If you’ve got the “catch them all” fever then Shibuya Parco has to be your next stop. Welcome to Shibuya’s exclusive Pokémon Center, newly opened on November 22nd, 2019.
Shibuya is the 14th Pokémon Center to open in Japan, joining Sapporo, Nagoya, and Osaka Pokémon Centers among others. But this is the first and only place for you to find Pikachu in the heart of Tokyo fashion and entertainment, Shibuya.
Located on the 6th floor of Shibuya Parco near the Nintendo Tokyo store, Pokémon Center Shibuya features some truly visionary decorations in its entryway. While most Pokémon Centers opt for white walls and colorful starter Pokémon as their mascots to welcome visitors, Shibuya went for a Pokémon a little more fitting its image—Mewtwo. A life-size Mewtwo floats serenely in its tank and as you sneak past, hoping not to wake the legendary psychic Pokémon, you’ll find the entrance.
Black walls and floors and a near-endless sea of Pokémon merchandise welcome you inside. Visitors will notice the popular Pikachu mascot decked out in street graffiti—a Shibuya exclusive. Skateboards and cool streetwear-themed merchandise gives the whole Pokémon Center a decidedly Shibuya feel. This is a nightclub-like Pokémon Center made for Shibuya’s nightlife crowd.
With the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield, current merchandise reflects the new generation of Pokémon—as of this article, the starter Pokémon (Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble) have their merchandise all over the place. You can find plush stuffed animals, figures, collectible card packs, hats, bags, cushions, plates, engagement rings—basically if you think there ought to be Pokémon merchandise of it, you might just find it.
Aside from all the exclusive Shibuya-only merchandise and Pokémon plushies, keep your eyes open for the Nintendo x Pokémon collaboration items thanks to the nearby Nintendo Tokyo store—the first and only official Nintendo store in Japan. You’ll also find the Pokémon Sword and Shield “Rotomi” or Pokémon PC Box; give it a talking to and take its Pokémon quiz or play a game with it. And don’t forget the omiyage (souvenir/gift) before you leave. There are various sets of cookies, senbei, and other Japanese snacks in cute and colorful Pokémon containers.
The Pokémon Center Shibuya is most definitely worth a visit for Pokémon fans of any age or gender—with an adult appeal not found in the other Centers. Despite its cool, nightclub appearance though you’ll find plenty of your favorite Pokémon merchandise to spend your Pokédollars on.
