Poppy is the author of "A Bard's Lament." She lives in Enoshima and likes to read novels and play video games, especially open-world RPGs.

Even if you aren't a fan, there's no doubt you have at least heard of the incredibly successful Pokémon franchise. With an anime series that has run for over twenty years, an extensive amount of video games on many different consoles, and countless merchandise ranging from fluffy toys to themed clothing, this massive universe has become globally famous and holds a lot of nostalgia for young adults today.

In most countries, the availability of Pokémon-themed merchandise and things to do is dwindling, but if you are travelling to Japan, you'll be happy to know that Tokyo is a haven for Pokémon fans if you know where to look!

Here are six great things for Pokémon fans to do in Tokyo:

Get trading cards and figurines Check out retro and collectible games Visit the Pokémon Cafe Test your skills at the arcade Head to the Pokémon Center Catch Pokémon in all the best spots

1. Get Trading Cards and Figurines

Figurines and trading cards are affordable and abundant in Tokyo's Otaku mecca, Akihabara. You can reach Akihabara on the Yamanote, JK Keihin-Tohoku, and JB Chūō-Sōbu lines (if you have a JR Pass, riding these lines is free). It can also be reached on the Hibiya Subway Line.

Any fans of games, anime, and manga have to visit Akihabara at least once. It is recommended you visit on a weekday outside of national holidays to avoid the crowds.

For Pokémon trading cards, visit Cherumo, a haven for those looking for rare finds and collectible cards. For figurines and more cards, go to Comic Toranoana, which is right next to Animate.

2. Check out Retro and Collectible Games

For video game freaks, Akihabara also has a satisfying amount of retro and collectible games on display to see and buy! Head to Super Potato, a fantastic several-story building of vintage games and consoles. It even has a retro arcade!

Here, you will find old consoles such as the PlayStation 1 and the Dreamcast, as well as a bunch of old games such as Pokemon Yellow for less than 1,000 yen!

If you are looking to buy old Pokemon games, try Book Off and Hard Off, also in Akihabara. You might find a treasure there collecting dust.

3. Visit the Pokémon Cafe

As of March 2018, there is an official permanent Pokémon Cafe in Tokyo! This is a must-visit if you are a fan of the series. As well as food and drinks, you can also buy special merchandise here.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you want a spot n this unique and popular eatery.

You have to make a reservation. There is a very helpful guide on reserving a spot here on NintendoSoup.

Menus are in Japanese, Chinese, and English.

No smoking and no takeouts.

If you know what dates you'll be in Japan, reserve your spot and add this cafe to your Pokémon-themed trip.

4. Test Your Skills at the Arcade

Akihabara is not the only place in Tokyo where you can get Pokémon merchandise. Taito Station and other arcades often have great Pokémon-themed items such as soft toys, pillows, and other items. If you enjoy arcade games, try your hand at UFO catchers, or claw machines, and try to win a special toy!

I've won Pokémon soft toys and even a giant master ball pillow before. They aren't too difficult to win, so give it a try! There are arcades in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and other places, so keep an eye out for them.

Pixabay

5. Head to the Pokémon Center

The Pokémon Center is another great place to get Pokémon-themed goods. The centers, which you can find in Oshiage (Skytree), Marunouchi, and Higashi-Ikebukuro, offer stationery such as notebooks, pencils, erasers, etc., key chains, clothes, and of course a myriad of various sized soft toys. The goods here make excellent souvenirs.

6. Catch Pokémon in All the Best Spots

If you are part of the Pokémon Go craze, Tokyo is a goldmine for catching rare Pokémon! Locations such as Odaiba, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and more are great for unusual finds. Check out the video below for the full guide and get searching!

Tokyo is a fantastic city for a million different reasons and is also a great place to live. For Pokémon fans, it is a wonderland of amazing experiences and bank-breaking shopping! For your next trip to Tokyo, definitely check out these things to do and fall in love with your favourite franchise all over again.

Questions & Answers

Question: How much does the Pokemon Cafe cost?

Answer: It’s free to enter, just be sure to make a reservation. You have to order at least one dish per guest; food is around 1,500-2,000 yen and drinks and desserts are around 800~1,800 yen.

© 2018 Poppy

Billy Haynes from Paragould, AR on July 03, 2019:

That's cool, I can see that sticking with the initials EV for sure.

Now I wonder how many people are nicknamed Onyx because they like wearing it... ^_^

Poppy (author) from Enoshima, Japan on July 03, 2019:

My friend's nickname is Eevee, partly because she loves Eevee and partly because her name is Emma Victoria (EV).

Billy Haynes from Paragould, AR on July 01, 2019:

You should give it a try, just refer to a friend (or your husband) by a random Pokemon name and see what their reaction is.

Poppy (author) from Enoshima, Japan on July 01, 2019:

Hi, Billy. No I haven't, but it sounds cute.

Billy Haynes from Paragould, AR on July 01, 2019:

Poppy,

Have you ever nicknamed someone after a Pokemon?

Poppy (author) from Enoshima, Japan on July 01, 2019:

Thank you, Billy! I agree; it is impossible to choose from a list of such great Pokemon.

Billy Haynes from Paragould, AR on June 29, 2019:

Had to vote all of them.

Had a turtle when I was younger and named it Blastoise.

I started calling my girlfriend JigglyPuff shortly after getting together because she sings all the time.

Then there's Eevee who's one mysterious fox. So hard to choose!

Brandon Lobo on November 05, 2018:

Jolteon here. I also like Ditto.

Poppy (author) from Enoshima, Japan on November 05, 2018:

Eevee is extremely popular! I'm not sure why either; perhaps many people have a favourite transformation (my favourite is Espeon).

Brandon Lobo on November 05, 2018:

Charmander was my favorite and I voted Charmander above, but as a plush Eevee is the cutest. I wonder if that's the reason Eevee is leading the charts. I was surprised to see that.