Gyarados Plaza at Pokémon Center Hiroshima: Not a Water Park

Pokémon Center Hiroshima is set for a major change as it prepares to close its current location by the end of March 2025 and reopen in a brand-new space by April. While fans say goodbye to the store’s long-standing home, they’ll also have the chance to explore an exciting new attraction: Gyarados Plaza, which opens earlier that same month.

Pokémon Center Hiroshima Relocating to a New Home

After nearly a decade at its original spot on the 6th floor of Sogo Hiroshima’s Main Building—nestled between the RIHGA Royal Hotel and across from the Hiroshima Prefectural Office—the beloved retail hub will soon call a new place home. The updated Pokémon Center Hiroshima is scheduled to open around April 2025 on the second floor of Ekie, conveniently located at the north exit of Hiroshima Station.

Gyarados Plaza Launches This March

In tandem with the store’s relocation news, Pokémon Center Hiroshima also announced the launch of “Gyarados Plaza by Pokémon Center Hiroshima.” Slated to open on March 24, 2025, this themed plaza will be situated on the rooftop of Soramoa Plaza, part of the newly constructed Minamoa building near Hiroshima Station.

According to the official Pokémon website, the plaza aims to be “a space where people of all ages can enjoy time with Pokémon in their own way.” It will feature large-scale play structures inspired by Gyarados, the iconic Pokémon that symbolizes the Hiroshima location. During the initial phase after opening, visitors must make advance reservations to access the playground equipment. More details will be shared via the Minamoa official website.

Event Hours & Location Access

If you're planning a visit, note that Pokémon Center Hiroshima is currently open daily—from Monday to Sunday—between 10:00 AM and 7:30 PM.

Poke-lun TV Nationwide Celebration Across Japan

Before the temporary closure, Japanese Pokémon Centers—including the Hiroshima branch—are joining a nationwide celebration event marking “Poke-lun TV” reaching over 1 million YouTube subscribers.

To participate and receive a special limited-time sticker, guests must first watch the dedicated “Poke-lun TV” YouTube video released on December 19, 2024, and retrieve a unique password featured in the content. Once obtained, simply share the code with staff at any participating Pokémon Center location to claim your prize.

Exclusive Photo Opportunities at Select Locations

Additionally, flagship stores like Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa will offer immersive photo spots styled like the Poke-lun TV studio. Fans can pose alongside life-sized representations of the channel’s popular hosts—Takkun, Tokichan, Ha-chan, Tai-chan, and Riri-chan.

The event runs from January 17, 2025, through February 16, 2025. Be sure to stop by any eligible Pokémon Center in Japan during this period to grab your exclusive sticker or snap a keepsake photo with your favorite Poke-lun personalities!

Note: This event is not available at Pokémon Store locations, Pokémon Center Online, Pokémon Café, or Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café.