Japan’s New Pokemon Hot Spring Footbath Opens This Spring
The Pokémon Company and local officials in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture have announced the opening of a relaxing new Pokémon themed hot spring facility.
Pokémon is a globally popular video game series that tasks trainers with catching and battling hundreds of unique creatures.
The franchise has recently been part of focused efforts to help revitalize rural Japanese communities recovering from severe natural disasters, as part of a campaign titled “Pokémon With You”.
This new tourist destination follows the recent unveiling of six custom manhole covers heading to the recovering Noto Peninsula, which is located within the same prefecture.
Ishikawa governor Yukiyoshi Yamano recently presented these new decorative covers to the public as part of a broader effort to boost tourism.
These local recovery campaigns give domestic and international travelers a wonderful incentive to explore scenic areas outside of the major bustling cities.
One of these unique artistic covers is set to be installed inside Yuttari Park in the town of Nanao.
Nanao is a gorgeous coastal area highly famous across the country for its soothing natural hot springs.
The artwork on the local cover fittingly features Gyarados, Politoed, and Poliwag soaking in a traditional Japanese footbath.
Fans will be thrilled to know that this charming artistic daydream is actually set to become a reality for visitors to the region.
The city is currently renovating its existing public footbath facility inside Yuttari Park to create the fully themed Wakura Pokémon Footbath.
Preview images of the upcoming location show several fan favorite monsters hanging out around the warm water.
Visitors will be able to relax their toes alongside Pikachu, the aquatic Vaporeon, and the perpetually stressed Psyduck.
The powerful water type Gyarados is also featured in a highly creative way, using its Hydro Pump attack to help fill the bathing tub.
This charming new tourist attraction is conveniently located right next to the newly installed manhole cover.
Travelers looking to rest after a long day of exploring can enjoy the relaxing facility completely free of charge.
The Wakura Pokémon Footbath is officially scheduled to open to the public at noon on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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