Other Ikebukuro attractions
So if you are already planning an Ikebukuro day, MEGA TOKYO is an easy addition.
Pokémon Center SHIBUYA
If you’re planning to explore Shibuya, Pokémon Center SHIBUYA is probably the easiest Pokémon Center to add to your itinerary.
It is located on the 6th floor of Shibuya PARCO, about a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station.
Why Visit Pokémon Center SHIBUYA?
The biggest advantage is simple:
You’re already in Shibuya.
You can combine the Pokémon Center with:
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shibuya Sky
Shibuya PARCO
Center-gai
Harajuku
Omotesando
This makes it particularly convenient for travelers who don’t want to spend extra time traveling across Tokyo just to visit a Pokémon Center.
Shibuya PARCO itself is also home to several other pop-culture and entertainment shops, so Pokémon Center SHIBUYA fits naturally into a broader shopping day.
Pokémon Card Events
Pokémon Center SHIBUYA regularly hosts campaigns and Pokémon Card-related events.
Because these activities can change frequently, check the official store announcements before visiting if you’re particularly interested in Pokémon Cards or special events.
Pokémon Center SKYTREE TOWN
The fourth Tokyo location is Pokémon Center SKYTREE TOWN, located on the 4th floor of Tokyo SKYTREE TOWN Solamachi.
It is right by Tokyo Skytree Station and Oshiage Station.
Why Visit Pokémon Center SKYTREE TOWN?
The obvious reason is the location.
If you’re visiting Tokyo Skytree, you can easily add the Pokémon Center to the same outing.
You can combine your visit with:
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Solamachi
Sumida Aquarium
Asakusa
Sumida River
This makes SKYTREE TOWN a particularly convenient choice if you want to combine Pokémon with traditional and modern Tokyo sightseeing.
A Good Combination: Skytree + Asakusa + Pokémon
If you’re planning a day around eastern Tokyo, this can be a very efficient route.
For example:
Asakusa → Tokyo Skytree → Pokémon Center SKYTREE TOWN
You can experience traditional Tokyo, one of the city’s most famous modern landmarks, and Pokémon merchandise all in one day.
Which Pokémon Center Should You Visit?
You don’t need to visit all four.
Here’s my quick guide:
Staying near Tokyo Station?
→ Pokémon Center TOKYO DX
It’s the easiest option from Tokyo Station and is also home to Pokémon Café TOKYO.
Exploring Ikebukuro?
→ Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO
Especially good if you’re interested in Pokémon GO or want to visit Pikachu Sweets.
Spending the day in Shibuya?
→ Pokémon Center SHIBUYA
It’s an easy addition to a Shibuya shopping and sightseeing day.
Visiting Tokyo Skytree?
→ Pokémon Center SKYTREE TOWN
You can combine both attractions without making a separate trip.
Want to visit Pokémon Café?
→ Pokémon Center TOKYO DX
Pokémon Café TOKYO is located in the same building.
For a more detailed comparison, see my separate guide:
Whether you’re a lifelong Pokémon fan or simply curious about Japanese pop culture, visiting a Pokémon Center is a fun experience.
And you don’t need to visit all four Tokyo locations.
Choose the one that fits your itinerary:
Tokyo Station → TOKYO DX Ikebukuro → MEGA TOKYO Shibuya → SHIBUYA Tokyo Skytree → SKYTREE TOWN
If you’re a serious Pokémon fan, visiting several locations can certainly be fun. But if your Tokyo itinerary is already packed, one Pokémon Center is more than enough to get a taste of the experience.
And if you walk out carrying a giant Pikachu plushie you absolutely did not plan to buy…
