Oops! Japan #29 — Pokémon Manholes and Other Hidden Quests （ポケふたと“寄り道クエスト”のすすめ）Side Adventures That Make the Journey Unforgettable


 

Oops! Japan #29 — Pokémon Manholes and Other Hidden Quests

（ポケふたと“寄り道クエスト”のすすめ）Side Adventures That Make the Journey Unforgettable

English:

Japan is full of iconic sights — Kyoto temples, Tokyo towers, Hiroshima memorials… But sometimes, the most memorable moments come from unexpected detours.

Like… hunting down Pokémon manhole covers?

Yes, it’s a thing. In places like Ibusuki, Kyushu, you can soak in a hot sand spa, then spend the afternoon searching for Eevee-themed manholes scattered around town.

What are “Poké Lids” (ポケふた)?

Official Pokémon-themed manhole covers across Japan

Over 200 designs, each unique to its region

Free to find, and perfect for casual, slow exploration

Great way to see lesser-known towns and neighborhoods

It’s not just Pokémon. Other “side quests” in Japan include:

Stamp rallies at train stations

Local mascot hunts (like Kumamon or Funassyi)

Limited-time gacha events in specific regions

These quests add a layer of discovery that guidebooks rarely mention — and they’re especially fun if you need a break from the big cities.

Pro tip:

Grab a tourist map at the local station or use your phone to locate Poké Lids or other collectibles. It’s sightseeing… with XP.


日本語の補足：

日本各地には、**「ポケふた（ポケモンマンホール）」**と呼ばれる公式観光スポットが存在します。

各地に設置された、地域限定のポケモンマンホール

無料で探せる「サブクエスト」的な楽しみ方

ゆるやかな街歩きや、子連れ旅行にもぴったり

例えば九州の指宿では、「イーブイのポケふた」を探しながら、砂むし温泉でのんびりするという一日が楽しめます。

こうした「寄り道クエスト」は他にも：

駅スタンプ集め

ご当地ゆるキャラ探し

ご当地ガチャ巡り　など

王道の観光地に飽きたら、こんな“遊び心のある旅”もおすすめです。


Next up: Oops! Japan #30 — (Coming Soon) We'll cover another unexpected trap or survival tip for Japan — stay tuned!

次回予告： Oops! Japan #30 —（近日公開） 次回も「えっ!?」と思う日本の落とし穴をご紹介予定。お楽しみに！ 

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