TL;DR
- 17 active Pokemon Centers worldwide with only one outside Japan in Singapore
- Each location offers exclusive merchandise unavailable elsewhere with unique regional items
- Mega Tokyo in Sunshine City mall is considered the largest and most impressive location
- Shibuya features a life-size Mewtwo display and represents newest store designs
- Temporary centers appear at major events like World Championships and European locations
While Pokemon Centers in the games serve as healing stations for your battle-worn Pokemon, the real-world versions offer an entirely different but equally magical experience. These physical stores bring the Pokemon universe to life through exclusive merchandise, interactive areas, and community spaces that celebrate the franchise’s enduring popularity across generations of fans.
Don’t anticipate encountering Nurse Joy or healing machines at these retail locations. Instead, each Pokemon Center functions as a premium merchandise destination featuring a dedicated Pokemon Card Station where visitors can learn the rules of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. What makes these stores truly special is their location-exclusive merchandise—items you cannot purchase through online retailers or at general Pokemon distributors. This exclusivity strategy ensures that every Pokemon Center visit offers unique discoveries and collectibles specific to that region or city.
The inaugural Pokemon Center launched in 1998 in Osaka, Japan, marking the beginning of physical retail spaces dedicated solely to Pokemon. Currently, 17 active locations operate globally, with the overwhelming majority situated throughout Japan. Only a single permanent Pokemon Center exists outside Japanese borders, located in Singapore, making it a crucial destination for international Pokemon enthusiasts.
The current roster of active Pokemon Centers spans Japan’s major cities and one international location, offering fans numerous destinations to explore. Understanding the geographic distribution helps in planning Pokemon-themed travel itineraries throughout Asia.
Active Pokemon Center Locations:
- Pokemon Center Osaka (original location)
- Pokemon Center Nagoya
- Pokemon Center Fukuoka
- Pokemon Center Yokohama
- Pokemon Center Sapporo
- Pokemon Center Tohoku
- Pokemon Center Tokyo Bay
- Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo
- Pokemon Center Hiroshima
- Pokemon Center Skytree Town
- Pokemon Center Tokyo DX
- Pokemon Center Singapore (only non-Japan location)
- Pokemon Center Osaka DX
- Pokemon Center Shibuya
- Pokemon Center Kanazawa
- Pokemon Center Okinawa
Temporary Pokemon Centers periodically emerge around major events, such as the Pokemon World Championships, operating exclusively for the duration of these gatherings. Additional pop-up locations have appeared in European cities including Paris and London, though these remain temporary installations rather than permanent fixtures.
The Pokemon Center New York operated from 2001 through 2005 before closing permanently, demonstrating the challenges of maintaining international locations outside Pokemon’s home market. This closure makes the Singapore location particularly valuable for collectors outside Japan.
What are the best Pokemon Centers?
Without question, Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo stands as the premier destination, situated within Ikebukuro’s massive Sunshine City shopping complex. This flagship location earns its reputation as one of the largest Pokemon-themed stores worldwide, offering an unparalleled selection of merchandise and interactive experiences that can easily occupy visitors for hours. Its scale and variety make it worth prioritizing if you have limited time for Pokemon Center visits during your Tokyo itinerary.
Pokemon Center Shibuya represents one of the newest additions to the network and has gained fame for its stunning life-size Mewtwo display contained within a specialized incubator unit. This impressive visual centerpiece provides incredible photo opportunities and embodies the modern evolution of Pokemon Center design philosophy.
Planning Your Visit: For international travelers, combining Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo and Pokemon Center Shibuya makes an ideal Tokyo Pokemon tour. Visit Mega Tokyo for comprehensive merchandise selection and Shibuya for cutting-edge displays and newest product launches. Check official websites for seasonal events and limited-edition releases that can significantly enhance your experience. Consider weekdays and morning hours to avoid peak crowds, especially during Japanese school holidays and new game release periods.
Action Checklist
- Research location-exclusive merchandise before visiting to prioritize your shopping
- Check official Pokemon Center websites for temporary closures, special events, or new product launches
- Plan visits for weekday mornings to avoid peak crowds and ensure better product availability
- Allocate at least 2-3 hours for flagship locations like Mega Tokyo to fully explore all sections
- Bring adequate luggage space for purchases, considering international shipping alternatives for larger collections
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Location and details of Pokemon Centers around the world Discover the world's best Pokemon Centers with exclusive merchandise, location guides, and travel planning tips