Pikachu, the iconic Pokémon mascot, is making a surprising appearance at the soon-to-open Nintendo Museum in Kyoto's Uji city. Discover the charming world of Poké Lids, unique manhole covers featuring Pokémon characters found across Japan.
Nintendo Museum's Unique Poké Lid
Pikachu's Playful Poké Lid Debut
Prepare for a ground-level Pokémon adventure! The new Nintendo Museum boasts a special Pokémon manhole cover featuring Pikachu.
Poké Lids, or Pokéfuta, are beautifully designed manhole covers showcasing various Pokémon. These artistic street features often highlight Pokémon associated with a specific region. The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid celebrates Nintendo's history and Pokémon's enduring appeal.
The design cleverly incorporates Pikachu and a Pokéball emerging from a classic Game Boy, surrounded by pixelated elements, evoking the nostalgia of early gaming.
These manhole covers have even inspired their own intriguing backstory. According to the Poké Lid website, the covers' origins are shrouded in mystery, with speculation that Diglett might be involved in creating the holes!
The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid is part of a growing trend. Many Japanese cities use these colorful manhole covers to enhance their appeal to tourists. Fukuoka features an Alolan Dugtrio Poké Lid, while Ojiya City showcases Magikarp and its evolutions. Many Poké Lids also serve as PokéStops in Pokémon GO, allowing players to collect postcards.
Poké Lids are part of Japan's Pokémon Local Acts campaign, using Pokémon to promote regional tourism and highlight local geography.
With over 250 Poké Lids installed, the campaign continues to expand.
The initiative started in December 2018 with Eevee-themed Poké Lids in Kagoshima Prefecture, expanding nationwide in July 2019.
The Nintendo Museum, opening October 2nd, celebrates Nintendo's rich history, from playing cards to gaming dominance. Visitors are challenged to find the Pikachu Poké Lid!
For more on the Nintendo Museum, see our related article!
