Japan is a paradise for Pokémon fans! What is your favorite Pokémon? You might even choose your next travel destination based on the Pokémon you love.
Another fun idea is to visit Pokémon spots near the places you already want to explore. You can also turn your trip into a treasure hunt by searching for Poké Lids, Pokémon-themed manhole covers found in towns and cities across Japan.
In this guide, I’ll introduce Pokémon-related places throughout Japan, starting in the north and heading south. Whether you’re looking for official Pokémon Centers, special Pokémon parks, or local destinations connected to your favorite Pokémon, there’s plenty to discover!
What are Poké Lids? Check out my guide to learn more about these unique Pokémon manhole covers.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, is famous for its beautiful nature, vast landscapes, and snowy winters. Its ambassador Pokémon are Vulpix and Alolan Vulpix, and you can find Poké Lids in various locations around the island.
Hokkaido is enormous, so visiting every Poké Lid in one trip would be quite a challenge. While public transportation is available in major cities such as Sapporo and Hakodate, a rental car can be useful when exploring more rural areas.
Pokémon Center SAPPORO
Pokémon Center SAPPORO is located on the 8th floor of Daimaru Sapporo, directly connected to JR Sapporo Station. It’s an easy stop if you’re exploring Sapporo or passing through the station on your way to another destination.
Tohoku
Tohoku is a region in northeastern Honshu, Japan’s largest island. All six prefectures in Tohoku have Poké Lids, making the region an exciting destination for Pokémon fans who enjoy exploring beyond Japan’s major tourist cities.
However, Tohoku covers a large area, and some Poké Lids are located far from major train stations. Visiting them all takes careful planning, and a rental car may be necessary for certain locations.
Here are some of the region’s highlights.
Iwate Prefecture: Geodude
Iwate has Geodude as its ambassador Pokémon. You’ll find numerous Poké Lids throughout the prefecture, as well as Geodude-themed parks where you can enjoy Pokémon-inspired play areas.
Miyagi Prefecture: Lapras
Lapras represents Miyagi Prefecture, where you can discover Lapras-themed attractions and Poké Lids.
Pokémon Center TOHOKU is located on the 3rd floor of Sendai PARCO 1, just steps from Sendai Station. It’s a convenient stop when exploring Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku.
Fukushima Prefecture: Chansey
Chansey is Fukushima’s ambassador Pokémon. The prefecture has numerous Poké Lids and Chansey Parks, offering more reasons to explore its towns and cities.
Want to discover more Pokémon destinations in this region? Read my guide to Pokémon-related places in Tohoku.
Kanto
The Kanto region includes Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures. It’s one of the easiest places to start a Pokémon-themed trip, thanks to its extensive train network and several official Pokémon Centers.
Tokyo
Tokyo is home to several Pokémon Centers, each with its own atmosphere and location.
- Pokémon Center TOKYO DX: Located in Nihombashi, with Pokémon Cafe TOKYO in the same building.
- Pokémon Center SKYTREE TOWN: Found in Tokyo Solamachi, next to Tokyo Skytree.
- Pokémon Center SHIBUYA: Located inside Shibuya PARCO.
- Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO: Located in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, alongside Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Cafe.
Tokyo also has Poké Lids in places such as Ueno Park and Machida.
Machida has a special connection to Pokémon. Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokémon, spent his childhood in the area, where he enjoyed exploring nature and collecting insects. These experiences are said to have helped inspire the world of Pokémon.
For a more detailed comparison of Tokyo’s Pokémon Centers, read my guide to Pokémon Centers in Tokyo.
PokéPark KANTO
PokéPark KANTO opened on February 5, 2026, inside Yomiuriland, an amusement park in the Tama Hills area of Tokyo.
This is the first permanent outdoor Pokémon attraction, bringing the world of Pokémon to life through two main areas: Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town.
You can explore a woodland setting where Pokémon appear to live in the wild, discover attractions, and enjoy Pokémon-themed experiences. It’s a different kind of destination from a Pokémon Center, so it’s worth considering if you want to do more than shop for merchandise.
