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If you are traveling to Tokyo in the autumn of 2026, there is an incredibly time-sensitive, massive urban event that needs to be at the very top of your itinerary—especially if you have any love for the world’s most famous monster-catching franchise.
Running strictly from September 9 to November 29, 2026, the central Tokyo districts of Nihonbashi and Yaesu have been completely transformed by the "Legend Research in Nihonbashi & Yaesu" (伝説のポケモンと出会う レジェンドリサーチ in日本橋＆八重洲). Organized by Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., in cooperation with The Pokémon Company and sponsored by JR Central, this monumental event celebrates the historic 30th anniversary of Pokémon with a sprawling, multi-building city takeover.
Whether you are a casual fan looking for an incredibly photogenic, completely free "street pilgrimage" right next to Tokyo Station, or a hardcore puzzle-game enthusiast ready to dive into a massive, brain-bending scavenger hunt, this event delivers. Because of the JR Central sponsorship, the entire footprint of this event is designed to be easily accessible for travelers coming into or out of Tokyo Station via the Shinkansen (bullet train).
In this exhaustive, masterclass guide, we will break down every single aspect of the Legend Research event. We will cover how to navigate the free life-size legendary Pokémon statue walk across three massive commercial complexes, how to register for and conquer the paid puzzle-hunt challenge, where to buy the exclusive official merchandise (and the strict payment rules you must know), and how to weave this limited-time 2026 event into a perfect day exploring the historic Nihonbashi and ultra-modern Yaesu neighborhoods.
Time is ticking. Come November 29, 2026, the legendary Pokémon will depart from the streets of Nihonbashi. Here is everything you need to know to catch them before they are gone.
1. Event Overview: What is "Legend Research in Nihonbashi & Yaesu"?
To celebrate 30 years of capturing, battling, and trading, Tokyo has seen its fair share of anniversary pop-ups in 2026. However, the "Legend Research in Nihonbashi & Yaesu" stands out because it seamlessly blends a free public art installation with a premium, ticketed interactive game, all woven into the everyday urban fabric of Tokyo’s most historic commercial district.
The Two Core Experiences
The event is fundamentally split into two distinct experiences, allowing travelers of all budgets and schedules to participate:
- The Free Pokémon City Walk: Without spending a single yen, visitors can explore three massive shopping and business complexes in the Tokyo Station area to hunt down more than 100 Pokémon displays. The crown jewels of this free experience are 19 meticulously crafted, life-size standing statues of Pokémon—including awe-inspiring legendary Pokémon—scattered throughout the indoor and outdoor public spaces.
- The Paid Puzzle Hunt ("Awaken the Legendary Research Report!"): For 3,300 yen, visitors can purchase a physical puzzle kit and embark on a 2+ hour interactive scavenger hunt designed by the famous Japanese puzzle-creation group RIDDLER. This transforms the area into a massive escape-room-style adventure.
The Venues: The Triangle of Tokyo's Commercial Heart
The event takes place across three specific, highly prominent buildings, all within walking distance of each other and Tokyo Station:
- Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower (日本橋三井タワー)
- COREDO Muromachi Terrace (COREDO室町テラス)
- Tokyo Midtown Yaesu (東京ミッドタウン八重洲)
Why Nihonbashi and Yaesu?
If you are wondering why Pokémon chose this specific cluster of buildings for their 30th-anniversary blowout, it comes down to history and logistics. Nihonbashi is literally the "center of Japan" (the point from which all highway distances in Japan are measured). Furthermore, Nihonbashi is already the spiritual home of Pokémon in Tokyo, housing the Pokémon Center Tokyo DX and the permanent Pokémon Cafe just a few blocks away.
Meanwhile, the Yaesu district sits squarely on the eastern flank of Tokyo Station. Sponsored by JR Central (the operators of the Tokaido Shinkansen), utilizing Tokyo Midtown Yaesu makes this event the ultimate layover activity. You can literally step off the bullet train from Kyoto or Osaka, walk underground into the Yaesu venue, and begin your Pokémon adventure within five minutes.
2. The Free Experience: The Ultimate 30th Anniversary Photo Walk
For most international inbound tourists, the free component of the Legend Research event will be the main draw. It is incredibly rare to find pop-culture installations of this scale in Tokyo that do not require an advance lottery ticket or an expensive entry fee.
100+ Pokémon & 19 Legendary Statues
Across Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, COREDO Muromachi Terrace, and Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, the organizers have deployed over 100 different Pokémon displays. These range from window decals and wall murals to hidden surprises in the public plazas.
