Visiting Tokyo and want to play Pokémon GO while exploring the city? You’re in luck. Tokyo is a great place to combine sightseeing, shopping, walking, and Pokémon GO.
From busy areas around major train stations to peaceful parks, Pokémon Centers, and unique Poké Lid locations, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy the game during your trip.
The best part is that you don’t need to plan your entire day around Pokémon GO. Many of Tokyo’s popular sightseeing areas also happen to be fun places to play, so you can catch Pokémon, join Raids, collect Gifts, and explore the city at the same time.
In this guide, I’ll introduce some of the best places to play Pokémon GO in Tokyo, including popular areas such as Shinjuku and Akihabara, Pokémon-related destinations, parks, and indoor spots for rainy or hot days.
Whether you’re a dedicated Pokémon GO player or just want to enjoy a little Pokémon hunting during your Japan trip, here are some places worth adding to your Tokyo itinerary.
Best Places in Tokyo for Pokémon GO
Tokyo is a huge city, so choosing where to play Pokémon GO can feel a little overwhelming.
A good place to start is around Tokyo’s major train stations. These areas tend to be busy, easy to reach, and surrounded by shops, restaurants, and sightseeing spots. That means you can enjoy Pokémon GO without giving up valuable sightseeing time.
Here are three popular areas to consider.
Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku is one of the busiest areas in Tokyo and a convenient place to play Pokémon GO while exploring the city.
The area around Shinjuku Station is particularly useful because you can easily combine Pokémon GO with shopping, restaurants, and sightseeing. The West Exit area, including the streets around Yodobashi Camera, is a good place to start exploring.
Shinjuku is also a convenient base if you’re interested in joining Raids or simply walking around while catching Pokémon. Since the area is connected by several train and subway lines, it’s easy to move on to another part of Tokyo when you’re ready.
If you’re visiting Shinjuku for the first time, consider combining your Pokémon GO walk with some of the area’s other attractions, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building or Shinjuku Central Park.
Why visit Shinjuku for Pokémon GO?
- Easy to reach by train
- Lots of shops, restaurants, and cafés
- Convenient for combining Pokémon GO with sightseeing
- Plenty of places to walk and explore
- A good starting point for exploring western Tokyo
Akihabara
If you love Pokémon, video games, anime, or Japanese pop culture, Akihabara is a natural place to add to your Pokémon GO itinerary.
Known as Tokyo’s electronics and gaming district, Akihabara is packed with shops, arcades, cafés, and attractions. The area around Akihabara Station and Yodobashi Akiba is a convenient place to begin.
You can spend some time playing Pokémon GO before heading into the shops, or simply keep the game running as you explore the neighborhood.
Akihabara is especially fun because the Pokémon GO experience fits naturally into the atmosphere of the area. Even if you’re not playing constantly, there are plenty of other things to see and do between catching Pokémon and checking nearby Gyms and PokéStops.
And, of course, this is one of the best areas in Tokyo to browse for Japanese gaming and Pokémon-related merchandise.
Why visit Akihabara for Pokémon GO?
- A great match for fans of games and Japanese pop culture
- Easy access from Akihabara Station
- Lots of shops, arcades, and restaurants
- Easy to combine Pokémon GO with sightseeing and shopping
- A fun destination even when you take a break from the game
Kinshicho
Kinshicho may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about sightseeing in Tokyo, but it can be a useful stop for Pokémon GO players.
Located in eastern Tokyo, Kinshicho is a busy shopping and transportation hub with plenty of places to walk, eat, and take a break. It’s also within walking distance of Tokyo Skytree, making it easy to combine a Pokémon GO session with one of Tokyo’s most recognizable landmarks.
If you’re planning to visit Tokyo Skytree, consider starting or ending your walk around Kinshicho. You can explore the neighborhood, check the nearby Pokémon GO map, and then continue toward the Skytree area.
This is also a good example of why playing Pokémon GO in Tokyo can be fun: you don’t necessarily need to visit a dedicated gaming destination. Sometimes, a walk between two sightseeing areas is enough to turn an ordinary part of your itinerary into a Pokémon GO adventure.
Why visit Kinshicho for Pokémon GO?