Check the official website for current ticket availability, entry rules, and opening hours before your visit.
Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Pokémon Center YOKOHAMA is located on the 8th floor of Yokohama Sky Building, close to Yokohama Station.
Yokohama also has a strong connection with Pokémon events. The city has hosted large-scale events such as Pikachu Outbreak! and the Pokémon World Championships. During special events, Pokémon have appeared on station decorations and in collaborations with buildings around the city.
You can also find Poké Lids around the Minato Mirai area, making it possible to combine Pokémon hunting with sightseeing on foot.
Chiba Prefecture
Pokémon Center TOKYO-BAY is located on the 2nd floor of the West Wing of LaLaport TOKYO-BAY, close to Minami-Funabashi Station.
Katori City is another destination to consider if you’re interested in finding Poké Lids.
Tochigi and Ibaraki Prefectures
Tochigi and Ibaraki also have Poké Lids. If you’re visiting these prefectures for sightseeing, check whether there are any Pokémon covers near your planned destinations.
Chubu and Hokuriku
The Chubu region covers a large area of central Honshu, including mountains, coastal towns, and major cities. Hokuriku, along the Sea of Japan coast, is another interesting area for Pokémon fans.
Aichi Prefecture: Nagoya
Pokémon Center NAGOYA is located on the 2nd floor of the East Building of Nagoya PARCO, near Sakae Station.
Nagoya also has Poké Lids, so you can combine Pokémon shopping with exploring the city.
Niigata, Toyama, Nagano, Gifu, and Shizuoka Prefectures
These prefectures have Poké Lids in various locations. Depending on your itinerary, you may be able to add a Pokémon stop to a trip focused on mountain scenery, local food, historic towns, or the Japanese countryside.
Ishikawa Prefecture: Kanazawa and Noto
Pokémon Center KANAZAWA is located on the 5th floor of Kanazawa FORUS, near Kanazawa Station.
Ishikawa also has a special Pokémon-related destination: Noto Satoyama Airport, which has hosted a limited-time Pokémon collaboration. Because airport collaborations can change, check the latest announcements before making a special trip.
Fukui Prefecture: Dragonite
Dragonite is Fukui’s ambassador Pokémon. The prefecture has numerous Poké Lids, giving fans another reason to explore beyond its major sightseeing spots.
For more ideas, read my guide to Pokémon-related places in Hokuriku.
Kansai
Kansai is home to popular destinations such as Kyoto and Osaka, along with many smaller cities and towns. It’s easy to combine Pokémon shopping with visits to historic sites, food destinations, and cultural attractions.
Kyoto Prefecture
Pokémon Center KYOTO is located on the 2nd floor of the Kyoto Economy Center SUINA-MUROMACHI. It’s close to Shijo Station and directly connected to Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.
In Uji, you can visit the Nintendo Museum. The surrounding area also has Poké Lids, making it an interesting destination for fans of Nintendo and Pokémon.
Remember that the Nintendo Museum and Pokémon Center are different attractions, so allow enough time if you want to visit both.
Osaka Prefecture
Osaka has two Pokémon Centers.
Pokémon Center OSAKA DX is located on the 9th floor of the main building of Daimaru Shinsaibashi. Pokémon Cafe OSAKA is in the same building, making this a great stop for fans who want to enjoy Pokémon-themed food as well as shopping.
Pokémon Center OSAKA is located on the 13th floor of LUCUA SOUTH, near Osaka and Umeda stations.
Osaka also has Poké Lids, so keep an eye out for them while exploring the city.
Mie Prefecture: Oshawott
Mie’s ambassador Pokémon is Oshwott, known as Mijumaru in Japanese. You’ll find numerous Poké Lids and Mijumaru Parks throughout the prefecture.
Shiga, Hyogo, Nara, and Wakayama Prefectures
These prefectures also have Poké Lids. If you’re traveling around Kansai, consider adding a Pokémon-themed stop to your itinerary instead of limiting your trip to the best-known tourist attractions.
