Updated July 23, 2022
As you know, I really do like Pokémon quite a lot. I’ve written about the Pokémon cafe experience in the past (the Osaka one, but also been to the Tokyo one before). I’ve also wrote a pretty detailed guide getting around Nara and finding the 5 manholes in Ikaruga City.
So I assume you are here because you need some convincing. Maybe you aren’t such a fan of the Pokémon franchise, but you are lacking activities to do during your travel so you are thinking of looking for these manholes, or “Pokelids”.
I absolutely recommend looking for these even if you are not a fan of Pokémon, and here’s why:
As I have now done various Pokémon Manhole hunts now, I can safely say the hunt has taken me to places that I wouldn’t really think to visit. A lot of the time, you don’t just go and take a photo of the manhole and leave. Some of the the manholes are strategically placed in attractions and parks, so you can also spend time walking around and checking the place out.
Some of the places are very season or weather-depending though. But I suppose that’s true for any place you travel to. Haha.
If you are traveling with kids, sometimes you need to really go out of your way to look for activities for the kiddos. Some of these manholes are located right outside playgrounds and it could make for a nice break for the kids after a day or two of tourist attractions.
The manholes themselves are also super cute, so even if your kids don't love Pokemon, they can probably enjoy the designs too!
Some of these manholes lead you to "Michi no Eki" - they are roadside stops for people traveling on the road to freshen up, and explore some local goods. Lots of farmers and small businesses in the area may put some of their items for sale at the Michi no Eki, so you are directly supporting some business in the local area.
You might find some interesting eats, snacks and cultural crafts there.
It's one way to experience some local Japanese culture this way too!
None of the Pokemon manholes I've been to are behind any paid areas, so it's a free activity to do essentially. Of course transportation isn't very free... but you know what I mean.
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