- Convenient transportation hub
- Lots of shopping and dining options
- Easy to combine with a visit to Tokyo Skytree
- Good area for walking and exploring eastern Tokyo
Best Places to Collect Pokémon GO Gifts in Tokyo
One of the fun things about playing Pokémon GO while traveling is collecting Gifts from places you visit.
A Gift from Tokyo can be a fun little souvenir for your friends in Pokémon GO, especially when the location is connected to something uniquely Japanese.
If you want to collect memorable Gifts during your trip, Pokémon Centers and Poké Lids are two places worth looking for.
Pokémon Centers
Even if you’re not a serious Pokémon GO player, visiting a Pokémon Center is a fun experience for Pokémon fans traveling in Japan.
Tokyo has several Pokémon Center locations, and each one is surrounded by shopping and other attractions. They are great places to browse Pokémon merchandise, take a break from sightseeing, and, of course, check Pokémon GO while you’re there.
For Pokémon GO players, Pokémon Center locations can also be a fun source of Gifts. Rather than simply collecting a random Gift from a convenience store or train station, you can send your friends a Gift connected to a place that is instantly recognizable as Japan.
One of the most convenient locations for travelers is Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro. It’s part of a large shopping and entertainment complex, so you can easily spend several hours in the area.
If you’re interested in Pokémon beyond Pokémon GO, I definitely recommend making time for a Pokémon Center during your Tokyo trip.
Poké Lids
One of the most fun things to look for while traveling around Japan is a Poké Lid.
Poké Lids are Pokémon-themed manhole covers installed in locations across Japan. Each one features a Pokémon design connected to the area, making them both a fun photo opportunity and a unique way to discover different parts of Japan.
Many Poké Lids are also PokéStops in Pokémon GO.
That means you can combine a little Pokémon hunting with sightseeing and exploring neighborhoods that you might otherwise skip.
Poké Lids aren’t limited to central Tokyo, either. They can be found in different cities and regions throughout Japan, so they can become part of a larger Pokémon-themed trip.
There is also a Poké Lid Stamp Rally feature in Pokémon GO. By visiting participating Poké Lid PokéStops, players can collect stamps and work toward rewards. This gives you another reason to keep an eye out for Poké Lids as you travel around Japan.
For travelers, I think this is one of the most interesting ways to connect Pokémon GO with real-world sightseeing in Japan.
Instead of simply asking, “Where are the most PokéStops?”, you can make your trip a little more adventurous by looking for Pokémon hidden in the streets of Japan.
Tip: If you find a Poké Lid during your trip, take a photo of it before moving on. You may end up with a much better travel memory than just another screenshot from the game.
Famous Tokyo Landmarks
You don’t always need to visit a dedicated Pokémon GO hotspot to enjoy the game in Tokyo.
Some of the best places to play are simply popular sightseeing destinations.
As you explore places such as Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya, or Tokyo Tower, open Pokémon GO and see what is around you. You may find Gyms, PokéStops, Pokémon, and other in-game activities along your route.
This is one of my favorite things about playing Pokémon GO while traveling: the game can encourage you to walk a little farther and explore streets you might otherwise pass by.
For example, instead of taking the train directly from one attraction to the next, you might decide to walk part of the way while checking Pokémon GO along the route.
Just remember that Tokyo’s most famous sightseeing areas can get extremely crowded. Keep your eyes on your surroundings and avoid stopping in the middle of busy sidewalks or station entrances while playing.
Good places to combine sightseeing and Pokémon GO include:
- Asakusa — Explore Sensō-ji and the traditional streets around the temple.
- Tokyo Skytree — Combine the Skytree with a walk around the surrounding neighborhoods.
- Shibuya — Explore Shibuya Crossing, shopping areas, and nearby streets.
- Tokyo Tower — Enjoy the landmark and explore the surrounding Minato area.
The exact Pokémon GO activity at each location can change, so think of these as sightseeing areas where you can also play rather than guaranteed Pokémon GO hotspots.
Best Parks for Walking and Playing Pokémon GO
Tokyo may be famous for its busy streets and crowded train stations, but the city also has plenty of green spaces where you can slow down and enjoy a different side of Tokyo.
Parks can be particularly nice places to play Pokémon GO because you can walk at your own pace, take breaks on a bench, and enjoy the scenery while checking the game.
