Overview
What Pokémon manhole covers are
Pokémon manhole covers are decorative sewer lids commissioned by local governments in collaboration with The Pokémon Company. Each design features Pokémon chosen to reflect regional stories, nature, products or landmarks, making every Pokémon manhole cover a tiny piece of place-based art. They are durable cast designs made to sit flush with sidewalks and plazas rather than removable souvenirs.
Where to find Pokémon manhole covers
Covers are scattered across prefectures and often placed near stations, tourist spots, parks and city halls to draw visitors to lesser-known neighborhoods. Many areas publish location lists or maps, and community tourism sites will note coordinates or nearby bus stops. Plan your route by checking local info first since some Pokémon manhole covers are in small towns reached by regional trains or short drives.
How to photograph them
Get low for a dramatic foreground with the cover leading into the scene, or include surrounding landmarks to tell a location story. Shoot in soft light like morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh reflections on metal, and consider a wide-angle lens to capture both design and context. If the cover sits in a busy path, wait for a clear moment rather than blocking others.
Etiquette and tips
Treat Pokéfuta as public art: do not pry covers loose, avoid standing on them for long periods, and respect nearby signage or restricted areas. Keep an eye on traffic when photographing covers in roadways and be polite to locals who may be using the space. If you encounter a community event around a cover, follow instructions from organizers and avoid obstructing ceremonies.
Cultural background
The Pokéfuta initiative blends Japan's love of characters with regional revitalization efforts, encouraging tourism and local pride. Designs often reference local crafts, foods or folklore, so each Pokémon manhole cover doubles as a storytelling device that links global pop culture to specific places. Collecting photos of different covers becomes a cultural scavenger hunt that highlights how communities reimagine public space.
Planning a Poke Lid route
Because the covers are spread across a city or region, it helps to group them by area and plan one district per outing. Official city pages and the Pokemon Local Acts site are the best starting points for locations. Lists can change when covers are relocated, repaired, or replaced, so confirm the latest information before you set out. Note the station you will start from, and allow extra time for walking between covers, since some lids are farther apart than they look on a map. A short loop within one neighborhood is usually a comfortable outing. Saving the route to your phone or printing a simple sketch can make the day smoother. Start early on weekdays if you want quieter streets, and plan a rest stop midway.
Weather, light, and timing
Covers are usually made of metal and sit in open streets or parks, so weather affects both photos and safety. Rain can make surfaces slippery, so take extra care when stepping near the lid, and carry a small towel for wet hands or shoes. Overcast days give soft, even light that shows the painted details well, while bright midday sun can create harsh shadows. Plan your visit during daylight so you can see the designs clearly. Early morning and late afternoon are often pleasant for walking, though daylight is limited in winter. Some covers are in areas with heavy traffic, so choose a time when the sidewalk is quieter and never step into the road for a shot. Check opening hours if a cover sits inside a park or facility.
Combining lids with local sights
Many covers are placed near stations, castles, markets, and city halls, so you can combine a lid hunt with other sightseeing. Look for local specialty shops or cafes near your route and plan a meal stop between covers. Libraries, museums, and small parks often make good rest points on a longer walk. Check opening days and hours for each facility, since they can differ from the street itself. Local tourist information centers can recommend walking routes and transport options. Keep a simple log of the lids you have visited so you do not miss any on your list. Treating the covers as one part of a wider visit tends to make the trip more rewarding, especially for travelers who are new to the area.
Know Before You Go
Official information
Pokemon Local Acts (local.pokemon.jp) has a page for each city with Poke Lids. The project began with an Eevee lid in Ibusuki, Kagoshima.
Official city pages
Official city pages describe Poke Lids as artistic utility hole covers featuring a local ambassador Pokemon. Some pages include a map link.
Where to Go
Toyama City Poke Lids (富山市のポケふた)
Toyama, Toyama
Poke Lids are placed at several locations in Toyama City, including Toyama Castle (Ledyba and Cottonee), Kansui Park (Inkay), and Performing Arts Park (Absol). According to the post, the designs evoke the Tateyama mountains and tulips.
Getting thereFor the exact location, please check the post. For current opening hours, stock, and reservations, please check official information.
Poke Lids around Horyuji Station (法隆寺駅周辺のポケふた)
Ikaruga, Nara
According to the post, the Poke Lids around Horyuji Station can be visited on foot from the station. The poster visited while playing Pokemon GO, had lunch at a relaxation cafe with all-you-can-eat bread, and made Pokemon GO friends with overseas visitors.
Getting there法隆寺駅から徒歩で5つ巡れる
Michi-no-Eki Awaji Poke Lid, Lugia (道の駅あわじ ルギアのポケふた)
Awaji Island, Hyogo
A Lugia Poke Lid is located at Michi-no-Eki Awaji on Awaji Island. According to the post, hashtags also mention the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
Getting thereFor the exact location, please check the post. For current opening hours, stock, and reservations, please check official information.
Toyo-cho Poke Lid, Quagsire and Mantine (東洋町のポケふた)
Toyo, Kochi
This Poke Lid shows Quagsire and Mantine swimming in the sea, and it was installed near the Shirahama beach area and Michi-no-Eki Toyo-cho. According to the post, it is the only Poke Lid of its design in the world.
Getting thereFor the exact location, please check the post. For current opening hours, stock, and reservations, please check official information.
FAQ
Where can I find a list or map of Poke Lids?
The official Pokemon Local Acts site (local.pokemon.jp) has pages for each city, and some include a map link. Please check there for the latest information.
Is it free to see Poke Lids?
Our sources do not confirm ticket or cost details. It depends on the location and time, so please check the official city pages or local information before you go.
How can I visit several Poke Lids in one day without a car?
According to one post, the Poke Lids around Horyuji Station can be visited on foot from the station. Walking distances between other sites have not been confirmed, so please check routes before you go.
What is the ambassador Pokemon of each area?
Official city pages describe each Poke Lid as featuring a local ambassador Pokemon, and the designs differ by place. For example, the Toyo-cho lid features Quagsire and Mantine.
Do I need to buy anything to see Poke Lids?
No purchase is needed to see the covers, which are public installations on streets and in public spaces. Some local events or goods may be offered separately, but these are not required to see the covers. Check each city's official information for event or merchandise details.
How can I plan a visit without relying on my smartphone?
Save or print the official city page information before you leave home, and note the station and nearest landmark for each cover. Local tourist information centers may be able to provide a paper map. Confirm each location against an official source before you rely on it.