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BEST Pokémon Go Locations In Tokyo For The Rarest Pokemons

Published:

Modified: December 27, 2023

by David Jefferson

Pikachu pokemon behind the a globe
©Photo by klimkin on Pixabay

When it first dropped in 2016, Pokemon Go stopped the world at its tracks. For a time, the long-awaited game was all anybody talked about. Players scoured their neighborhoods in search of Pokemon, racing to become the first to catch them all.

 

While the hype seems to have died down in recent years, Tokyo remains a big market for the game. The most dedicated players in Tokyo continue to scour their city to add to their Pokedex. As the birthplace of Pokemon, it makes sense for Japan to house some of the rarest Pokemon in the world. Fans from other parts of the globe even travel all the way to Tokyo for a shot at the title.

 

However, you can’t catch them all if you don’t know where to begin. Here are the best Pokemon Go locations in Tokyo for the rarest Pokemon:

 

1.

Akihabara

The open streets of Akihabara at night in Tokyo, Japan

©Photo by Christian Dancke Tuen from Unsplash

 

Best known as the go-to place for all things electronic, Akihabara boasts a plethora of PokeStops and gyms. Here, you will see rows of stores selling all kinds of merchandise, including anime, manga, video games, and even toys. Beyond that, this is where you will find 19 gyms within 500 meters of the JR Akihabara Station. So, if raid battles are your strong point, Akihabara is the place to be. Some gyms host invite-only “EX Raids” where legendary Pokemon like Mew, Mewtwo, and Deoxys are available. These three are some of the rarest Pokemon in Pokemon Go, so they are definitely worth the commute.

 

As if catching rare Pokemon isn’t enough, you’re also bound to make friends with other Poke hunters in the area. Seeing tens of Pokemon Go players gathered together in a single spot, all staring at their phone screens, isn’t uncommon here. Don’t be nervous to strike up a conversation with them. The locals are very friendly and would likely be happy to share some of their secret spots with you. If you can control the urge to shop, Akihabara is one of the best locations for Pokemon Go Japan has to offer.

 

2.

Imperial Palace

The bridge overlooking the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan at sunset

©Photo by pierre9x6 from Pixabay

 

Situated in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward, the Imperial Palace is home to a vast park where locals spend time exercising and strolling. It’s also a common stop for tourists visiting the city for the first time. As the primary residence of Japan’s emperor, the place is heavily guarded. However, that hasn’t stopped Pokemon trainers from flocking to the area in hordes.

 

With the initial release of Pokemon Go, Tokyo’s Imperial Palace saw unparalleled popularity akin to New York’s Central Park. Poke hunters arrived in droves for a chance to fill up their Pokedex. The place simply brimmed with Pokemon. Although the number of players has dwindled, the spawns have not. The Pokemon here aren’t all particularly rare. However, what this Pokemon location lacks in rarity, it makes up for in diversity. Since the palace is surrounded by water, you’re bound to catch enough Magikarp to evolve into Gyrados.

 

Snorlax CP and HP status on Pokemon GO

©Photo by Brian Miller on Flickr

 

There have also been rare sightings of Magmar, Snorlax, Dratini, and Kabutops. If you’re lucky enough, you may just be at the Imperial Palace at the right time.

 

3.

Meiji Shrine / Yoyogi Park / Harajuku

The wooden torii gate that greets visitors at Meiji Shrine, Tokyo, Japan

©Photo by Alex Rainer from Unsplash

 

It’s hard to make a list of the best Pokemon Go locations in Tokyo without mentioning the Meiji Shrine. The gorgeous tourist spot is blanketed by 170 acres of forest, which means there is plenty of grass-type Pokemon around. They could be hiding anywhere, so get those walking shoes ready. If you’re feeling like a change of scenery is in order, walk a little further to Yoyogi Park. This equally beautiful and massive park draws in many Pokémon Go players for the variety of potential catches. Because this spacious park has both grass and water, all sorts of Pokemon spawn here. You’ll even find flying-type Pokemon in the area.

 

Haven’t had your fill of Pokemon yet? The adjacent Harajuku neighborhood is only minutes away. Known for its lively streets and fashion-forward shops, the trendy Harajuku area is also a hub for Pokemon Go players. Here, you’ll find a bevy of PokeStops, along with Pokemon that thrive in the big city. If you want to catch Pokemon while simultaneously checking off your list of tourist spots, this trio of rare Pokemon Go locations is a three-for-one stop unlike any other.

