Pokemon Center Kyoto – The Most Traditionally Japanese Pokemon Center
Amidst the ocean of rustic historical sites in Kyoto (京都), lies Pokemon Center Kyoto (ポケモンセンター京都), one of the most traditionally Japanese Pokemon Centers across Japan. Being a fan of Pokemon myself together with my wife, we actually visited here twice simply for the sheer variety of Pokemon merchandise products it has to offer. With that said, here is our guide and details of our adventures into the world of Pokemon Center Kyoto.
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Trivia - Pokemon Center Kyoto
Being the Pokemon Center of the undisputed former imperial capital of Japan, there is certainly going to be some historical and cultural references to Kyoto. Here are some of them to look out for.
Ho-Oh, the Mascot of Pokemon Center Kyoto
The main mascot for Pokemon Center Kyoto is none other than the ever popular electric mouse, Pikachu (ピカチュウ) and the legendary rainbow Pokemon, Ho-Oh (ホウオウ). And the selection of Ho-Oh as the mascot is done with a strong motif behind it.
You see, the design of Ho-Oh is based on the mythical creature Hou-ou (鳳凰), the Japanese equivalent of a phoenix. And it’s origin is from Chinese mythology (known as fenghuang in Mandarin Chinese); as it was imported during the Asuka Period (飛鳥時代), a time where Japan started to assimilate Buddhism and Chinese culture from China.
The Hou-ou represents the sun and the Imperial Family, and is a popular motif in various Japanese paintings, kimonos (着物), crafts as well as within temples and shrines (such as the famed Byodoin Temple at Uji). In fact, locals believe that the appearence of the Hou-ou is a good omen and that it symbolises a beginning of a new era.
Maiko Pikachu Statue
Another main highlight of Pokemon Center Kyoto is a large Pikachu figurine dressed in a crimson kimono which you can’t miss upon entering the store. This is Maiko Pikachu (舞子ピカチュウ) and is another of the Pokemon Center’s leading mascot. Clearly this is a reference to the real life Maiko (舞子), also known as the apprentice Geisha that only exists in Kyoto.
Maiko literally translates as ‘dancing child’ and it refers to an apprentice geisha (芸者) in training that are usually younger than 20 years old. Maikos have to live in a geisha lodging house or Okiya (置屋) with their mother or Okami-san (女将さん) for 5 years.
Also, pay close attention to the Pokemon Vivillon (ビビヨン) hair pin decorated with flowers on Pikachu and also the kimono’s design. The hair pin is a reference to the long flowerlike hairpins or kanzashi (簪) that actual Maikos wear during their first year. Pikachu’s kimono itself has prints of Ho-Oh on it; a reference to real life kimonos that are often decorated with prints of Hou-ou.
Okuge-Sama Pikachu Plushie
During the opening of the store in 2017, Pokemon Center Kyoto released a pair of limited edition Pikachu plushies; one being the Maiko Pikachu and the other is the Okuge-Sama Pikachu (お公家様ピカチュウ). The former is discussed in the previous section while the latter is a clear reference to the aristocrats that dominated the Imperial Court in Kyoto.
The Kuge (公家) which literally translates as ‘nobility’ supported the Emperor of Japan during the Heian Period (平安時代). The relatively peaceful era allowed these Kuges to pursue their profession in arts and cultural interests; leading to the period being undeniably known as the Golden Age of Art in Japan.
Honestly, these designs are some of the most beautiful and detailed that we have seen among the Pokemon merchandise. It’s just too bad these are sold in limited amount and we hope there will be another chance to purchase these in the future.
Checking Out Pokemon Center Kyoto
Merchandise to Look Out For
If you are a fan of Pokemon just like us, Pokemon Center Kyoto is surely a must-visit. The store itself is a haven for Pokemon related merchandises; ranging from key-chains, trading card games, plushies, utensils and many more. There is even a small corner with arcade game machines.