They can also be a good choice when you want to get away from the crowds of central Tokyo for a while.
Here are a few parks and green spaces worth considering during your trip.
Shinjuku Central Park
Located just west of Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku Central Park is a convenient place to take a break from the busy streets of Shinjuku.
The park is right next to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, so it’s easy to combine a Pokémon GO walk with sightseeing in the area.
Compared with the streets around Shinjuku Station, the park offers a more relaxed environment where you can walk around, sit down for a while, and enjoy some greenery.
If you’re already exploring Shinjuku, it’s worth making a small detour here rather than spending your entire time around the station.
You can also combine the park with a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and its observation decks.
Why visit Shinjuku Central Park?
- Easy to reach from Shinjuku
- A quieter break from the busy station area
- Good for walking and taking a rest
- Easy to combine with nearby sightseeing
- A nice change of scenery from Tokyo’s crowded streets
Ueno Park
Ueno Park is another great place to combine Pokémon GO with sightseeing.
The park is home to several major attractions, including museums, Ueno Zoo, and historic temples and shrines. You can easily spend several hours exploring the area, which makes it a natural place to keep Pokémon GO running as you walk.
One of the advantages of Ueno is that you don’t have to choose between playing the game and being a tourist. You can walk around the park, visit an attraction, stop for a snack, and check Pokémon GO along the way.
Ueno is also close to Ameyoko, a lively shopping street located between Ueno and Okachimachi stations. After exploring the park, you can continue your walk toward Ameyoko for food and shopping.
If you’re looking for a Pokémon GO location that feels more like a traditional sightseeing experience than a busy urban hotspot, Ueno is worth considering.
Why visit Ueno Park?
- Plenty of space for walking
- Several major sightseeing attractions nearby
- Easy to combine with museums and Ueno Zoo
- Close to Ameyoko shopping street
- A good choice for a longer Pokémon GO walk
Other Large Parks in Tokyo
You don’t necessarily need to find a famous Pokémon GO hotspot to enjoy playing in Tokyo.
Large parks and green spaces can be surprisingly good places to explore with Pokémon GO, especially if you prefer walking rather than staying around a busy train station.
When choosing a park, look for places with:
- Plenty of walking paths
- Nearby PokéStops and Gyms shown on the current Pokémon GO map
- Benches or cafés where you can take a break
- Easy access from a train station
- Other sightseeing attractions nearby
The exact Pokémon GO activity at a park can change over time, so it’s better to check the game before you go rather than relying on an old list of “hotspots.”
And remember that parks are public spaces first and Pokémon GO locations second. Follow any park rules, be considerate of other visitors, and avoid playing in a way that disturbs people around you.
Sometimes, simply taking a long walk through a Tokyo park while playing Pokémon GO is one of the nicest ways to experience the city.
Best Indoor and Rainy-Day Places to Play Pokémon GO
Tokyo’s weather can change your sightseeing plans quickly. Rainy days are the obvious example, but the hot and humid summer months can also make spending hours outside uncomfortable.
Luckily, you don’t have to stop playing Pokémon GO just because the weather isn’t cooperating.
Tokyo has huge underground shopping areas, department stores, shopping malls, and entertainment complexes where you can stay indoors while continuing to explore the city.
Here are a few places to consider when you want to play Pokémon GO without spending the whole day outside.
Shinjuku Underground
Shinjuku is one of the most useful areas in Tokyo when the weather is bad because a large network of underground passages connects the area around Shinjuku Station.
You can move between the station, department stores, shopping areas, and nearby buildings without spending all your time outside.
This makes Shinjuku a practical place to continue playing Pokémon GO on a rainy day. You can check the game while moving between shops, stop for coffee or lunch, and come back outside when the weather improves.
It’s also a good option during the hottest part of summer, when you may not want to spend hours walking around in direct sunlight.
Just remember that Shinjuku Station and its underground passages can be extremely busy. Keep your phone down while navigating crowded areas, and step to the side if you need to stop and check Pokémon GO.
Tip: Don’t think of the underground area as the destination itself. Use it as part of your Shinjuku sightseeing route, combining Pokémon GO with shopping, food, and nearby attractions.
Tokyo Station Underground
The area around Tokyo Station is another useful option when you want to stay indoors.