 

4.

Odaiba

A man strolls through Odaiba as Palette Town's Ferris Wheel stands in the background

©Photo by Emil Karlsson from Unsplash

 

Located on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba has something for everyone. While it’s not one of the closest rare Pokemon Go locations from central Tokyo, it’s certainly one of the most entertaining. This high-tech hub boasts attractions like the futuristic Miraikan museum and the luxurious Venus Fort mall. Visit the vibrant Palette Town, home to teamLab Borderless, an interactive art museum that no words can describe.

 

Pokemon Go fans aren’t the only ones who will enjoy Odaiba, though. A full-scale Unicorn Gundam statue stands proudly in DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. Patient visitors are rewarded with the statue dramatically changing to Destroy mode in front of their very eyes.

 

As if these attractions aren’t enough, the allure of exceptional Pokemon is sure to convince any player. Being an island, Odaiba is riddled with Pokemon of different types. Some are common, while others are more out of the ordinary. For reasons unknown, Odaiba seems to have a higher spawn rate for uncommon Pokemon like Drowzee, Machop, Magnemite, Meowth, and Voltorb. There have even been sightings of Dratini in the area, making Odaiba one of the best rare Pokemon locations in Tokyo.

 

5.

Roppongi

The view from a bridge in Roppongi shows a park against a cityscape

©Photo by gmail643 from Pixabay

 

If you’re looking to catch some Pokemon while on a night out with friends, Roppongi is the place to be. Situated in Tokyo’s Minato district, Roppongi is best known for its active nightlife. Bars, night clubs, and restaurants litter this popular tourist destination. Perhaps the most visited area in Roppongi, however, is Roppongi Hills. Various shops, restaurants, offices, movie theaters, and parks comprise this large complex. There’s even a museum, a hotel, and an outdoor amphitheater. A similar development complex, Tokyo Midtown, is only a few minutes away.

 

On the Pokemon Go Tokyo map, you will easily see many PokeStops dotting the Roppongi area. They should provide you with more than enough resources to catch any rare Pokemon you may come across. All that walking is also good for hatching those 10km eggs. Additionally, Roppongi has a high concentration of people using Poke Lures. With so many Lures in play, Roppongi is certainly one of the best Pokemon Go locations in Tokyo. Although, you may have to work double-time to catch them all.

 

6.

Senso-Ji Temple

Flocks of tourists visit the Senso-Ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan

©Photo by 1986 0125 from Unsplash

 

Arguably one of the most famous temples in Tokyo, the Senso-Ji Temple sits right at the heart of the Asakusa district. The temple draws in countless tourists every day, with many flocking to the sacred ground to get in touch with their spiritual side. Additionally, there are rows of shops selling everything from food to Samurai swords. Senso-Ji also attracts plenty of Pokemon Go players. Why? Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), one of the most competitive Pokemon Go gyms in Tokyo, is located here.

 

Ownership of the gym changes on a regular basis, with all three teams (Instinct, Mystic, and Valor) using their strongest Pokemon to take hold of the place. If you think you’ve got what it takes, stop at Senso-Ji Temple to stake your claim. As for what Pokemon run wild here, players have spotted rare ones like Blastoise. Although, due to the hallowed nature of the place, the number of Pokemon has dwindled in recent years to pay respect. All things considered, though, the Senso-Ji Temple remains one of the best Pokemon Go Pokemon locations in Tokyo.

 

7.

Shibuya

People walking along Shibuya crossing in Tokyo, Japan

©Photo by Jezael Melgoza from Unsplash

 

Of all the pedestrian crosswalks in Tokyo, the one in Shibuya is probably the most iconic. Marked by tall buildings and large LED screens, Shibuya crossing is a sight to behold. However, it’s not the only reason tourists swarm the area. Shibuya is also one of the best Pokemon Go locations in the city.

