Often, one of the priorities for tourists visiting Tokyo is a pilgrimage to the Pokemon Center. The fabled dream destination of our childhood has several locations around the capital, packed floor to ceiling with sweet, sweet Pokemon merchandise.

While most will probably pay a visit to the more central Pokemon Centers in Nihonbashi, Ikebukuro or the new establishment in Shibuya Parco, there’s a slightly more remote Center, which may not get as much footfall as the others. Pokemon Center Tokyo Bay is located in Chiba, the neighbouring prefecture to Tokyo, known for being home to Tokyo Disneyland and bizarre mascot Funassyi.

But starting from January 25th 2020, there’s going to be some awesome brand new Pikachu events to tempt Pokemon trainers out to Chiba.

Pokemon Center Tokyo Bay's New Attraction

Firstly, as the Pokemon Center is named after Tokyo Bay, a giant surfboard-holding Pikachu will become resident in the LaLaport mall’s clock square. The four metre high monument to his holy yellowness can only be found in this location.

To celebrate this momentous tribute to Pikachu, the Pokemon himself will be parading through the square. On 25th and 26th of January there will be two parades per day (one at 11 am and one at 2pm), each one lasting half an hour and consisting of ten adorable and energetic Pikachus. If you attend the 11am show on Saturday 25th you can even see the grand unveiling of the surfer Pikachu monument.

How to Get to Pokemon Center Tokyo Bay

If you need the lowdown on all the Pokemon Center options in Tokyo, check out our guide! Or if you've already got your heart set on a certain one, how about finding out about other Pokemon-centric activities to enjoy in Tokyo?