Pokelids Okinawa: Finding Pokemon Manhole covers

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Japan is well known for its creative manhole covers, and they have a collection of them designed with Pokemon known as Pokelids. These Pokelids are found all over the country with a select few (usually between 8-12) in each region.

Okinawa has 12 throughout the prefecture and I have compiled a list of how to find each of the Pokelids below. I have added them in order starting from north to south to make it easier when trying to find them.

Some of the location pins don’t seem to work correctly so I’ve added two more ways of searching for them in Google Maps. Go Catch ‘Em All!

Country:	Japan
Currency:	Japanese Yen / JPY
Do you need a visa to visit as tourists?	Check here

Don’t forget to get travel insurance to cover you if something bad happens. One company I have personal experience with is Safety Wing. Not everyone needs the same coverage, so make sure you get a personalised quote that suits you and your trip plans.

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Getting around Okinawa

For those visiting the prefecture, it is not the most convenient place to get around without a car. So, I highly recommend getting a rental car if you are able to.

For those unable to rent a car due to age, not having the right licences or any other reason, you might struggle to reach some of the Pokelids in Okinawa, but it’s also not impossible. Okinawa does have access to both Uber and Didi taxi apps and there is a public transportation system – albeit not the best.

Before renting a car in Okinawa you should make sure you have the necessary documents (including an International Driving Permit) and meet all the requirements.

• Rental Cars
• Discover Cars
• Klook Cars

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Okinawa Island

Motobu

Location: MVRH+M5H Motobu, Okinawa or (26°41’30.1″N 127°52’40.7″E)

	Wailord
Japanese:	ホエルオー Whaloh
Generation:	3
Type:	Water
Evolutions:	It evolves from Wailmer

Starting in the north, this Pokelid is located near the entrance of the famous Churaumi Aquarium. This Pokelid is perfectly suited to this location due to Wailord being a whale himself – quite fitting for an aquarium. You will need to park your car in the car park before walking the few minutes to the manhole.

If you want to enter the aquarium, tickets cost 2180 JPY (£11 / $14.30). If you’d like to enjoy more of the area, there is also an observatory offering stunning views over the water as well as a tropical botanical garden within walking distance.

While here why not go inside the aquarium which is a common addition to day tours enjoyed in Okinawa?

Nago

Location: HXPP+W7X Nago, Okinawa or (26°35’14.5″N 127°59’08.7″E)

	Emolga	Pikipek
Japanese:	エモンガ Emonga	ツツケラ Tsutsukera
Generation:	5	7
Type:	Electric / Flying	Normal / Flying
Evolutions:	NA	Evolves into Trumbeak

This Pokelid is the second most northern in Okinawa and is found in the city of Nago. This one is located in a small park on a brick pathway in one of the busiest areas of the city where bars and restaurants stay open until late.

It’s just a minute or so off of the highway so it’s easily accessible and if you’re not careful you could actually miss it as there isn’t much else near it, just an open space. If you want to stay in the local area after finding the Pokemon Pokelid, you can visit Sakura Park which is only a few blocks away. From here you can enjoy a view over the city and some time outside in the Okinawa sun.

Uruma

Location: CRPG+FCH Uruma, Okinawa or (26°26’10.3″N 127°49’34.0″E)

	Tauros
Japanese:	ケンタロス Kentauros
Generation:	1
Type:	Normal
Evolutions:	None

This Okinawa Pokelid is located off of a dual-carriageway next to the Ishikawa Multipurpose Dome. The choice of Tauros (from the original 150 Pokemon) as the manhole decoration is because inside this dome, the ancient sport of bullfighting takes place here.

As you can see, Tauros is a bull-like Pokemon so they’ve made a solid choice for their manhole here.

This is a unique experience to enjoy here in Okinawa as most people who think about Japan, probably don’t imagine watching bulls compete here. This is a place anyone can visit on the weekends, they hold events regularly, and although the venue is outdoors, it can get hot in there. They accept cash only and reservations don’t need to be made so you can simply show up on the day and if you arrive early enough, you shouldn’t struggle with parking.

