Pikachu Manhole Cover: Unexpected Find

Pikachu is coming to the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto's Uji city, but not in the way you might expect! Discover the charming world of Poké Lids across Japan.

Nintendo Museum Unveils a Unique Poké Lid

Pikachu Peeking from a Poké Lid

Prepare for a ground-level Pokémon adventure! The new Nintendo Museum in Kyoto boasts a special Pokémon manhole cover featuring the iconic Pikachu.

Poké Lids, or Pokéfuta, are beautifully designed manhole covers showcasing various Pokémon. These delightful street features, often depicting Pokémon associated with a specific region, have become a popular sight across Japan. The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid cleverly combines the museum's focus on Nintendo's history with the enduring appeal of Pokémon.

The design showcases Pikachu and a Pokéball emerging from a classic Game Boy, surrounded by pixelated elements, evoking the nostalgia of early gaming.

The Poké Lids even have their own intriguing backstory. According to the Poké Lid website, "Poké Lids… have recently started appearing in some cities. Rumor has it that Diglett may be responsible for digging holes large enough to be mistaken for utility holes, and some artists decided to ‘mark’ the covers to differentiate them from ordinary ones."

The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid isn't the first of its kind. Many Japanese cities utilize these colorful manhole covers to enhance their appeal to tourists. Fukuoka features an Alolan Dugtrio Poké Lid, while Ojiya City showcases Magikarp, its shiny form, and its evolution, Gyarados. 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. The campaign, featuring over 250 Poké Lids, continues to grow.

Launched in December 2018 with Eevee-themed Poké Lids in Kagoshima Prefecture, the campaign expanded nationwide in July 2019.

Opening October 2nd, the Nintendo Museum celebrates Nintendo's history, from its playing card origins to its gaming empire. If you visit, be sure to search for the Pikachu Poké Lid!

For more on the Nintendo Museum, see our related article!