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Tokyo Pokémon Manhole Covers (Poké Lids) Guide: Machida & Ueno

2025/11/25

• CityAttraction
• Tokyo
• AllYear
• PopCulture
• HiddenGems
• FamilyFriendly

If you're a Pokémon fan visiting Japan, Tokyo’s Pokémon manhole covers—known as “Poké Lids”—are a must-see. These colorful artworks are part of a nationwide project turning manhole covers into public Pokémon art.

In Tokyo, you can find some of the city’s most iconic Poké Lids in Ueno and Machida, each featuring unique designs that celebrate the charm of their local areas.

Whether you're planning a family outing, a pop-culture sightseeing tour, or want to add fun stops to your Tokyo itinerary, this guide shows you exactly where to find the best Poké Lids in Tokyo.

Where to Find Poké Lids in Tokyo

You can currently find official Pokémon manhole covers (Poké Lids) in three areas of Tokyo:

• Ueno (around Ueno Park)
• Machida (near Machida Station)
• Ogasawara Islands (Chichijima & Hahajima)

Although technically part of Tokyo, the Ogasawara Islands lie nearly 1,000 km south of the city and have a population of about 2,500 residents.
They can only be reached by a 24-hour ferry journey, making their Poké Lids uniquely remote.

For this reason, this guide focuses on the two most accessible and traveler-friendly locations: Ueno and Machida.

1Ueno Park – Baltoy, Bronzor, Tyrunt & Wynaut

Ueno Park is one of the best places to find Pokémon manhole covers in Tokyo, featuring designs inspired by the museums and cultural heritage of the area.

Featured Pokémon (Ueno Poké Lids)

Baltoy & Bronzor — Tokyo National Museum Area

Located near the Tokyo National Museum, this Poké Lid features Baltoy and Bronzor, two Pokémon with ancient, historical motifs that match the museum district perfectly.
It’s a popular stop for travelers interested in art, archaeology, and Japanese history.

Location: Pathways in front of the Tokyo National Museum

Tyrunt & Wynaut — National Museum of Nature and Science Area

Situated close to the National Museum of Nature and Science, this vibrant Poké Lid showcases Tyrunt (a fossil Pokémon) and Wynaut, making it a fun surprise for families and museum visitors.
Kids especially love spotting these characters on their way to or from the exhibits.

Location: Near the National Museum of Nature and Science, close to the main entrance

Why Visit Ueno for Poké Lids?

• Several Poké Lids within walking distance
• Near major attractions: museums, Ueno Zoo, Shinobazu Pond
• Perfect for first-time Tokyo visitors
• Great photo spots year-round

Add Ueno Park to your sightseeing route with the Tokyo One Day Private Tour. More itinerary ideas in the Tokyo Private Tour Guide.

2Machida – A Pokémon Treasure Hunt Across Serigaya Park

Machida is home to one of the largest Poké Lid clusters in Tokyo, featuring many beloved Pokémon including the original starter trio.
Most lids are located in and around Serigaya Park, making this area ideal for a fun walking adventure.

Featured Pokémon in Machida

Poliwag — Serigaya Park Playground

Located near the large slide in Serigaya Park, Poliwag is an easy and charming first stop on your Machida Poké Lid walk.

Location: Playground area inside Serigaya Park

Charmander — Odakyu Line Sidewalk

This Charmander Poké Lid lies along the Odakyu Line. Use the nearby crosswalk or tunnel to reach it safely.

Location: Sidewalk next to the Odakyu Line tracks

Squirtle — Museum Plaza

This Squirtle Poké Lid sits in the same plaza as Rattata, making it easy to photograph multiple Pokémon at once.

Location: Near the International Print Museum

Rattata & Skwovet — International Print Museum Area

Both Rattata and Skwovet can be found beside the museum, close to a small fountain.

Location: Beside the International Print Museum

Bulbasaur — Serigaya Park Nature Zone

Hidden deeper within Serigaya Park, Bulbasaur is located in a quiet natural area.

Location: Shaded nature trails inside the park

Caterpie, Oddish & Weedle — Central Serigaya Park

These three Pokémon share one beautifully designed Poké Lid at the park’s center.

Location: Central area of Serigaya Park

Why Visit Machida for Poké Lids?

• One of the largest Pokémon manhole collections in Tokyo
• Includes starter Pokémon (Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur)
• Easy walking route perfect for families
• Calm suburban atmosphere
• Great for themed Pokémon photo hunts

Add Machida as a stop on the Tokyo One Day Private Tour. Explore flexible Pokémon routes in the Tokyo Private Tour Guide.

