30 new Pokémon photo spots to appear around Osaka this summer
Some of the most popular areas of Osaka are about to be transformed into a Pokémon wonderland.
Visitors will soon be able to explore the Osaka Station City and Umekita areas of the city insearch of unique Pokémon encounters.
Osaka is currently undergoing significant urban regeneration, particularly in the Umekita area north of Osaka Station.
This ambitious redevelopment includes modern commercial facilities like Grand Front Osaka and the newly emerging Grand Green Osaka as well as green spaces like Umekita Green Place.
The redevelopment initiative aims to create a harmonious blend of nature, innovation, and urban living.
The “Pokémon Discovery Mission” event hopes to use this new environment to showcase Osaka’s charms through the universally popular Pokémon franchise.
The event draws inspiration from the next installment in the Pokémon video game series, “Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A”, which is set to be released on October 16, 2025, and notably features a plot centered around the urban redevelopment of a major city.
The “Pokémon Discovery Mission” event features two main attractions:
Pokémon Photo Spots – A city-wide scavenger hunt
Approximately 30 Pokémon photo spots will be placed throughout the Osaka Station City area (including its North and South Gate Buildings), Umekita Green Place, Grand Front Osaka, and Grand Green Osaka.
These locations will offer fans the chance to take commemorative photos with various Pokémon characters, encouraging exploration across the vast urban landscape.
The exact Pokémon appearing at each spot will remain a surprise until the event begins, so that there is an element of discovery for visitors seeking them out.
Mystery Solving Walk Rally – Operation Mega Evolution
This interactive walking rally will challenge participants to solve mysteries scattered across the Pokémon photo spots within the Osaka Station City and Umekita area.
Players can choose one of five iconic partner Pokémon to accompany them on their adventure: Charizard, Gyarados, Ampharos, Gardevoir, or Lucario.
Each partner Pokémon has a different route to follow around the Osaka Station area.
The goal is for players to deepen the bond with their chosen partner by collecting stickers, ultimately leading their partner Pokémon to “Mega Evolve”.
“Mega Evolution” is a powerful, temporary transformation that allows certain Pokémon to exceed their normal evolutionary limits, was first introduced in the Pokémon X and Y games.
All routes start and finish at the Osaka Station City South Gate Building South Gate Square.
The estimated completion time for the rally ranges from 70 to 150 minutes, depending on the chosen route.
Successful participants will receive an exclusive Mega Symbol clear pouch and an acrylic charm, with the charm varying based on the chosen partner Pokémon route.
This large-scale, four-month-long event presents an irresistible opportunity for Pokémon enthusiasts to engage with their favorite characters in an entirely new, immersive urban setting,
Organizers hope that it will be a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Osaka during the summer and autumn of 2025.
The “Operation Mega Evolution” walking rally is a ticketed event and tickets are priced at 1,900 yen and includes everything you need to take part in the rally.
The “Operation Mega Evolution” rally will run daily from 10:00 AM on July 1st to October 31st.
The photo spots will be in place between the same dates but can be visited at any time.
Full information and tickets for the walking rally can be found/purchased via the event’s official website.
Source: Official Website
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