Chugoku and Shikoku
Western Honshu and Shikoku offer a different side of Japan, with coastal scenery, historic towns, and regional food. Pokémon-themed attractions can be a fun way to discover places you might otherwise overlook.
Hiroshima Prefecture
Pokémon Center HIROSHIMA is located on the 2nd floor of ekie, near Hiroshima Station.
It’s a convenient stop if you’re visiting Hiroshima for its history, food, or as a starting point for exploring the surrounding area.
Tottori Prefecture: Sandshrew and Alolan Sandshrew
Tottori’s ambassador Pokémon are Sandshrew and Alolan Sandshrew. The prefecture has numerous Poké Lids and Sandshrew Parks.
If you’re planning a trip to Tottori, these Pokémon-themed spots offer an extra reason to explore the area.
Shimane, Okayama, and Yamaguchi Prefectures
These prefectures have Poké Lids, too. Check the locations before traveling so you can work them into your sightseeing route.
Kagawa Prefecture: Slowpoke
Kagawa’s ambassador Pokémon is Slowpoke, known as Yadon in Japanese.
You can find Poké Lids and Yadon Parks in the prefecture. Pokémon Center KAGAWA is located on the 1st floor of the East Building of Marugamemachi Green in Takamatsu.
If you visit Kagawa, why not combine your Pokémon hunt with a bowl of Sanuki udon, the region’s famous noodles?
Kochi Prefecture: Quagsire
Quagsire, known as Nuoh in Japanese, is Kochi’s ambassador Pokémon. The prefecture holds Pokémon-related collaborations, including themed merchandise and events.
Check local announcements to see what’s available during your visit.
Tokushima and Ehime Prefectures
Tokushima and Ehime also have Poké Lids. Look for them when exploring the Shikoku region.
Kyushu and Okinawa
From volcanic landscapes and historic port cities to subtropical islands, Kyushu and Okinawa offer plenty of opportunities to combine Pokémon-themed travel with a very different side of Japan.
Fukuoka Prefecture
Pokémon Center FUKUOKA is located on the 2nd floor of Hakata Marui, right by Hakata Station.
Fukuoka is a convenient starting point for exploring Kyushu, and you can also find Poké Lids in the prefecture.
Saga and Kagoshima Prefectures
Saga and Kagoshima have Poké Lids, giving you another reason to explore their local towns and attractions.
Nagasaki Prefecture: Ampharos
Nagasaki’s ambassador Pokémon is Ampharos, known as Denryu in Japanese.
The prefecture features Poké Lids and Pokémon-related collaborations, including themed merchandise and events. Check local announcements for the latest information.
Miyazaki Prefecture: Exeggutor and Alolan Exeggutor
Miyazaki’s ambassador Pokémon are Exeggutor and Alolan Exeggutor, known as Nassy and Alolan Nassy in Japanese.
You can find Poké Lids and Pokémon-themed merchandise, and the prefecture has also featured Pokémon-wrapped buses.
These collaborations make Miyazaki a fun destination for fans who want to discover Pokémon outside the big cities.
Okinawa Prefecture: Growlithe
Okinawa’s ambassador Pokémon is Growlithe, known as Gardie in Japanese.
The prefecture has Poké Lids and Pokémon-related merchandise and collaborations. Keep an eye out for local events during your trip.
Pokémon Center OKINAWA is located on the 1st floor of AEON MALL Okinawa Rycom, in Kitanakagusuku Village.
If you’re visiting Okinawa, you can combine a Pokémon stop with beaches, local food, and the islands’ distinctive culture.
Where Will Your Pokémon Adventure Take You?
With so many Pokémon Centers, Poké Lids, parks, and regional collaborations, it’s easy to see why Japan is a paradise for Pokémon fans!
You don’t have to visit every Pokémon spot in one trip. Choose a favorite Pokémon, look for places associated with it, or simply see what’s near the destinations you already want to visit.
One of the best things about Pokémon-themed travel is that it can take you to places you might never have thought of visiting otherwise.
So, why not let Pokémon inspire your next adventure in Japan?
Happy Pokémon hunting!