 

Apart from the usual suspects, many Pokemon Go players luck out with Jigglypuff, Tangela, Electabuzz, Koffing, and Grimer here. This comes as no surprise since these Pokemon are known to be city dwellers. Moreover, some of the rarest Pokemon are known to spawn in Shibuya. Players have seen Squirtle and Porygon hanging around the area. Even the region-exclusive Pokemon, Farfetch’d, has turned up a few times. So if you’re only in Tokyo for a short time, it’s a good idea to stop by Shibuya to get a lock on that flying-type Pokemon.

 

Don’t worry about running out of resources while you’re here, too. The Shibuya area is basically a walking tour of PokeStops. There are tons of landmarks around. Just tap and fill up on your PokeBalls, berries, potions, and more.

 

8.

Shinjuku

People staring at their phones stand outside the Yodobashi Camera store in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

©Photo by Banter Snaps from Unsplash

 

When you say Pokemon, the first thing most people think of is Pikachu. The adorable electric-type Pokemon has become synonymous with the franchise. And although players want to add Pikachu to their Pokedex, the game isn’t exactly overflowing with them. Luckily, Shinjuku has got you covered.

 

For reasons beyond comprehension, Pikachus seem to spawn at a higher rate in Shinjuku. You can find them largely around the Yodobashi Camera store area. The place also has a decent amount of gyms and PokeStops. On top of that, there are other Pokemon Go players here as well, so there’s usually a Lure in play. While you’re in the area, make sure to try some of the best things to do in Shinjuku.

 

9.

Tokyo DisneySea And Disneyland

A view of Cinderella's castle at sunset in Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan

©Photo by Colton Jones from Unsplash

 

There’s more fun to be had at Tokyo DisneySea and Disneyland than you thought. The amusement parks offer endless entertainment and exciting rides, but Pokemon Go players can expect more than that. Some players report catching Tangela and Farfetch’d here. There have also been sightings of Grimer, Vulpix, Pikachu, and Rhyhorn. Trust that your resources won’t run low here. Both parks offer no shortage of PokeStops and gyms. All that walking is sure to hatch any 10km eggs you have in your inventory, too!

 

Tickets to enter DisneySea or Disneyland aren’t cheap. But, hey, if you’re heading there regardless, why not hit two birds with one stone? They’re not only the happiest places on Earth; they’re also a couple of the best Pokemon Go locations in Tokyo.

 

10.

Ueno Park

Hordes of people walk along the Sakura tree-lined Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan

©Photo by Trevor Paxton from Unsplash

 

If you still don’t have Dragonite in your Pokedex, it may be time to head to Ueno Park. As one of the city’s most popular parks, the place has been known to spawn Dratini more than unusual. You’ll also encounter a multitude of PokeStops here, so resources won’t be a problem. In fact, a quick look at your Tokyo Pokemon Go map will show you PokeStops by the dozen.

 

As you can imagine, the park plays host to hundreds of visitors every day. That includes some of the most eager Pokemon Go players. You’ll find the PokeStops here never seem to run out of Lures. In fact, Ueno Park has become known as a festival of Lures among players in Tokyo. Just sit back and wait for all the Pokemon to spawn. As if that’s not reason enough to visit, the park itself is gorgeous year-round. However, it’s especially breathtaking (and crowded) during the sakura season and in autumn.

 

Pokémon hunting on a bike during sunset

©Photo by thekob5123

 

Pokemon Go Nests

If you’re looking to evolve rare Pokemon fast, it’s a good idea to visit known Pokemon Go nests in the city. Nests are some of the best Pokemon Go locations in Tokyo. The latest migration happened only recently, so nests have already moved around. The Silph Road keeps an up-to-date “Nest Atlas” that helps Pokemon Go players locate local nests. Although some players have used third-party Pokemon Go teleport apps in the past, Niantic has cracked down on those. You may still find working teleport or spoofing apps that Niantic has yet to ban. Be warned, though. Using them may cost you your account.

 

Gotta Catch Them All!

These are the best Pokemon Go locations in Tokyo. The city itself is rather big, but getting around won’t be hard, thanks to Tokyo’s incredible train system. Expect to do a lot of walking, which shouldn’t be a challenge for Pokemon Go players. Walking has always been a key aspect of the game. Now that you know where to look for the rarest Pokemon, it all boils down to skill and perseverance. So, what are you waiting for? Go catch them all! And if you have need some energy, don’t forget to stop by the best sushi joints in Tokyo and also bring home awesome souvenirs!

 

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