Okinawa City

Location: 8RH3+366 Okinawa or (26°19’39.6″N 127°48’10.8″E)

	Thwackey	Lurantis
Japanese:	バチンキー Bachinkey	ラランテス Lalantes
Generation:	8	7
Type:	Grass	Grass
Evolutions:	Middle Evolution. From Grookey and into Rillaboom.	From Fomantis

This Pokelid is located in the heart of Okinawa City at the Okinawa Zoo which sits at the top of a hill. This manhole cover is especially easy to find as if you arrive at the zoo by car, you will likely need to walk past it to reach the entrance from the car park.

This Pokelid displays 2 newer-generation Pokemon and is a great start to the zoo experience as this is exactly where you’ll find other creatures to look at. The zoo is rather small compared to others in Asia, but it is one of the top attractions in Okinawa City to visit for adults and children alike.

Ginowan

Location: 7PJJ+HV4 Ginowan, Okinawa or (26°16’53.0″N 127°43’56.0″E)

	Corsola	Luvdisc
Japanese:	サニーゴ Sunnygo	ラブカス Lovedisc
Generation:	2	3
Type:	Water / Rock	Water
Evolutions:	NA	NA

This Pokelid is located in Ginowan City in Okinawa. Found in a small grassy park on the eastern coast of the island, you’ll see 2 Pokemon on the manhole cover, Sunnygo and Lovedisc. The great thing about looking for this Pokelid is that it is located in a park with a few other attractions nearby so you can stay entertained for a while longer instead of just travelling for the manhole.

Located on the edge of Tropical Beach, which is a north-facing beach in the area, you’ll find the manhole cover and tourist information centre, both just a few feet away from the large Okinawa Conference Centre. If you’re hungry during your visit you’ll have the option to get ramen at a small family-run restaurant in the park before a leisurely stroll around the seaside park, outdoor gym and baseball field.

Urasoe

At the time I tried to get a photo of this Pokelid there was a small construction site around the area so I couldn’t get to it. I will update when I am able to reach it and I am next in the area!

Location: 6MWQ+98H Urasoe, Okinawa, Japan or (26°14’45.4″N 127°41’18.1″E)

	Solrock	Skiploom
Japanese:	ソルロック	ポポッコ Popocco
Generation:	3	2
Type:	Rock / Psychic	Grass / Flying
Evolutions:	NA	Evolves from Hoppip then into Jumpluff

This Pokelid manhole cover was unable to be reached at the time I was there, but I was able to visit the neighbouring National Theatre Okinawa which is located on the same grounds. With various performances throughout the year and shows for visitors to enjoy, this is a great place to stop by when trying to enjoy the arts.

There is also Kumiodori Park just outside of the theatre where you can sit and enjoy nature, and watch the 2 small waterfalls and birds that regularly hang around in the local trees. If this small park isn’t enough to satisfy you, there is another park just across the street named Urasoefutominami Ryokuchi Park which sits right along the water. Although there may not be much in the wy of entertainment or attractions nearby, it’s a beautiful place to enjoy a picnic or read a book in the sunshine.

Naha

This Location: 6M8Q+HQ7 Naha, Okinawa or (26°12’59.1″N 127°41’21.9″E)

	Arcanine
Japanese:	ウインディ Windie
Generation:	1
Type:	Fire / Rock
Evolutions:	From Growlithe

This Pokelid is located in the capital city of Okinawa, Naha. It’s located on the corner of a busy intersection with a lot of foot traffic of both locals and tourists so there is fortunately a lot to do nearby. This one is decorated with an image of two Arcanine, which is one of the original 150 Pokemon and an evolution of Growlithe.

This is likely one of the easiest to reach without a car since it is in such an easily accessible area.

Directly across the street from this manhole is the Hotel Palm Royal Naha which means you can enjoy some comfort before getting back on the Okinawa Pokelid hunt. This 4″ hotel is perfect for those wanting to stay in the heart of the city, near the lid, and close to the “drinking” streets,

Nanjo

Location: 5R9G+JRW Nanjo, Okinawa or (26°10’08.8″N 127°49’37.5″E)

	Seviper	Zangoose
Japanese:	ハブネーク Habunake	ザングース Zangoose
Generation:	3	3
Type:	Poison	Normal
Evolutions:	NA	NA

This colourful Pokelid is located in the south of Okinawa Island in Cape Chinen Park. This park has stunning views over the peninsula with a few natural attractions nearby such as the Chinen Mushroom Rocks and the protruding Cape Chinen.

