Pokemon is an extremely popular video game franchise and anime series that is famous both inside and outside of Japan. Japan, especially Tokyo, is the perfect place to visit for all Pokemon fans, due to the sheer amount of Pokemon themed things to do here. There is a range of Pokemon themed things to do in Tokyo including Pokemon merchandise shopping, Pokemon events and even a Pokemon themed cafe; meaning there is something for all Pokemon fans!
In this article we will be showing you some of the best Pokemon themed things to do in Tokyo, perfect for all Pokemon lovers. These activities are great for Pokemon fans of all ages and can be enjoyed with friends, family or alone. So if you’re a Pokemon fan or anime lover in Tokyo make sure to keep reading to find out some Pokemon themed things that you can take part in in Tokyo!
1. Buy Pokemon Merchandise at The Pokemon Center MEGA Tokyo
The Pokemon Center MEGA Tokyo is one of the biggest Pokemon Centers in Tokyo and is located inside the Sunshine City shopping center in Ikebukuro. The Pokemon Center MEGA Tokyo sells a huge range of Pokemon merchandise such as Pokemon plushies, Pokemon themed snacks, Pokemon clothes and other miscellaneous items.
Credits: Iain Farrel
Pikachu is more than just a toy. He is an icon of modern Japan.
On top of this, the store is decorated with Pokemon themed decorations and displays, also making the store a great place for photo spots. The Pokemon store often brings out new merchandise lines based on the season, so make sure to check out the official website of the store before you go to see what kind of merchandise items will be on sale during the time that you will visit.
Address: 170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome−1−2
Access: Take the Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro Station.
Buy Pikachu Tote Bag on Your Japan Tote Bag
Other Pokemon Centers in Tokyo
- Nihonbashi: 103-0027 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashi, 2 Chome−11−2
- Sky Tree Town: 131-0045 Tokyo, Sumida City, Oshiage, 1 Chome-1-2
- Tokyo Station: 100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1
Official website: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/shop/en/pokecen/megatokyo/
2. Eat Pokemon Themed Food At The Pokemon Cafe
The Pokemon Cafe, located in Nihonbashi, is the first and only permanent Pokemon themed cafe in Tokyo. Occasionally there are other Pokemon themed pop-up cafes that come to Tokyo, yet these are always only on for a limited time. The Pokemon Cafe is a permanent cafe that offers a full Pokemon themed food and drink menu, as well a Chef Pikachu show and some Pokemon merchandise on sale.
Some of the items on the menu include a Pikachu themed lunch plate, a Pokeball dessert bowl and various character themed drinks. The food and drinks range from ¥1000-¥2000, although this is slightly on the pricey side it is very much worth it for such a unique and fun experience.
Address: 103-0027 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashi, 2 Chome−11−2
Access: Take the Ginza Line to Nihonbashi Station.
Official Website: https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/
3. Attend The Pokemon GO Fest
The Pokemon GO Fest is a Festival dedicated to Pokemon GO that takes place in July every year. The festival takes place in Yokohama, which is technically not located in Tokyo but is located right next to it, and includes Pokemon GO fans coming together to spend two days dedicated solely to Pokemon GO.
Attendees can help each other catch Pokemon and improve their level and skills. On top of this, the event will also feature special guests (including Pokemon characters), Pokemon decorations and memorabilia for you to get your hands on. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the festival was cancelled in 2020 but is finally back this year in 2021.
Due to many fans not being able to attend the festival in Japan, there will also be a global event held for international fans who will be able to take part world-wide. For more information, check out the official website down below!
Location: Yokohama, Kanagawa.
Official Website: https://pokemongolive.com/en/events/fest/2021/
4. Find Pokemon Collectibles in Nakano Broadway
Nakano Broadway is a shopping center in Tokyo that focuses on selling anime merchandise, manga and other ‘otaku’ goods. Whilst there are many shops located there that are selling new anime merchandise, there are also many selling vintage and rare anime merchandise; perfect for anime merchandise collectors!
Nakano Broadway is full of rare and vintage Pokemon collectables which would be hard to find elsewhere. On top of this, many of the items are also on sale for a very good price! Some of the best shops to find rare Pokemon collectables include Mandarake, Toy Barn and Collector’s Mart. If you’re a Pokemon fan looking for some unique Pokemon merchandise, Nakano Broadway is the perfect place to look around and see what rare merchandise you can find.
Address: 5 Chome-52 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001
Access: Take the Chuo Line to Nakano Broadway.
Official Website: https://nakano-broadway.com
5. Win Pokemon Prizes in the Arcades
If you’ve been to Tokyo before, you will know that the city is full of arcades that allow visitors to enjoy various games and prize machines. The prize machines, with the most popular type being the UFO machines, offer many different anime merchandise prizes. Many machines offer Pokemon merchandise as prizes, including Pokemon plushies, clothes and other miscellaneous items!
Credit: atfirstwink.com
The machines usually cost ¥100 yen for one try, so this is a very inexpensive and fun way to get your hands on good quality Pokemon merchandise. Although arcades are located throughout Tokyo, some of the best arcades are located in Akihabara with the SEGA arcades being the most popular there. So if you’re looking to win some Pokemon prizes, make sure to check out the arcades in Akihabara and try your luck.
Locations to check out:
SEGA Building 3: 101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1 Chome−11−11
HEY Taito: 101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1 Chome−10−5
TAITO Station Akihabara: 101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 4 Chome−2−2
6. Go Pokemon Gachapon Hunting
Tokyo is full of ‘gacha gacha machines’, also known as ‘Gachapon’ or ‘Gashapon’. These are small machines that you put coins into to win small prizes! You don’t know which prize you are going to get so it is super fun and exciting to see which prize you have won. Many of these machines are Pokemon themed and they have some of the cutest Pokemon prizes on offer. From keychains, badges, mini plushies and many more!
Like winning prizes in the arcades, this is another affordable way to get your hands on great Pokemon merchandise. It’s super fun to go hunting for these gachapon machines around Tokyo and go on a mini adventure. If you can’t seem to find any Pokemon gachapon machines where you have looked so far, make sure to check out the ‘Gachapon Kaikan’ in Akihabara. This is a whole store that is full of Gachapon machines, so you’re guaranteed to find one there!
Location: Gachapon Kaikan: 3 Chome-15-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 104-0061
Credit: Gacha Hobbies
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