Japan opens a new, free Pokémon hot spring footbath in Wakura Onsen

It’s almost two and a half years since the New Year’s Day earthquake devastated the picturesque Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture. Massive efforts have gone into rebuilding the region, and Pokémon is contributing to the reconstruction in the cutest way possible.

©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.Wakura Pokémon Footbath

The global pop culture phenomenon has recently opened a new footbath at Wakura Onsen, one of the largest tourist destinations on the Noto Peninsula. The Wakura Pokémon Footbath, located within Yuttari Park, is open to the public for free – and it is just adorable.

©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.Pikachu at the Wakura Pokémon Footbath

Fed by natural hot spring water, the facility features 3D sculptures of some of the franchise’s most iconic creatures including Gyarados, Vaporeon, Poliwag, Politoad, Psyduck and, of course, Pikachu. Here, you get to take a relaxing foot soak among your Pokemon buddies while gazing out at the sea, as Yuttari Park sits right by the coast.

©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.Vaporeon at the Wakura Pokémon Footbath

The Wakura Pokémon Footbath is free – just remember to bring along a small towel to dry your feet afterwards.

©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.Quaxly at the Wakura Pokémon Footbath

While Wakura Pokémon Footbath is accessible from Osaka, the destination is a bit of a trek and involves multiple transfers. First, hop on the Thunderbird Limited Express train from Osaka Station to Tsuruga, then switch to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa. From there, board the limited express train to Nanao Station, followed by a bus to the Wakura Tourist Information Center. The footbath is just a short stroll away. The entire journey takes around four hours, depending on connections.

Separately, the region’s airport will reopen as the world’s first Pokémon-themed airport later in July. The Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport – as it’s called – will feel like stepping into the Pokémon world. We’ll update you once it opens.

In the meantime, you can visit the Wakura Pokémon Footbath daily from 7am to 7pm. While you’re there, keep an eye out for the park’s newly installed Pokémon manhole cover, which features a few of the very same Water-type characters found at the footbath.