What this is
Every summer, JR East turns its entire Tokyo-area rail network into a Pokémon scavenger hunt — kids (and adults) collect stamps at stations across the city to win official merchandise. Four courses are available: a 6-Station Course, a 9-Station Course, a 36-Station Course, and a Shinkansen Course, each with its own completion prize ranging from a Captain Pikachu sticker set to a special key holder. Stamp books are distributed free at major stations, making this a self-guided adventure that doubles as an excuse to explore parts of the rail network you might never otherwise visit.
Who should go
Families with Pokémon-obsessed kids are the obvious fit, but adult collectors who want the limited merchandise will find it equally worthwhile. Solo travellers using JR East passes to get around Tokyo anyway can complete shorter courses with minimal extra effort.
Good to know
Stamp books are distributed free at major participating stations including Tokyo Station, OIMACHI TRACKS, and WATERS Takeshiba — no ticket purchase is required, though you will need to pay standard JR East fares to travel between stations. Tokyo Station's JR East Travel Service Center is a reliable first stop for picking up your book and getting a course map. For the Shinkansen Course, a valid Shinkansen ticket or pass is required to access platform-area stamp points. Prizes are exchanged at designated prize exchange counters (not at every stamp station), so check the official website for exchange locations before you finish your final stamp. The event runs through the school summer holiday period, so expect busy stations on weekends — weekday mornings are significantly quieter for completing the longer courses.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.