Pokémon Center Yokohama Satellite opened on April 9, 2026, inside JOINUS, directly connected to Yokohama Station.
While smaller than a regular Pokémon Center, this new shop is gaining attention as a convenient and easy-to-visit spot for Pokémon fans.
But you might be wondering:
- How crowded is it?
- What kind of merchandise do they have?
- Is it worth visiting?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know based on a real visit—crowds, store layout, merchandise selection, and tips for first-time visitors.
目次-table of contents
- Difference from a Regular Pokémon Center
- Difference from Pokémon Store
- Crowds & Waiting Time
- Highlights Inside the Store
- Photo Spots & Displays (With Real Impressions)
- Merchandise Review
- Access & Opening Hours
- Explore Yokohama Pokémon Manhole Covers (Pokéfuta)
- Who Should Visit?
- Store Information
- Final Thoughts
Difference from a Regular Pokémon Center

Smaller, Faster, and Easier to Enter
Regular Pokémon Centers in Japan are large flagship stores with a huge variety of merchandise, including plush toys, stationery, apparel, home goods, and trading cards.
However, they are often very crowded, and during peak times, you may need a numbered ticket (entry reservation) just to get inside.
In contrast, the Yokohama Satellite store is much more accessible.
On a typical weekend, you can usually enter without waiting.
That said, during busy seasons such as:
- Golden Week
- Summer holidays (July–August)
- New Year holidays
entry restrictions or tickets may still be required.
The store is about one-third to one-quarter the size of a standard Pokémon Center.
Even so, the layout feels surprisingly spacious, with comfortable walking space.
Merchandise is carefully selected and efficiently displayed. Plush toys and popular items are well stocked, while categories like stationery and trading cards are more limited.
Also note:
- No Birthday Celebration Service
- No interactive game experiences
This makes it a merchandise-focused compact store rather than a full experience location.
Difference from Pokémon Store

Smaller Space, But Surprisingly Well-Stocked
At first glance, the Satellite store may feel similar to a Pokémon Store (a smaller retail format).
However, the experience is slightly different.
Even though the space is smaller, products are arranged very efficiently, making the selection feel more substantial than expected.
Plush toys dominate the store and are clearly the main attraction.
Popular Pokémon like Pikachu and Eevee are widely available.
On the other hand, stationery, lifestyle goods, and trading card items are limited.
In short, this store is:
👉 Smaller than a Pokémon Store, but more focused and curated
Crowds & Waiting Time
Visited Sunday at Noon – No Waiting
I visited around 12:00 PM on a Sunday, and the experience was very smooth.
- No waiting line
- No entry ticket required
- Immediate access
Compared to larger Pokémon Centers, it felt noticeably less crowded.
However, keep in mind that during peak travel seasons, crowd control measures may be introduced.
👉 If you want a less crowded Pokémon shopping experience, this is a great option.
Highlights Inside the Store
Giant Screen & Weather Pokémon
One of the first things you’ll notice is the large digital screen at the entrance.
It displays the latest Pokémon content and instantly sets the atmosphere.

Another fun feature is the weather display.
A Pokémon appears and shows the current weather in Yokohama.
On my visit, it was sunny, so Castform (Sunny Form) appeared.

Depending on the weather, it may change to:
- Rainy form
- Snowy form
This small detail makes each visit feel unique.
Photo Spots & Displays (With Real Impressions)
The store is filled with photo-worthy spots.
- Pikachu (male & female) welcoming guests at the entrance


- Starter Pokémon plush display visible from outside

- A dense cluster of Eevee and Pikachu plushies

- Starter Pokémon artwork on the side wall (easy to miss!)

These displays are colorful, cute, and perfect for photos.
Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a fun place to stop by and explore.
Merchandise Review
What You Can (and Can’t) Buy
Here’s a breakdown of the product selection:
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plush Toys | ★★★★☆ | Main category, wide selection of popular Pokémon |
| Stationery | ☆☆☆☆☆ | Not available |
| Daily Goods | ★★☆☆☆ | Towels, socks, small accessories only |
| Snacks & Souvenirs | ★★★☆☆ | Good variety, ideal for gifts |
| Pokémon Card Items | ★★☆☆☆ | Sleeves & cases only, limited selection |
| Capsule Toys | ☆☆☆☆☆ | None |
| Arcade Machines | ☆☆☆☆☆ | None |
👉 This store is best for:
Plush toys and souvenirs
It’s not ideal if you’re looking for a full product lineup.
Access & Opening Hours
Directly Connected to Yokohama Station
- 1-minute walk from JR Yokohama Station
- Direct access from Sotetsu Line
- 3-minute walk from Tokyu Toyoko Line & Minatomirai Line
- 3-minute walk from Keikyu Line
Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Since it’s inside JOINUS, you can visit comfortably even on rainy days.
Explore Yokohama Pokémon Manhole Covers (Pokéfuta)

If you’re visiting Yokohama, don’t miss the Pokéfuta (Pokémon manhole covers).
There are five locations in the city, each with unique designs.


A great plan:
Shopping → Pokéfuta hunt → Café break
Who Should Visit?
This store is perfect for:
- People who want to avoid crowds
- Quick shopping visits
- Plush toy collectors
- Tourists exploring Yokohama
Not ideal for:
- Full merchandise selection
- Serious Pokémon card collectors
- Interactive experiences
Store Information

| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Store Name | Pokémon Center Yokohama Satellite |
| Opening Date | April 9, 2026 |
| Location | JOINUS 2F, Yokohama Station West Exit |
| Hours | 10:00–21:00 |
| Entry | Free (tickets may be required during peak times) |
| Size | About 1/3–1/4 of a standard Pokémon Center |
Final Thoughts
Pokémon Center Yokohama Satellite is a compact, easy-to-visit Pokémon shop.
While the selection is more limited, it offers:
- A relaxed shopping experience
- Strong plush & souvenir lineup
- Excellent location
If you prefer less crowded, quick visits, this store is definitely worth checking out.
