Pokémon in Tokyo: Pokémon Centers, Pokémon Cafe and PokéPark Kanto
Published: 2026-10-08
Pokémon is loved all over the world, and Tokyo, in its home country, is a fan's paradise: exclusive merch, a themed café and, since 2026, an outdoor Pokémon park.
The short answer
| Pokémon | |
|---|---|
| Began | The 1996 Game Boy games Pokémon Red and Green |
| Anime | On air since 1997 and shown around the world |
| Why it's popular | Games, anime, cards and apps: so many ways in |
| Where to enjoy it in Tokyo | Pokémon Centers, Pokémon Cafe, PokéPark Kanto |
First time? Head to the biggest store, Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo in Ikebukuro. The café needs a reservation, so check as soon as your dates are set.
What is it?
Pokémon (short for "Pocket Monsters") is about finding Pokémon, befriending them and going on adventures together. It started as a video game, then grew into an anime, a trading card game and the smartphone app Pokémon GO, becoming one of the most famous Japanese characters on the planet.
Why the world loves it
- So many ways in: games, anime, cards and apps. Anyone, of any age, from any country, can join.
- The joy of collecting: finding and collecting Pokémon is fun for kids and adults alike.
- Shared across generations: parents who played as kids now play with their own children.
Pokémon spots in Tokyo
Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo (Ikebukuro)A huge Pokémon Center in Sunshine City, with the Pikachu Sweets café stand next door.
Pokémon Center ShibuyaIn Shibuya PARCO, where a Mewtwo display greets you at the entrance.The Pokémon Cafe and PokéPark Kanto need advance reservations or tickets. Check the official websites.
On release days for popular new items, Pokémon Centers sometimes require numbered entry tickets.
Tips for fans
- Each Pokémon Center has its own exclusive goods, so visiting a few is part of the fun.
- Pokémon cards are hugely popular worldwide. See why Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! cards are so popular.
For more around each store, see Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Tokyo Skytree and Yomiuriland.
Official websites
Hours, prices and rules can change. Check the official websites for the latest before you go.
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