Top Five Pokemon Centers in Japan!
Bianca Bache
PokΓ©mon, also known as Pocket Monster ( γγ±γγγ’γ³γΉγΏγΌ), has become one of the most recognizable games and anime across the world. However, the most iconic part of this blockbuster franchise is the Pokemon Centers!
In-game, the PokΓ©mon Center is where you and your Pokemon can rest after battle. But in real life, it’s where you can go to get some awesome PokΓ©mon merchandise! Read more to find out where you can find the top five PokΓ©mon Centers in Japan!
Through the years, PokΓ©mon has evolved and branched out, think Trading Card Games, PokΓ©mon Go mobile games, and various merch. PokΓ©mon goodies and PokΓ©mon merch have blown up and almost become their own currency; with limited edition items, location-based exclusive items, and seasonal items, the demand for PokΓ©mon has grown!
Go beyond PokΓ©mon and explore all things Japanese pop culture! Check out TokyoTreat for your dose of Japan! TokyoTreat sends an exciting box of Japanese snacks, sweets, drinks, and more right to you from Japan!
The History of Pokemon Centers
The first official PokΓ©mon Japan Center opened on April 25, 1998, in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. However, just shy of its 10th anniversary, the store closed and reopened in a different location in April 2008 in Hamamatsu-cho, Tokyo.
It then closed and reopened in 2014, relocating from Hamamatsu-cho to its current location in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City Shopping Center. The PokΓ©mon Center Mega Tokyo (γγ±γ’γ³γ»γ³γΏγΌγ‘γ¬γγ¦γγ§γΌ) is an absolutely sensational place to visit for PokΓ©mon lovers or casual fans! This store is called MEGA for a reason, it’s one of the largest PokΓ©mon Centers in Tokyo, it has an exclusive desserts shop called Pikachu Sweets, it’s the first official PokΓ©mon GO Lab, and PokΓ©mon Card Station!
What to Expect at Pokemon Centers
If you grew up watching PokΓ©mon, visiting a PokΓ©mon Center is a must-do. Luckily across Japan, there are a few locations to travel to! Japan has 16 PokΓ©mon Centers and six PokΓ©mon Stores to visit. Each store has slightly unique aspects, making visiting each store a new experience.
Firstly, each store has a mascot that greets guests at the entrance and unique merchandise that can only be bought in that location. Some stores also hold special events and have PokΓ©mon Trading Card Station stands where fans can participate in PokΓ©mon trading card games!
All things considered, there are two categories of PokΓ©mon shops: the PokΓ©mon Center, an official shop with PokΓ©mon items and services on a larger scale. And there are PokΓ©mon Stores on a smaller scale and focus on selling the more popular items from PokΓ©mon Centres.
Where are the Pokemon Centers in Japan?
The locations for the PokΓ©mon Centers are dotted around Japan, although there are concentrations in the main areas. There are seven PokΓ©mon Centers in Tokyo and two in Osaka. From the Northern to Southern Prefectures of Japan, here are the locations of the PokΓ©mon Centers:
Hokkaido & Tohoku
Daimaru, Sapporo
Sendai
Kanto
Tokyo DX
Nihombashi
Tokyo Mega
Tokyo-Bay
Shibuya
Skytree Town
Yokohama
Chubu
Nagoya
Kanazawa City
Kansai
Kyoto
Osaka DX
Osaka
Chugoku
Hiroshima
Kyushu & Okinawa
Fukuoka
Okinawa
Top Five PokΓ©mon Centers
In any case, itβs pretty overwhelming to pick the best PokΓ©mon Center in Japan. Luckily, you donβt have to choose which ones to go to! Weβve ranked the top PokΓ©mon Centers Locations in Japan for you!
1. PokΓ©mon Center Mega Tokyo
Tokyo PokΓ©mon Center Mega, located in Ikebukuroβs Sunshine City Mall, is one of the biggest stores in the world. If you imagined this store to be stocked with an amazing amount of PokΓ©mon merchandise, including unique PokΓ©mon Center plush, you’re right! You can also find collectible cards, boosters packs, PokΓ© balls, and more here! In other words, this store really is the world of PokΓ©mon!
