The first ever Pokémon manhole covers were installed in Kagoshima prefecture in 2018, and the project has now expanded to 37 prefectures (and counting) across Japan. These Pokemon manhole covers, also known as Poké Lids, are location specific, meaning each area has a unique set of Pokemon featured on the covers.
While most of these Poke Lids were installed outside Tokyo, you can still find some in the city and nearby in Yokohama. Here’s where you can spot them all.
The only Poké Lids you’ll find in central Tokyo are at Ueno Park. There’s one with Wynaut and Tyrunt in front of The National Museum of Nature and Science, near the massive whale statue.
Walk towards the Tokyo National Museum and you’ll see another one with Baltoy and Bronzor.
The Pokémon manhole covers at Yokohama are dedicated to Pikachu, like this one outside Sakuragicho Station. You’ll see the yellow electric mouse featured together with his friends across Yokohama.
Just a five-minute walk away, Nippon Maru Memorial Park is home to a Poké Lid with Psyduck and Machop.
This one with Victini and Munchlax is at Yokohama Pukarisanbashi Pier.
There’s one with Pikachu and Raichu near the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.
The one at the entrance of Yokohama Marine Tower features Pelipper.
Machida may seem a little too far for those in central Tokyo, but the district’s Serigaya Park features not one but six Poké Lids. To make the most of your trip to Machida, factor in some time for the Snoopy Museum as well.
The Pokemon manhole covers in Machida all feature first-generation Pokémon including Poliwag…
… Pidgey and Rattata…
… as well as Oddish, Weedle and Caterpie. Look around and you’ll find three more with Gen 1 starter Pokémon: Squirtle, Charmander and Bulbasaur.
Visit the Poké Lids website to pinpoint the exact locations of all the Pokemon manhole covers in Japan.
The article was published on October 3 2023 and updated on August 1 2024.
More from Time Out
There are weekly fireworks at Gotemba Premium Outlets this summer
Tokyo is getting a year-round Disney cruise in 2029
The Prince Park Tower Tokyo hotel opens a garden bar with Tokyo Tower view
Bruce Munro’s 1.3km-long light installation in Niseko is now open
Tokyo ranked one of the world’s safest cities to travel to in 2024
Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.