Given how Pokemon was established since 1996 and spawned multiple games, anime (アニメ) series and movies; it is no surprise there are also plenty of Pokemons in display.
A personal favourite item that I like to purchase are these little Pokeballs which I personally call them Pokeball Mystery Gifts. Each of them costs about 1,000 Yen and contains a small Pokemon doll inside, with a catch that you can only open the Pokeball to find out what you get after purchasing it. This does add up to the suspense as you can only find out what Pokemon you get after purchasing the ball. A very cool and attractive business idea in my opinion.
In fact, we came back a second round just to get ourselves another Pokeball Mystery Gift. To my surprise, I got a mini Charmander doll twice in a row.
Some Travel Tips
If there is a danger that I need to warn about here, it’s how easy it is to indulge with all the cute and kawaii (可愛い) Pokemon goodies in the store. Alas, all the colourful and vibrant merchandises do come with a price tag. Also, we visited twice, once during a weekday and another on the weekend and we couldn’t escape the crowd of Pokemon fans visiting the store.
If you are tight on budget, consider taking a photo with some of the picturesque and iconic Pokemon figurines within the store as souvenirs. Also, consider visiting during weekdays as there will be slightly less crowded compared to weekends (be prepared to wait a while to queue at the cashier though if you are planning to purchase a goodie).
Just like other Pokemon Centers, Pokemon Center Kyoto is filled with a variety of merchandises and is meant to be explored slowly. So be sure to take your time to explore and enjoy the atmosphere before heading to the cashier to check out. (P.S. for Pokemon Go players, the Pokemon Center also happens to be a hotspot for gyms as well)
How To Get Here
- Pokemon Center Kyoto is located at SUINA Muromachi on the second floor (previously it was located at the fifth floor of the Takashimaya Department Store Kyoto). This modern looking mall is located few minutes walking distance from Shijo Station (四条駅). Simply catch a subway train from Kyoto Station (京都駅) for about 3 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can also catch bus no 73 from Kyoto Station (京都駅) to Shijo Karasuma bus stand (四条烏丸) for about 6 minutes. Fare for one-way costs 230 Yen. From the bus stand, simply take the escalator to Pokemon Center Kyoto.
- If you are planning to just visit Pokemon Center Kyoto and the city itself, public transportation is suffice given that parking is expensive in Kyoto. However, if you are planning a trip to the outskirts of Japan, consider renting a car for your trip in Japan. Driving around Japan is one of the best ways to explore off the beaten destinations that are notoriously hard to access via the standard public transportation.
Pokemon Center Kyoto Opening Hours
Pokemon Center Kyoto opens from 10am to 8pm daily. We recommend visiting on a weekday as generally, there is lesser crowds on a weekday.
Where to Stay
Given that Pokemon Center Kyoto is located at the urban core of Kyoto at the Shimogyo Ward (下京区), it is easy to find plenty of options for accommodations. Here are some to consider:
For budget and mid-range options, consider business hotels such as Hotel M’s Est Shijo Karasuma, Karasuma Hotel Kyoto and Toyoko Inn Kyoto Shijo-Karasuma. Also, Anshin Oyado Premier Kyoto is an establishment to look out for in case you prefer capsule hotels.
On the other hand, if you are willing to splurge and wishing for a more spacious room, consider the nearby luxury hotels of Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto, Asai Kyoto Shijo and Mimaru Suites Kyoto Shijo.
Is It Worth Visiting Pokemon Center Kyoto?
If you are an absolute Pokemon fan, then yes! This place is certainly a haven for Pokemon merchandise, especially if you are a plushie lover. Also, if you are into Japanese subculture and media, it is definitely worth checking this franchise store given how successful the Pokemon brand is worldwide.
If you love to see more unique attractions like this, be sure to subscribe as I will be sharing more destinations in the near future. And If you found this guide useful, feel free to tell more people about it on social. Thank you and stay tune!
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