Just about everything that exists in Japan has a Pokemon version of it. From clothing, to trains,to cakes, Pokemon are everywhere, brightening up people's lives. That even includes manhole covers, which over recent years have beendecorated with their very own awesome Pokemon designs.

The Pokemon Company has been collaborating with municipalities to install one of a kind Pokemon manhole covers known as “Pokelids” all over Japan. With over 100 unique lids already installed, fans of the Pokemon series who are visiting Japan can experience the joy of encountering their favorite Pokemon regardless of their travel destination. The two most recent installations in Shiga prefecture may prove to be amongst the most popular however, as they feature one of the series’ most epic beasts.

A shiny Gryrados (manhole) appeared at the lake of rage!

On September 12th, two one of a kind Gyarados Pokelids were unveiled in Ōtsu city, Shiga Prefecture.

The two lids feature an aqua-blue Gyarados design and a design featuring both the regular Gyarados and a fearsome shiny red Gyarados.

The lids are ideally placed in Ōtsukogan-nagisa Park which lines the bank of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa. Fans of the Pokemon games will no doubt remember encountering the shiny red Gyarados in the Lake or Rage in Pokemon Gold and Silver.

Both manhole covers are Pokestops in the Pokemon Go smartphone game. Separated by a walk of 15 to 20 minutes, visitors will no doubt encounter swarms of other Pokemon in between Pokelids. Lake Biwa and its surrounds are stunningly beautiful so non gamers can also soak up the scenery in between.

The Pokemon company hopes that these new Pokelids will encourage fans to find out more about Ōtsu city and Shiga prefecture, and hopefully pay a visit to the beautiful Lake Biwa in the future. It’s easy to imagine that Poke-fans from across the world will want to visit on Pokemon pilgrimages, eager to encounter these Gyarados and experience the nostalgia of the epic meeting from the video games.

The location of each of these one-of-a-kind covers can be found on the Poke Lids website, which includes over 100 individual covers scattered all across Japan. Most are permanent but some are temporary so be sure not to miss your favourite Pokemon!


By - Toby M.