Tokyo Station is connected to extensive underground shopping and dining areas, so there are plenty of places to browse, eat, and take a break from the weather.
It’s particularly convenient if Tokyo Station is already part of your itinerary. You can combine Pokémon GO with shopping, lunch, character goods, and exploring the station’s many different areas.
Tokyo Station can also be a good starting point for exploring nearby attractions when the weather improves.
However, keep in mind that Tokyo Station is one of the busiest transportation hubs in Japan. Avoid stopping in the middle of passageways while checking your phone, especially during rush hour.
Why consider Tokyo Station on a rainy day?
- Extensive indoor areas
- Lots of shops and restaurants
- Easy access by train and subway
- Convenient for travelers arriving or departing by Shinkansen
- Plenty to do even if you don’t spend much time outside
Shopping Malls and Large Commercial Complexes
Large shopping and entertainment complexes can also be useful places to play Pokémon GO when the weather isn’t ideal.
One example is Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, where you can combine Pokémon GO with shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and Pokémon-related attractions.
This is also where you’ll find Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO, making Sunshine City particularly appealing to Pokémon fans.
Instead of planning a day around finding the perfect Pokémon GO hotspot, you can simply choose a large indoor destination and let the game become part of your day.
Other large commercial complexes around Tokyo can work in a similar way. Check the Pokémon GO map when you arrive to see what is currently available in the area.
The advantage of this approach is that you always have something else to do. If Pokémon GO isn’t particularly active at that moment, you can go shopping, grab a coffee, visit a restaurant, or explore another attraction.
This is especially useful when:
- It’s raining
- It’s extremely hot outside
- It’s cold in winter
- You need a break from walking
- You’re traveling with people who aren’t interested in Pokémon GO
A Few Tips for Playing Pokémon GO Indoors
Playing Pokémon GO indoors in Tokyo can be convenient, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, don’t assume that every underground shopping area or building will have a strong Pokémon GO signal or lots of in-game activity. The game can behave differently indoors, and the available PokéStops and Gyms can change.
Second, public spaces in Tokyo can get very crowded. If you need to concentrate on the game, move somewhere out of the way rather than stopping in a busy passage.
And finally, don’t forget to look up from your phone.
Tokyo’s underground shopping areas can be surprisingly interesting, with small restaurants, shops, and local details that are easy to miss if you’re focused entirely on the game.
Pokémon GO is a great excuse to explore Tokyo—but the city itself is still the main attraction.
Sunshine City: A Pokémon GO Destination in Ikebukuro
If you’re looking for a place where you can combine Pokémon, shopping, food, and Pokémon GO, Sunshine City in Ikebukuro is worth adding to your Tokyo itinerary.
Sunshine City is a large shopping and entertainment complex, so you can easily spend several hours here without worrying about the weather.
And for Pokémon fans, there’s an obvious reason to visit: Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO.
Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO
Located inside Sunshine City, Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO is one of the most convenient Pokémon destinations in Tokyo.
You can browse a huge selection of Pokémon merchandise, look for Japan-exclusive items, and take a break from sightseeing while checking Pokémon GO.
If you’re planning to visit a Pokémon Center during your trip, you can find more information about Tokyo’s Pokémon Centers in my guide:
Of course, Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO is more than just a place for Pokémon GO players. Even if your travel companions aren’t interested in the game, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and other attractions nearby.
Pokémon GO at Sunshine City
The Pokémon GO experience around Sunshine City can change over time, so I recommend opening the game when you arrive and checking the current map rather than relying on an old list of PokéStops or Gyms.
This is one of the advantages of a destination like Sunshine City: you don’t have to worry about whether Pokémon GO is particularly active at that exact moment.
If the game is quiet, you can simply go shopping, grab something to eat, visit Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO, or explore the rest of Sunshine City.
Why Sunshine City Works Well for Travelers
Sunshine City is especially convenient if you want to spend part of your day indoors.
You can easily combine:
- Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO
- Pokémon GO
- Shopping
- Restaurants and cafés
- Entertainment
- Indoor sightseeing
It’s also a useful option on rainy days or during Tokyo’s hot summer months.
For Pokémon fans, Sunshine City isn’t necessarily a place you visit just to play Pokémon GO. It’s better thought of as a Pokémon-friendly sightseeing destination where the game can become part of the experience.