Suggested Walking Routes (Detailed Guide)

Here are two easy-to-follow walking routes that help you explore all Poké Lids in Ueno and Machida in about 45–60 minutes each.
Both routes are family-friendly, with plenty of photo spots and rest areas along the way.

Ueno Park Walking Route (45–60 minutes)

A scenic loop that connects museums, ponds, and historical spots while discovering two cultural-themed Poké Lids.

1Start at JR Ueno Station (Park Exit)

Follow signs toward Ueno Park (Ueno Kōen).
You'll immediately enter wide walkways surrounded by trees and seasonal flowers.

2Tokyo National Museum – Baltoy & Bronzor Poké Lid

Walk straight along the main path and turn left toward the Tokyo National Museum.
The Baltoy & Bronzor lid is located on the approach to the museum grounds.
Great photo spot with the museum in the background.

3Head Toward the National Museum of Nature and Science

Walk back to the main path and continue toward the Nature and Science Museum, marked by the large blue whale statue outside.

4Tyrunt & Wynaut Poké Lid – Near Museum Entrance

You’ll find the Tyrunt & Wynaut Poké Lid near the walkway leading to the museum entrance.
Perfect for families before visiting the dinosaur & fossil exhibits.

5Walk to Shinobazu Pond

From the museum, head southwest toward Shinobazu Pond, famous for its lotus leaves and photogenic views.
Enjoy the pondside walkway before turning toward the zoo area.

6Finish at Ueno Zoo Entrance

This area is lively with vendors, greenery, and seasonal displays.
A perfect place to rest or grab a snack before ending your loop.
Route completes back toward Ueno Station or Okachimachi Station.

Machida Walking Route (45–60 minutes)

A compact yet exciting walk through Serigaya Park and nearby streets, covering all Machida Poké Lids efficiently.

1Start at Machida Station (Odakyu Line Exit)

Exit toward the Odakyu Line street level.
This places you close to the first Poké Lid.

2Odakyu Line Sidewalk – Charmander Poké Lid

Walk along the sidewalk next to the tracks to find Charmander. Use the crosswalk or pedestrian tunnel safely.
A great starter photo—literally!

3Walk to Serigaya Park (5 minutes)

Continue south toward Serigaya Park, a peaceful green space with pond views and wide paths.

4Serigaya Park Playground – Poliwag Poké Lid

Near the large playground slide, you’ll find Poliwag, a fun stop for kids and families.
Good lighting throughout the day.

5Central Serigaya Park – Caterpie / Oddish / Weedle Trio

Walk deeper into the park to reach the central plaza.
Here you’ll find the colorful trio lid featuring Caterpie, Oddish & Weedle.
One of the most photogenic Poké Lids in Machida.

6Serigaya Park Nature Zone – Bulbasaur Poké Lid

Follow the shaded path into the quieter natural area of the park.
Bulbasaur is located in a slightly hidden spot—watch for park maps and small signs.
Feels like you’re in an actual forest from the Pokémon world.

7International Print Museum – Rattata & Skwovet Poké Lids

Exit the park toward the International Print Museum.
Here you’ll find Rattata and Skwovet side by side near a fountain.
Two Poké Lids in one stop—great for completing your collection.

8Same Plaza – Squirtle Poké Lid

Just a few steps from Rattata, look for Squirtle, completing the trio of Generation I starters.
Easy to capture three Pokémon in one area.

9Return to Machida Station

Follow the main path back to Machida Station for trains, cafés, and shopping.
Route finishes where you started.

See Poké Lids with a Private Tour

Tokyo’s Pokémon manhole covers offer a fun, free, and unique way to explore the city.
Whether you're admiring museum-themed designs in Ueno or searching for starter Pokémon in Machida, each Poké Lid adds a bit of magic to your Tokyo adventure.

Poké Lids are spread across wide areas, making private tours or charter vehicles a convenient option—especially for families or Pokémon-loving visitors. Door-to-door travel, flexible schedules, and English-speaking support make exploring Pokémon spots much easier.

Use this guide to plan your route, discover hidden art, and enjoy an unforgettable Pokémon-themed trip across Tokyo.

Popular Private Tours by chartered vehicles

• 

  Tokyo One Day Tour (8 hours)

  Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo tower, Tsukiji Market, Imperial Palace, Asakusa

• 

  Tokyo Half Day Tour (4 hours)

  Meiji Jingu Shrine, Imperial Palace, Asakusa