Pokémon’s Latest 30th Anniversary Project Invites Fans to Travel Around Japan and Assemble Their Ultimate Team

Meet and Discover Pokémon Service Area Journey 12

A major new Pokémon-themed travel campaign has been announced, offering fans a variety of exclusive activities, collectible rewards, and limited-edition merchandise throughout the summer.

Created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the franchise, the event invites travelers to explore participating locations within Japan, while enjoying a range of Pokémon-inspired attractions and experiences.

pokemon kanto 30th logo

The “Meet and Discover! A Pokémon Service Area Journey” campaign will feature activities across 234 participating service areas and parking areas spread throughout eastern, central, and western regions of the country.

One of the centerpiece attractions is a large-scale stamp rally that encourages visitors to collect Pokémon-themed stamps found at participating locations.

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To take part, participants must gather stamps from five different service areas or parking areas before submitting their completed entry for a chance to win exclusive prizes.

The specially designed stamp sheet also includes a dedicated space where fans can place their favorite Pokémon, allowing them to create a personalized Pokémon team as part of the experience.

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Once your team has been assembled, you can enter prize drawings featuring exclusive anniversary-themed rewards created specifically for the campaign.

Prize offerings include a Pokémon 30th Anniversary sticker collection book for 1,000 winners, a Pokémon 30th Anniversary gold medal for another 1,000 winners, and a Pokémon 30th Anniversary travel outing set that will be awarded to 250 participants.

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Entries for the stamp rally will be accepted from July 1 through October 9, 2026, with winners due to be notified only when their prize is shipped, as opposed to a separate formal announcement.

In addition to the stamp rally, specially designed Pokémon photo panels will be installed at 54 locations, giving visitors unique photo opportunities during their travels.

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The artwork featured on these displays will vary depending on the region, with eastern, central, and western areas each receiving their own distinct designs.

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Fans will also be able to purchase exclusive merchandise featuring collaborative Pokémon and NEXCO artwork at selected service areas and parking areas.

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Among the featured items are acrylic stands and acrylic keychains showcasing original event-exclusive designs, which will be available in eastern locations.

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The limited edition acrylic stands will be priced at 1,850 yen (approx. $13 USD/£10 GBP) and acrylic keychains will cost 1,650 yen (approx. $11 USD/£9 GBP).

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Additional merchandise is also planned for selected locations within the central and western operating regions.

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The campaign further expands into the digital world through the smartphone version of Pokémon HOME.

pokemon home logo

Visitors to nine designated service areas and parking areas will be able to obtain commemorative digital medals through the app.

Each medal will feature the name of the location where it was obtained, creating a personalized digital keepsake for participants who travel between sites.

Meet and Discover Pokémon Service Area Journey 1

The “Meet and Discover! A Pokémon Service Area Journey” campaign will run from July 1 through September 30, 2026, while a dedicated event website is scheduled to launch on June 26, 2026, which will allow those looking to take part to find all of the participating locations.

This post may contain affiliate links, and Essential Japan may earn a commission if you purchase through them.

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