The Pokeliid is found next to a small smoothie store and car park just a few minutes walk from the park itself. From the park observatory and viewpoint, you can see Kudeken Beach and the Community Gardens to the east, along with Ukabi Island to the northwest on a clear day. The park has some scenic points such as a sacred shrine and flowerbeds and you can even sit down and have some lunch from the Sea of Isukiya Cafe that sits on top of the hill.

Both of the Pokemon found on this manhole in Okinawa Island’s Nano City are from the 3rd generation.

Tomigusuku

Location: 5M54+2CH Tomigusuku, Okinawa or (26°09’27.2″N 127°39’22.0″E)

	Axew	Jangmo-o
Japanese:	キバゴ Kibago	ジャラコ Jyarako
Generation:	5	7
Type:	Dragon	Dragon
Evolutions:	First evolution. Into Fraxure then into Haxorus	First evolution. Into Hakamo-o then into Kommo-o

This Pokelid is a little difficult to find and you generally need a car in order to reach it. Just off of the main highway and not far from Naha Airport, you’ll find a car park with two car rental companies and a farmers market. The Pokelid is located on the raised concrete path just outside a small boutique store. It’s on the far left side as you face the row of shops with the car park directly behind you.

The manhole cover has two Pokemon from generations 5 and 7 sailing in a small boat and they are easily recognised by Pokemon fans. After finding the cover and snapping your pictures, you should stop by the farmers market and see what local foods are available here in Okinawa.

Itoman

Location: 4MQ6+8G8 Itoman, Okinawa or (26°08’17.8″N 127°39’40.8″E)

	Sandygast	Wartortle
Japanese:	スナバァ Sunaba	カメール Kameil
Generation:	7	1
Type:	Ghost / Ground	Water
Evolutions:	Into Palossand	Middle Evolution. from Squirtle then into Blastoise

This Pokelid of the well-known first-generation Wartortle is located under a shelter next to a popular fish market. With a huge car park, it’s easy to stop by here for a short while and check out the market and eat in the food court.

The manhole is found in the centre of the outdoor food court’s seating area where you’ll find one or two food trucks depending on the day. The Pokelid is obvious to spot so it’s almost impossible to miss and there are often people capturing a picture of it.

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Other Islands

Miyakojima

If you need accommodation during your stay in Miyakojima, check out this link.

Location: P7M7+X6P Miyakojima, Okinawa or (24°44’05.9″N 125°15’47.1″E)

	Kyogre
Japanese:	カイオーガ Kyogre
Generation:	3
Type:	Water
Evolutions:	NA

This Pokelid is located on the island of Miyakojima, in Okinawa, close to the southern group of islands and away from the big island. You’ll find this Pokelid walking distance from the Yonaha Maehama Port on a grassy embankment. This manhole is sat directly next to the entrance to the Foreshore Beach (前浜ビーチ) and next to the public restrooms which are also in the park.

The Pokemon painted on the manhole cover is Kyogre which is a legendary Pokemon. From the 3rd generation of the Pokemon universe, he is a very powerful water-type Pokemon which is suitable being on a manhole cover located on a tropical coastline.

Ishigaki

If you need somewhere to stay in Ishigaki, the most populous area is between Tonoshiro and Arakawa. Look for accommodation in Ishigaki, here.

Location: 85P4+XQ8 Ishigaki, Okinawa or (24°20’14.7″N 124°09’25.0″E)

	Mantine	Remoraid
Japanese:	マンタイン Mantain	テッポウオ Teppouo
Generation:	2	2
Type:	Water / Flying	Water
Evolutions:	It evolves from Mantyke	It evolves into Octillery

This Pokelid is perfect for the island of Ishigaki in Okinawa because it displays Pokemon that resemble sea creatures like sting rays and manta rays. They are relevant because this island is one of the best places to see and swim with manta rays each year (peaking in September).

The manhole can be found close to the famous ferry port which takes visitors to the nearby uninhabited islands of Taketomi, Kohama, Kuroshima and Hateruma as well as the larger Iriomote and Yonaguni (the closest Okinawan island to Taiwan).

If you want to visit any of these islands from Ishigaki before or after your Pokelid hunt, check out this site which will allow you to compare the different ferry prices, times and routes.

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