
Pikachu and pal Rayquaza are getting ready to set up camp at the base of the tallest structure in Japan.
The Tokyo Skytree draws plenty of visitors to its location in the capital’s Sumida Ward, and even if you don’t make the trip up to the observation platform to take in the dizzying view, the tower itself is an impressive sight to see. This summer, though, there’s going to be one more reason to head to the attached Solamachi entertainment complex: the opening of a brand-new Pokémon Center!
To clarify, this is a full-fledged Pokémon Center megastore, not to be confused with the considerably smaller Pokémon Stores, like the one currently found in Tokyo Station. Since Tokyo already has a preexisting Pokémon Center in Ikebukuro, the addition of the Pokémon Center Skytree Town will mark the first time two branches grace the same city.
Each Pokémon Center has its own unique logo and statue, and the Skytree shop’s shows the always-represented Pikachu riding on the back of Legendary Pokémon Rayquaza.
▼ This might seem out of character for the fearsome flying dragon, but be honest: You’d totally let Pikachu ride on your back too if he asked you.
The new location and logo also give designers some new motifs to play with in creating new merchandise exclusive to the Skytree Town branch.
▼ We can’t decide which we’d rather have: A scaled-down Skytree model with the addition of Pikachu ears, or a gigantic kaiju-size Pikachu that’s well over half the height of the 634-meter (2,080-foot) Skytree.
As with any Pokémon Center, there’s certain to be a huge selection of awesome stuff to appeal to both casual and hard-core fans of the series, so don’t forget to bring your Pokémon credit card with you when the shop opens on July 6.
Follow Casey on Twitter as he slowly loses the struggle to resist buying Pikachu stuffed animals.
Source, images: Pokémon official website




Tokyo Skytree to light up in Pokémon colors for summer-long art event!
Pokémon Center megastores across Japan shutting down indefinitely because of coronavirus
First-ever permanent Pokémon cafe set to open in Tokyo alongside new Pokémon Center megastore
New Pokémon Center opens, resellers snatch up thousands of dollars of limited edition plushies
New Pokémon Center to open in Kyoto with exclusive goods featuring adorable Maiko Pikachu
Studio Ghibli unveils new My Neighbour Totoro Yearly Plate for 2027
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Starbucks Japan adds new Sweet Potato Frappuccino and Latte to the menu, but do they deliver the taste of autumn?
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Graffiti artist Pikachu plushies coming to brand-new Shibuya Pokémon Center megastore【Photos】
Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo to remain closed for the summer following stabbing incident
Now you can set up your very own Secret Base with new Pokémon camping supplies
And the winner of the Pokémon General Election is…
Tokyo just got a brand-new Pokémon megastore, and here’s a massive look at its exclusive items
20 things to buy at the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo store
Pokémon Center megastores give you 3 cool birthday bonuses if you shop during your birthday month
Life-size Mewtwo, graffiti Pikachu welcome us to the newest Pokémon Center megastore in Shibuya
Beautiful forest-style Studio Ghibli specialty shop reopens at Tokyo Skytree this summer
Lightning storm photos of the Skytree show the Tokyo symbol in a whole new light【Photos】
Gigantic Evangelion Spear of Longinus appears stabbed in the ground at the Tokyo Skytree【Photos】
Pokémon Centers around Japan celebrate the opening of Kyoto branch with commemorative goods
Tokyo Skytree to light up in Demon Slayer character colors as part of tie-up event with anime hit
Champagne, macarons and Pikachu? Paris plays host to Europe’s first Pokémon Center
Tokyo Pokémon Center announces reopening after months-long closure following stabbing death
Like Pokémon behinds? The Pokémon Center has got your butt covered