Pikachu, the beloved 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 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 Poké Lid featuring Pikachu, adding a whimsical touch to its exterior.
Poké Lids, or Pokéfuta, are beautifully designed manhole covers showcasing various Pokémon characters. These eye-catching street features have become a national sensation, brightening sidewalks across Japan. Often depicting Pokémon associated with specific regions, they blend art and local pride. The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid celebrates both Nintendo's legacy and Pokémon's enduring appeal.
The design cleverly incorporates classic Game Boy elements, with Pikachu and a Pokéball emerging from a Game Boy screen, surrounded by pixelated graphics that evoke the nostalgia of early gaming.
The Poké Lids have even inspired their own intriguing backstory. According to the Poké Lid website, their origins are shrouded in mystery, with speculation that Diglett might be involved!
The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid is just one of many. Cities across Japan utilize these colorful covers to enhance their appeal to tourists and residents alike. Fukuoka showcases an Alolan Dugtrio Poké Lid, while Ojiya City features Magikarp, its shiny variant, and its evolution, Gyarados. Adding to their charm, many Poké Lids serve as PokéStops in Pokémon GO, allowing players to collect and share digital postcards.
Poké Lids are part of Japan's Pokémon Local Acts campaign, using Pokémon to promote regional tourism and highlight local landscapes. With over 250 installed, the campaign continues to grow.
The initiative started in December 2018 with an Eevee celebration in Kagoshima Prefecture. By July 2019, it had expanded nationwide, featuring a diverse range of Pokémon.
The Nintendo Museum opens October 2nd, celebrating Nintendo's history from its playing card origins to its global gaming empire. Visitors are challenged to locate the Pikachu Poké Lid during their visit.
For more on the Nintendo Museum, see our related article!
