Who’s that Pokémon?!

It was a wet and rainy day when we arrived in Kyoto. We had been maneuvering the subway and bullet train stations with our luggage in tow, causing me to be exhausted and a little overwhelmed. That was, until I saw the glowing signs that read Pokémon in a window as we walked down the street to our hotel. After unpacking and enjoying excellent Japanese style fast-food for dinner, I jumped at the opportunity to go to the Pokémon Center in Kyoto.

The instant you walk through the door, you’re greeted with a statue of Pikachu in a kimono and it couldn’t be cuter! He’s dressed like a maiko (an apprentice geisha) to show off Kyoto style and is a promotion for this larger Pokémon Center, which opened March 2019 after moving from its previous location. You can find limited-edition plushies just like the statue and a few other varieties as well.

I had previously watched a video by my favorite Youtuber, Sharmander (great name right?), who talked about how the 12 Pokémon Centers across Japan have a limited time campaign called MY251. If you can’t guess by the name, this campaign is all about the first 251 Pokémon; or in nerd terms, all the Kanto and Johto region Pokémon. It consists of stickers of the first 251, specially designed shopping bags and shipping boxes, plushies of the first 251, photo contests with those plushies and special Gold and Silver menu items at the Japan Pokémon Café.

That’s a lot of Pokémon! The best part is they’re only about $11 USD for each plushie, meaning you could buy all of them for nearly $3,000. Totally worth every penny, in my opinion.

There’s more to the Pokémon Center than just these plushies. Another fun thing they like to do is issue a new duo Pikachu plushie set every month. You can find these, and several other different types of plushies, featuring Pikachu in a variety of outfits, really fuzzy ones and even sleeping Pokémon plushies. The Pokémon Center also contains tons of Pokémon-themed stationary, figurines, cellphone accessories, clothing, videos games and even food.

If you find yourself in Japan, I recommend finding a Pokémon Center near you and checking it out. Each one contains different items and some even have battle arenas where you can find people playing the card game. Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up in a battle, too!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

exterior of kyoto shimbun
Feature Story Kyoto

Kyoto Shimbun: a chronicle of tradition and modernism

Take a look inside the pages and the process of the Kyoto Shimbun.

Read More
Tea cups of matcha and bamboo whisks to blend the matcha with water
Feature Story Kyoto

Traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto

Nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of Kyoto, the traditional tea ceremony holds a revered place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Travelers can immerse themselves in the essence of Japanese culture as they are transported to a realm of serenity and harmony. The tea ceremony in Kyoto is regarded as an art form, […]

Read More
Entrance veiw of Ryozen Kannon statue.
Feature Story Kyoto

Unveiling the serene majesty of Ryōzen Kannon

In the heart of Kyoto, a serene sanctuary silently stands, captivating travelers with its ethereal presence. The majestic Ryōzen Kannon is a renowned Buddhist temple that exudes tranquility and reverence. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Higashiyama mountains, this hidden gem invites visitors to dive into a world of spiritual solace and contemplation. Approached […]

Read More
css.php