2. PokΓ©mon Center Shibuya
The PokΓ©mon Center Shibuya is located within the popular Shibuya Parco shopping mall, a bustling shopping center in central Tokyo. Specifically, this store is one of the newer PokΓ©mon Centers stores that recently opened in Japan.
For one thing, a major highlight of this store is its unique technology that showcases PokΓ©mon in fascinating ways. Undoubtedly, the biggest attraction for a mini photoshoot is the lifesize Mewtwo, which sits inside an incubator at the store’s entrance. Additionally, you get to see the Shibuya-only Graffiti Pikachu!
3. PokΓ©mon Center TOKYO DX
Generally, the PokΓ©mon Center Tokyo DX, located in Nihonbashi Takashimaya S.C., is regarded as one of the most impressive stores yet! That’s because sitting at the entrance is the iconic Snorlax with adorable Pikachu and Mew perched on its shoulders! Once in the store, youβll see many PokΓ©mon products, such as plush toys and the latest PokΓ©mon video games like Sword and Shield. When you visit this Center, donβt forget to visit the PokΓ©mon CafΓ© located next door!
4. PokΓ©mon Center SkyTree Town
Tokyo Skytree is a must-visit, not only for the PokΓ©mon Center but also for the iconic 360-degree views of Tokyo! But first and foremost, the Sky PokΓ©mon Center is truly an impressive store! Once you walk in, you’ll notice the enormous Rayquaza waiting at the entrance. That is to say, you won’t find this at any of the other PokΓ©mon Centers!
Rayquaza was specially chosen for SkyTree Tower because, just like the tower, the Rayquaza lives high in the sky! To commemorate your visit, don’t forget to also grab the exclusive plush toy of the Pikachu riding Rayquaza!
5. PokΓ©mon Center Okinawa
A surprising new addition to the must-visit PokΓ©mon Centers! The Okinawa PokΓ©mon Center recently opened in mid-2022 and is designed to resemble the beautiful nature of Okinawa. At the entrance, you are welcomed by the cute duo, Windie, and Pikachu! As a result, you can enjoy specialized PokΓ©mon video content and an area for PokΓ©mon Card Games.
Although debated, the best PokΓ©mon Centers to visit are mostly based in Tokyo; because of Tokyoβs tourism popularity, itβs easy to see why there are so many iconic stores. However, each PokΓ©mon Center across Japan has something unique and magical about them! So, if you can visit them, take the time to explore each location and see the exclusive products available from each location.
Not in Japan? No worries! The PokΓ©mon Center has an official PokΓ©mon Center online store where you can find merchandise and original items, such as PokΓ©mon TCG trading cards, and gather info about new PokΓ©mon ventures! To quote the legendary game, βGotta catch ’em all,β or conversely, “Gotta visit ’em all!”
Why should I go to the Pokemon Centers?
All in all, visiting PokΓ©mon stores in Japan is an absolute treat for fans and enthusiasts alike. These stores offer a magical experience, immersing visitors in the vibrant world of PokΓ©mon. From adorable plush toys to exclusive merchandise, the stores undoubtedly provide an opportunity to find and collect unique treasures.
Finally, the vibrant displays and interactive elements create an atmosphere of joy and excitement. PokΓ©mon stores are not just shops but places of nostalgia where cherished childhood memories come to life. Whether you’re a long-time PokΓ©mon fan or new to the franchise, these stores offer everyone a fun and delightful adventure! Which Pokemon store is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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Oh, exploring Pokemon Centers in Japan is an adventure every Pokemon enthusiast should embark on! π―π΅ From Tokyo to Osaka, these centers are like havens for Pokemon lovers. Yet, if you ever find yourself stateside, don’t miss the chance to discover an incredible selection of Pokemon treasures at Larger Than Life Toys in New York. ππ