Pokémon Centers

“I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was…” You know the rest. And now you have the chance to become a Pokémon master at one of just 11 official retail and event spaces in Japan (and only 15 worldwide) dubbed Pokémon Centers.

From the chilly north in Sapporo to the lively southern city of Fukuoka, you can always rely on a Pokémon Center to act as your Nurse Joy in times of need.

The regular seasonal turnovers mean every visit will yield new products, not to mention that each Pokémon Center has its own unique goods. The Tokyo Skytree location, for example, has a fantastic selection of Skytree-themed Pikachus.

The question is which will you choose? Here’s a rundown of the major three to get you started.

Pokemon Center MEGA TOKYO

Located in Ikebukuro’s sprawling Sunshine City mall, this Tokyo Pokémon Center is one of the biggest in the world. While you’re probably imagining the amazing amount of Pokémon merchandise it must have, it’s worth noting that this center hosts regular Pokémon events too.

Want to hug and take pictures with a giant Pikachu? Multiple Pikachus? You’re in luck! There’s also a wide range of arcade-style Pokémon games and a wall of gatchapon machines (put your money in and receive a randomly selected Pokémon phone charm for example).

• Hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• 170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome−1−2, Sunshine City 2F - Map
• Take the Yamanote or Marunouchi line to Ikebukuro Station. From there it's about a 10-minute walk away. You can also take the Yurakucho line to Higashi Ikebukuro Station and walk about five minutes.

Pokemon Center Kyoto

Kyoto is synonymous with tradition and the Pokémon Center here has themed itself around this. Pikachus in Heian period costumes (794 – 1185, when Kyoto was the capital of Japan) and kimonos can be purchased here.

These adorable little plushies are limited edition available only in the Kyoto Pokémon Center, located in the SUINA Muromachi shopping center. It’s conveniently located only eight minutes away from Kyoto Station!

• Hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• 600-8520 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Kankobokocho 78, SUINA Muromachi 2F - Map
• From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma line to Shijo Station. and then walk for five minutes.
• The original Pokemon Center Kyoto was located in Takashimaya Department Store in the Kawaramachi neighborhood but relocated to SUINA Muromachi shopping center in March 2019.

Pokemon Center Osaka

Osaka stole our hearts (and wallets) when they opened the first actual Pokémon Gym in Japan in 2015. Unfortunately, the two-floor bazaar of interactive games, Poké merchandise, and a cafe closed its doors in September 2017 and relocated to a smaller storefront in the Daimaru Umeda department store.

Don’t be sad though, this Pokémon Center will still hit you in the childhood feels with major Poké-overload. Play Pokémon video games, trade Pokémon cards, challenge other guests to a Pokémon duel, and buy Pikachu-shaped snacks.

• Hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• 530-8202 Osaka, Kita-ku, Umeda, 3-chōme−1−1 Daimaru Umeda Building 13F - Map
• Take the Midosuji or Tokaido Sanyo line to Umeda Station. The Daimaru Umeda department store is right next to the station and the Pokemon Center is up on the 13th floor.

You can catch ‘em all at Pokémon Centers found in Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Fukuoka.