However, the absolute highlights are the 19 life-size standing statues. In celebration of the franchise's deep lore, these statues heavily feature legendary Pokémon. Because they are life-size, the scale of some of these statues is genuinely breathtaking when placed against the backdrop of sleek Tokyo architecture.
Note: The official event organizers have intentionally kept the exact distribution of the 19 statues a secret to encourage exploration. They do not publish a map of which specific legendary Pokémon is at which building. You will need to explore the halls, plazas, and terraces of all three buildings to find them all.
How to Maximize the Free Statue Walk
To see all 19 statues, you should plan for about 60 to 90 minutes of walking, not including the time you will inevitably spend taking photos. Here is the best way to approach the free photo walk:
1. Start at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu If you are arriving via Tokyo Station, start your journey here. Tokyo Midtown Yaesu is directly connected to the underground Yaesu mall at Tokyo Station. Wander through the towering glass atriums and the outdoor terrace spaces on the lower floors. Because this is a modern, spacious complex, the statues here are often framed beautifully against natural light.
2. Walk North to Nihonbashi From Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, exit onto the main street (Chuo-dori) and walk north. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes of straight walking along a wide, pleasant, historically significant street to reach the Nihonbashi area. You will cross the famous Nihonbashi Bridge (look out for the bronze kirin statues on the bridge!).
3. Explore Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower and COREDO Muromachi Terrace Once you cross the bridge, you are in the Mitsui-dominated sector of Nihonbashi. Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower and COREDO Muromachi Terrace are practically next to each other.
- Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower: Explore the majestic, high-ceilinged first-floor lobby. This is also where the reception for the paid puzzle hunt is located, so the energy here will be palpable, with hundreds of fans running around with their clipboards.
- COREDO Muromachi Terrace: Check the large outdoor plaza with its iconic white canopy roof. Statues are often placed in these open-air environments to allow for dynamic photos with the cityscape in the background.
Photography Tips for the Statues
- Go Early or Go Late: Tokyo gets incredibly crowded. If you want photos with the legendary statues without dozens of other tourists in the background, aim to do your walk around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM before the main retail shops open, or after 8:00 PM. The statues are largely located in public plazas and lobbies that remain open outside of standard retail hours.
- Respect the Commuters: Nihonbashi and Yaesu are prime business districts. During weekday rush hours (8:00 AM - 9:30 AM, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM), these buildings are flooded with office workers. Be mindful not to block walkways while lining up for photos.
- Look Up and Down: While the 19 statues are prominent, remember there are over 100 Pokémon scattered around. Look at the glass balustrades, the elevator doors, and the floor tiling.
A quick note on mobile gaming apps: While this area is densely populated with PokéStops and Gyms in games like Pokémon GO, the official Mitsui Fudosan press release does not explicitly confirm any in-game bonuses or special digital tie-ins specifically for this Legend Research event. You should definitely keep your app open as you walk, but do so for the joy of the walk itself rather than expecting exclusive in-game event spawns.
3. The Paid Puzzle Hunt: "Awaken the Legendary Research Report!"
If you want to elevate your experience from a simple sightseeing walk to a deeply engaging, brain-teasing adventure, you must participate in the ticketed puzzle hunt: "Pokémon Legend Research — Awaken the Legendary Research Report!" (ポケモンレジェンドリサーチ ～伝説のリサーチレポートを呼び覚ませ！～).
What is a Japanese "Nazo-toki" (Puzzle Hunt)?
In Japan, city-wide puzzle hunts (known as nazo-toki) are a massive cultural phenomenon. Unlike Western escape rooms where you are locked in a single space, Japanese puzzle hunts give you a physical kit filled with cryptic clues, maps, and tools, and send you out into the real world. You must navigate actual city streets, find hidden signs in train stations or shopping malls, and use origami-like folding tricks on your paper materials to reveal passwords.
For this Pokémon 30th anniversary event, the puzzle has been designed by RIDDLER, a prestigious puzzle-creator collective led by Ryogo Matsumaru (松丸亮吾). Matsumaru is a famous TV personality and puzzle mastermind in Japan, known for creating incredibly clever, tactile puzzles that delight both children and adults.
Details of the Puzzle Hunt
- Price: 3,300 yen (Tax included)
- Sales Period: August 4, 2026 – November 29, 2026
- Where to Buy the Voucher: Tickets are sold via Mitsui Shopping Park Ticket and Ticket Pia.
