Top Five Pokemon Centers in Japan!
Bianca Bache
PokĆ©mon, also known as Pocket Monster ( ćć±ććć¢ć³ć¹ćæć¼), 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 PokĆ©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 PokĆ©mon merchandise! Read more to find out where you can find the top five PokĆ©mon Centers in Japan!
Through the years, PokƩmon has evolved and branched out, think Trading Card Games, PokƩmon Go mobile games, and various merch. PokƩmon goodies and PokƩmon merch have blown up and almost become their own currency; with limited edition items, location-based exclusive items, and seasonal items, the demand for PokƩmon has grown!
Go beyond PokƩmon 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 PokƩmon 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 PokĆ©mon Center Mega Tokyo (ćć±ć¢ć³ć»ć³ćæć¼ć”ć¬ćć¦ćć§ć¼) is an absolutely sensational place to visit for PokĆ©mon lovers or casual fans! This store is called MEGA for a reason, it’s one of the largest PokĆ©mon Centers in Tokyo, it has an exclusive desserts shop called Pikachu Sweets, it’s the first official PokĆ©mon GO Lab, and PokĆ©mon Card Station!
What to Expect at Pokemon Centers
If you grew up watching PokƩmon, visiting a PokƩmon Center is a must-do. Luckily across Japan, there are a few locations to travel to! Japan has 16 PokƩmon Centers and six PokƩmon 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 PokƩmon Trading Card Station stands where fans can participate in PokƩmon trading card games!
All things considered, there are two categories of PokƩmon shops: the PokƩmon Center, an official shop with PokƩmon items and services on a larger scale. And there are PokƩmon Stores on a smaller scale and focus on selling the more popular items from PokƩmon Centres.
Where are the Pokemon Centers in Japan?
The locations for the PokƩmon Centers are dotted around Japan, although there are concentrations in the main areas. There are seven PokƩmon Centers in Tokyo and two in Osaka. From the Northern to Southern Prefectures of Japan, here are the locations of the PokƩmon 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 PokƩmon Centers
In any case, itās pretty overwhelming to pick the best PokĆ©mon Center in Japan. Luckily, you donāt have to choose which ones to go to! Weāve ranked the top PokĆ©mon Centers Locations in Japan for you!
1. PokƩmon Center Mega Tokyo
Tokyo PokĆ©mon Center Mega, located in Ikebukuroās 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 PokĆ©mon merchandise, including unique PokĆ©mon Center plush, you’re right! You can also find collectible cards, boosters packs, PokĆ© balls, and more here! In other words, this store really is the world of PokĆ©mon!
2. PokƩmon Center Shibuya
The PokƩmon 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 PokƩmon Centers stores that recently opened in Japan.
For one thing, a major highlight of this store is its unique technology that showcases PokĆ©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. PokƩmon Center TOKYO DX
Generally, the PokĆ©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, youāll see many PokĆ©mon products, such as plush toys and the latest PokĆ©mon video games like Sword and Shield. When you visit this Center, donāt forget to visit the PokĆ©mon CafĆ© located next door!
4. PokƩmon Center SkyTree Town
Tokyo Skytree is a must-visit, not only for the PokĆ©mon Center but also for the iconic 360-degree views of Tokyo! But first and foremost, the Sky PokĆ©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 PokĆ©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. PokƩmon Center Okinawa
A surprising new addition to the must-visit PokƩmon Centers! The Okinawa PokƩmon 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 PokƩmon video content and an area for PokƩmon Card Games.
Although debated, the best PokĆ©mon Centers to visit are mostly based in Tokyo; because of Tokyoās tourism popularity, itās easy to see why there are so many iconic stores. However, each PokĆ©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 PokĆ©mon Center has an official PokĆ©mon Center online store where you can find merchandise and original items, such as PokĆ©mon TCG trading cards, and gather info about new PokĆ©mon ventures! To quote the legendary game, āGotta catch ’em all,ā or conversely, “Gotta visit ’em all!”
Why should I go to the Pokemon Centers?
All in all, visiting PokƩmon 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 PokƩmon. 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. PokĆ©mon stores are not just shops but places of nostalgia where cherished childhood memories come to life. Whether you’re a long-time PokĆ©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!
1 Responses
Related articles
Yokohama Street Performance Festival is Great!
For those who wish to get a perfect taste of Yokohama culture and excitement, the Noge Daidogei is an event that canāt be missed! Ā
Why Marine Day Is More Than Just Fun!
Marine Day is the only national holiday in July, the hottest month in Japan. It’s a perfect day for people to enjoy fun and refreshing activities related to the sea!
Harajuku Fashion Style: Why Is It So Popular?
If you’re a fashion lover, you surely can’t miss the vibrant Harajuku fashion style in beautiful Tokyo! The Harajuku fashion style has had a strong influence on global fashion. So, come along with us to explore Harajuku fashion trends throughout the years and discover some of its iconic styles!
Harajuku: A History of the Fashion District!
Behind Harajuku’s modern image is a long and fascinating history that dates back hundreds of years!
Cool Japan: The Tale of this Soft Power Strategy
Imagine if your favorite anime, game, or snack secretly made Japan more influential. Sounds wild, right? Thatās what Japanās been doing, and they call it the “Cool Japan” strategy. Itās a soft power move, using culture instead of weapons or cash to win hearts worldwide.
Enoshima Island: A Great Escape from Tokyo!
Famous for its stunning coastline, powerful waves, and peaceful vibes, Enoshima has become a favorite stop for both locals and travelers. Ready to see what makes this island so cherished?
Oh, exploring Pokemon Centers in Japan is an adventure every Pokemon enthusiast should embark on! šÆšµ 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. šš