The awesome Pokemon manhole covers, which have been scattered around various areas of Japan, recently hit a total of 100. Which is pretty impressive when you consider that each design is a one of a kind original, hand made by artisans. These installations have been created to encourage tourism to less well known areas in Japan.

Often the Pokemon featured in these manhole covers have some kind of link to area they’re installed in. For example, Geodude (a rock with hands) can be found in Iwate, a prefecture name which includes the characters meaning ‘rock’ and ‘hand’. In the same way, Sandshrew has been chosen for Tottori prefecture, an area famous for the largest sand dunes in Japan.

Last year, fifteen designs were installed all over Japan’s biggest and northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido. The Pokemon chosen to be the area's designated mascot was Vulpix, and in Japan’s frozen north, it’s only appropriate that Vulpix’s ice-type regional form, the Alolan Vulpix, be included too. Each design shows one of the two frolicking and palling about with other beloved Pokemon.

Four brand new designs have been announced, bringing the total to nineteen. Since the campaign is encouraging travel all over the prefecture, the covers are spread far and wide across Hokkaido, which is a pretty massive area, so true Pokemon trainers should get their exploring boots on.

Some of these Vulpix themed covers will be appearing this month, and some will wildly appear later in the year. Information regarding the dates and exact locations for each one can be found on the Poke Lids website, which also includes every single Pokemon manhole cover to be found in Japan currently. Most are permanent but some are temporary so be sure not to miss out on your favourite Pokemon!