- Difficulty: Recommended for elementary-school age and up. (Note for tourists: Japanese puzzle hunts often rely heavily on wordplay. While the event is visually universally appealing, non-Japanese speakers may find the linguistic elements of the puzzles challenging. However, the physical exploration is fun regardless!)
- Estimated Completion Time: Roughly 2 hours or more. (Take this estimate seriously; Matsumaru's puzzles often feature a "final twist" that requires you to sit down and really think.)
What is Inside the 3,300 Yen Kit?
When you redeem your ticket voucher, you are handed a physical kit that serves as your inventory for the adventure. The kit itself is a wonderful piece of 30th-anniversary memorabilia. It includes:
- A Clear File Bag: To carry your items securely as you walk around the city.
- The "Mysterious File": The core puzzle booklet containing the ciphers and lore.
- A Sticker Sheet: Often used in these puzzles to place over certain pages to reveal hidden words.
- An "Explorer's Letter" and "Someone's Report": Narrative documents that immerse you in the storyline of the Legend Research.
- Writing Tools: A custom pen or pencil to take notes.
- Adventure Guide Booklet: Instructions on how to play, rules of the buildings, and a map of the permitted play areas.
For just 3,300 yen, the physical goods alone are nearly worth the price of admission for a hardcore collector, let alone the 2+ hours of curated entertainment.
How and Where to Start the Game
To begin your game, you must bring your digital or printed ticket voucher to the official Reception Desk located on the 1st Floor of Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower (日本橋三井タワー1F).
Reception Hours:
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (19:00)
- Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (20:00)
Crucial Advice for Tourists: Do not show up at 6:45 PM expecting to play. Because the game takes over 2 hours to complete, you should aim to redeem your kit no later than 4:00 PM so you have ample time to explore the three buildings before retail areas begin to close or it gets too dark to easily read your puzzle sheets. While the voucher appears to allow walk-in redemption during open hours, always check the official site (https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/urban/legend-research) before visiting to ensure there are no sudden timed-entry requirements implemented for crowd control on busy weekends.
If you enjoy blending anime culture with physical exploration, check out our guide on Anime Pilgrimage in Japan: A Beginner for more ideas on how to turn your Tokyo walks into real-world adventures.
4. The Official Merchandise Corner: Tokyo Midtown Yaesu 5F
No 30th-anniversary Pokémon event would be complete without an array of exclusive, limited-edition merchandise. The organizers have set up a dedicated official merchandise corner specifically for the Legend Research event.
Location and Hours
The official store is not located at the puzzle reception in Nihonbashi. It is located on the 5th Floor of Tokyo Midtown Yaesu (東京ミッドタウン八重洲 5F).
Merchandise Corner Hours:
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (19:00)
- Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (20:00)
Strictly Cashless Payment Only
Pay close attention to this: The official merchandise corner operates on a 100% cashless basis. Cash (Japanese Yen bills and coins) will not be accepted under any circumstances.
As a tourist, you must be prepared with one of the following:
- A physical credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex).
- A digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay with compatible cards).
- A Japanese IC card with sufficient balance loaded onto it (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA).
If you are unsure about how to get and use a Japanese IC card as a tourist in 2026, read our comprehensive breakdown: What is the Best IC Card for Tourists in Japan 2026? | Suica vs Pasmo vs ICOCA. Make sure your IC card is fully topped up at a train station before heading up to the 5th floor, as there may not be charging machines in the store itself!
What Can You Buy?
The merchandise lineup features exclusive "Legend Research" branding, celebrating the 30th anniversary and the elegant aesthetic of the Nihonbashi/Yaesu area. Available items include:
- Tote Bags: Perfect for carrying your puzzle kit if you decide to buy merch before starting the game.
- Fans (Uchiwa/Sensu): A nod to traditional Japanese culture, fitting for the historic Nihonbashi setting.
- Acrylic Keychains & Acrylic Stands: The undisputed kings of modern Japanese anime merch. These are lightweight, easy to pack, and make fantastic souvenirs.
- Mugs: High-quality ceramics featuring event artwork.
- T-shirts: Wearable proof that you were in Tokyo for the monumental 30th anniversary.
Because this event ends strictly on November 29, 2026, this merchandise will never be printed again. Expect popular items (especially the acrylic stands of fan-favorite legendary Pokémon) to sell out toward the end of the event's run. If merchandise is your priority, visit early in your trip and early in the day.