Pokémon GO Tips for Visiting Tokyo
Playing Pokémon GO in Tokyo can be a lot of fun, but the city is very different from what you might be used to at home.
Here are a few practical tips to make your Pokémon GO experience easier and more enjoyable.
Use Major Train Stations as Starting Points
Tokyo’s major train stations are useful starting points for Pokémon GO exploration.
Stations such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro, and Akihabara are surrounded by shops, restaurants, attractions, and pedestrian areas.
Instead of searching for one specific Pokémon GO hotspot, choose an area you already want to visit and explore it on foot.
This way, Pokémon GO becomes part of your sightseeing rather than something you have to plan your entire day around.
Check the Pokémon GO Map Before You Go
Pokémon GO is constantly changing, so information that was accurate a year or two ago may no longer be accurate today.
Before heading to a specific location, check the current game map for nearby Gyms, PokéStops, Raids, and other activities.
This is especially important if you’re traveling a long distance specifically to visit a particular Pokémon GO location.
The places in this article are best thought of as good areas to explore while playing Pokémon GO, rather than guaranteed permanent hotspots.
Look Out for PokéStop Showcases
Keep an eye out for PokéStop Showcases while exploring Tokyo.
Showcases are temporary activities associated with certain PokéStops, so they can give you another reason to visit different locations during your trip.
Because these activities can change, check the Pokémon GO app to see what is currently available rather than planning your itinerary around an old list.
Bring a Portable Charger
This sounds obvious, but don’t underestimate how quickly your phone battery can disappear in Tokyo.
You’ll probably be using your phone for:
- Pokémon GO
- Google Maps
- Train directions
- Translation
- Photos
- Restaurant searches
- Tickets and reservations
Playing Pokémon GO while using navigation and taking photos all day can drain your battery surprisingly quickly.
A portable charger can save you from having to return to your hotel earlier than planned.
Be Careful in Crowded Areas
Tokyo can be extremely crowded, particularly around major train stations and popular tourist attractions.
Avoid walking while staring at your phone, and don’t stop in the middle of busy sidewalks, station entrances, or escalators to check Pokémon GO.
If you need to concentrate on the game, move somewhere where you aren’t blocking other people.
This is particularly important in places such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, and Akihabara.
Remember That You’re in Tokyo!
This might be the most important tip of all.
Don’t spend your entire trip staring at your phone.
Tokyo is full of interesting streets, tiny restaurants, temples, shops, parks, architecture, and unexpected little discoveries.
Use Pokémon GO as a reason to walk a little farther and explore a little more—but remember to look up from the screen occasionally.
You might discover something that isn’t on the Pokémon GO map at all.
Best Pokémon GO Spots in Tokyo by Experience
Not sure which area to choose? Here’s a quick guide based on what you want to do.
| If you want to… | Try… |
|---|---|
| Explore a busy Tokyo neighborhood | Shinjuku |
| Combine Pokémon GO with anime and gaming culture | Akihabara |
| Visit Tokyo Skytree while playing | Kinshicho |
| Collect Pokémon-related Gifts | Pokémon Centers |
| Find unique Pokémon-themed locations | Poké Lids |
| Enjoy a longer walking session | Ueno Park or Shinjuku Central Park |
| Play while staying indoors | Sunshine City or Tokyo Station |
| Combine Pokémon GO with sightseeing | Asakusa, Shibuya, Tokyo Skytree, or Tokyo Tower |
| Shop for Pokémon merchandise | Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO and other Pokémon Centers |
Remember that Pokémon GO locations and activities can change, so check the game itself for the latest information before you visit.
Final Thoughts
Tokyo is a great city for Pokémon GO because you don’t have to choose between sightseeing and playing the game.
You can join a Raid around a busy train station, collect a Gift from a Pokémon Center, search for a Poké Lid, walk through a park, or explore Tokyo’s underground shopping areas on a rainy day.
The best approach is to let Pokémon GO become part of your Tokyo trip rather than making it the entire purpose of your trip.
Pick a neighborhood you want to explore, open the app, and see where your walk takes you.
And don’t forget to look up from your screen once in a while. Some of the best discoveries in Tokyo are the ones you weren’t looking for.