Six New Pokémon Manhole Covers Revealed for Earthquake Hit Area of Japan
The Pokémon Company has announced the installation of six new Pokémon manhole covers to help revitalize rural Japanese communities affected by a powerful earthquake in 2024.
The ongoing Poké Lids project installs highly detailed, custom-designed manhole covers featuring famous pocket monsters in various areas across Japan.
These unique artistic installations serve a dual purpose of bringing joy to local residents while simultaneously encouraging domestic and international tourists to visit lesser-known regions.
This latest batch of six colorful covers will be installed throughout the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture.
This beautiful northern coastal region of Honshu suffered devastating damage from a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day in 2024.
Clearing the widespread wreckage and rebuilding vital infrastructure has been a monumental task for the rural communities involved.
The Noto Peninsula is finally ready to welcome travelers back, and the “Pokémon With You” disaster relief campaign is providing six adorable new reasons to make the trip.
Each town across the peninsula will receive a completely unique cover design highlighting its local culture and natural attractions.
Visitors to the town of Anamizu can find Snorlax relaxing alongside the cheerful electric duo Plusle and Minun near Anamizu Station, an area famous for its gorgeous cherry blossoms.
Adding to the town’s charm, the station building itself will be receiving brand new Pokémon-themed decorations, officially set to be revealed on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Foodies heading to Suzu to enjoy local oysters, crab, and premium Noto kuroge wagyu beef will discover Sylveon and a pair of Luvdiscs waiting at Mitsuke Beach.
Fans visiting this scenic area can also check out the beautiful “Sylveon with LOVE” monument, which was previously installed on the beach in August 2025 to spread joy and support.
Fans of hot springs can visit Yuttari Park in the town of Nanao to find Gyarados, Politoed, and Poliwag enjoying a warm soak.
To complement this aquatic cover, the city is officially opening the relaxing “Wakura Pokémon Footbath” at noon on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, allowing visitors to rest their feet after a long day of sightseeing.
Over in Wajima, an area renowned for traditional artisan lacquerware, travelers will find Greninja and Darumaka decorating the ground at the Furattohomu roadside station.
The Yanagida Botanical Park, located in the town of Noto, will host Roselia, Minior, and Lotad among its seasonal blooms of azaleas and wisteria.
Finally, the coastal town of Shika will feature Wattrel and Gorebyss situated near “The World’s Longest Bench”, a massive public seating area constructed in 1989 that stretches an impressive 460.9 meters along the shore.
These six new additions will join the single pre-existing Poké Lid, featuring Milotic, located further south in the capital city of Kanazawa.
All six of the new Noto Peninsula manhole covers are officially scheduled to be installed and open to the public on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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