5. A Deep Dive into the Three Host Buildings
To truly appreciate this event, it helps to understand the venues you are exploring. These aren't just generic event halls; they are three of central Tokyo’s premier lifestyle complexes, offering incredible food, architecture, and shopping alongside the Pokémon statues.
Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower (The Puzzle HQ)
Located in the heart of the historic merchant district, the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower is an imposing skyscraper that combines a stunning heritage facade (the adjacent Mitsui Main Building from 1929) with modern glass architecture.
- Vibe: Sophisticated, grand, and slightly intimidating. The soaring atrium where you pick up your puzzle kit feels like stepping into a modern-day Pokémon League headquarters.
- What else is here: The upper floors house the ultra-luxurious Mandarin Oriental Tokyo hotel. The basement levels have excellent restaurants. If you need a quick, high-end bite, the Sembikiya fruit parlor on the lower floors is legendary in Tokyo for its perfect (and expensive) melons and fruit parfaits.
COREDO Muromachi Terrace
Just a stone's throw from the Mitsui Tower, COREDO Muromachi Terrace is part of the massive COREDO urban redevelopment project aimed at revitalizing Nihonbashi.
- Vibe: Trendy, cultural, and relaxed. The building is famous for its massive outdoor plaza covered by a beautiful geometric roof—a prime location for Pokémon statues.
- What else is here: The 2nd floor is completely taken over by Eslite Spectrum (誠品生活), a famous Taiwanese bookstore and lifestyle brand. It’s a beautifully designed space selling crafts, books, and Taiwanese tea. It is a fantastic place to take a breather during your puzzle hunt.
Tokyo Midtown Yaesu (The Merch Hub)
Opened recently as part of the massive redevelopment on the east side of Tokyo Station, Tokyo Midtown Yaesu is a towering beacon of modern Tokyo.
- Vibe: Sleek, transit-oriented, and buzzing with energy.
- What else is here: Aside from the Pokémon merchandise on the 5th floor, the building houses the massive Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu in its basement, sending highway buses all over the country. The 2nd floor features Yaesu Public, an incredibly cool, modern food hall (more on this below) where you can sit with your puzzle kit and grab a craft beer or artisan coffee.
6. How to Build the Perfect Day Itinerary
How do you fit a 100-statue scavenger hunt, a 2-hour puzzle game, and merchandise shopping into your Tokyo trip? Here is a suggested itinerary to maximize your time in Nihonbashi and Yaesu.
Morning: Arrival and The Free Walk
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at Tokyo Station. Navigate to the Yaesu Underground Exit and walk directly into Tokyo Midtown Yaesu.
- 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM: Explore the ground floors and outdoor terraces of Tokyo Midtown Yaesu to find your first batch of legendary Pokémon statues.
- 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Head up to the 5th floor of Tokyo Midtown Yaesu and line up for the Official Merchandise Corner (opens at 11:00 AM on weekdays, or 10:00 AM on weekends). Buy your exclusive gear before it sells out. Remember: Cashless only!
Mid-Day: The Historic Stroll
- 11:30 AM: Exit Tokyo Midtown Yaesu and walk north along Chuo-dori toward Nihonbashi. Take photos on the historic Nihonbashi bridge.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch time. (See our dining recommendations in the next section).
Afternoon: The Puzzle Hunt
- 1:00 PM: Head to the 1st floor of Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower. Present your 3,300 yen voucher and receive your RIDDLER puzzle kit.
- 1:15 PM - 3:30 PM: Engage in the "Awaken the Legendary Research Report!" puzzle hunt. This will have you traversing back and forth between Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower and COREDO Muromachi Terrace. You will be searching for clues hidden near the remaining Pokémon statues.
- 3:30 PM: Submit your final answers, claim your victory, and take celebratory photos with the legendary statues in the COREDO plaza.
Late Afternoon: Further Explorations
- 4:00 PM: Since you are already in Nihonbashi, you are only a 5-minute walk from the Pokémon Center Tokyo DX (located in the Takashimaya East Building). Head there to buy standard Pokémon merchandise or take a photo with the giant Snorlax and Mew at the entrance.
- Evening: If you still have energy, Akihabara is just a short train ride (or a 20-minute walk) north of Nihonbashi. If you want to hunt for retro games or Pokémon trading cards to end your day, check out our Ultimate Guide to Buying One Piece Cards in Japan (2026) or our guide on Best Restaurants in Akihabara 2026 | Must-Try After Anime Shopping.
