Pokemon is surely one of Japan’s most wide reaching and successful exports. It took over the world in the late nineties and with the games and animations still being continued today, the idea of capturing and battling fantastical creatures continues to delight new generations.

For many tourists, Japan is synonymous with Pokemon and visiting a Pokemon centre and grabbing all the merch they can is number one priority on their itinerary. There are three stores in central Tokyo and two more in the Greater Tokyo area.

Pokemon Centers in Central Tokyo

1. Pokemon Center Tokyo DX (and Pokemon Café), Nihonbashi

Pokemon Center Tokyo DX (the DX stands for deluxe) is the largest Pokemon Center in Japan to date. It recently opened in the Takashimaya department store in Nihonbashi. It houses some attractions such as a touch screen pokedex and history wall. The megastore is adjacent to the permanent Pokemon Cafe, and of course, the store is overflowing with all the poke-merchandise you’ve ever dreamed of and more.

Address: 103-0027 Tokyo, Chuo, Nihombashi 2-11-2 Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. East Building (5F)

Nearest Station: Nihonbashi

Inside Pokemon Cafe

Inside Pokemon Center Tokyo DX

2. Pokemon Center MEGA TOKYO, Ikebukuro

This store lives up to its name and is pretty MEGA (it’s also in TOKYO). Housed on the 2nd Floor of Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City Shopping Mall, you should find everything your Poke-heart desires. This was the go-to Pokemon Center before the newest one opened its doors in 2018, but it’s range of merch is still formidable and you will probably be avoiding crowds at the new shiny DX store by opting for MEGA TOKYO instead.

Address: 170-6002 Tokyo, Toshima, Higashi-Ikebukuro 3-1-2 Sunshine City alpa 2F

Nearest Station: Ikebukuro

3. Pokemon Center SKYTREE TOWN, Asakusa

Although it is smaller than MEGA TOKYO and DX, this store is probably the most conveniently located for tourists. Pokemon Center SKYTREE TOWN is inside the shopping mall at the base of Tokyo Skytree and close to the traditional area of Asakusa, both of which are already on the to-do list of most visitors to Japan. You can also get exclusive Pokemon and Skytree crossover merchandise.

Address: 131-0045 Tokyo, Sumida, Oshiage 1-1-2 Tokyo SKYTREE TOWN Solamachi East Yard 4F

Nearest Station: Tokyo Skytree Station or Oshiage

Pokemon Centers in the Greater Tokyo Area

1. Pokemon Center Yokohama, Yokohama

For those planning a day trip to Yokohama, it could be a good time to tick Pokemon Center off your list too. It's moved from the Landmark Tower in Minato Mirai to the 8th floor of MARUI City by Yokohama station.

Address: 220-0011 Yokohama, Nishi, Takashima 2-19-12, MARUI City Yokohama 8F

Nearest Station: Yokohama

2. Pokemon Center TOKYO-BAY, Chiba

This store is all the way out in Funabashi in Tokyo’s neighbouring prefecture of Chiba. The location is not so convenient for tourists, but if you live or are staying in the area you can avoid all the bustle of Tokyo while still getting your fix of Pokemon goods.

Address: 273-8530 Chiba, Funabashi, Hama-cho 2-1-1 Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport TOKYO-BAY West Wing 2F

Nearest Station: Funabashi-Keibajo or JR Minami-Funabashi

If you're a die hard Pokemon fan and need more activity ideas for your Tokyo trip, check out '6 Must Try Activities for Pokemon Fans Visiting Tokyo'!