Партнерский магазин
The beloved Pokémon mailboxes in Yokohama are set for removal—catch Pikachu and Eevee before they’re gone for good.
A Farewell to Yokohama’s Pokémon Mailboxes
It’s not every day that a city’s postal service becomes a pilgrimage site for fans of an iconic video game series. Yet that’s exactly what happened in Yokohama, where a set of Pokémon mailboxes—starring none other than Pikachu, Eevee, and even Piplup—have been brightening up the streets and social feeds of locals and tourists alike. But as all good things must, this chapter is coming to a close.
How Pokémon Mailboxes Became a Local Legend
Let’s rewind a bit. The story began in July 2021, when Yokohama—just a 30-minute ride south of Tokyo—decided to sprinkle some Pokémon video game magic onto its cityscape. The city installed three unique Pokémon mailboxes: a cheerful Pikachu duo and a smiling Eevee right outside Yokohama City Hall, and a cute Piplup guarding the entrance of the Yokohama Sakuragi post office branch.
Honestly, when I first heard the mailboxes were meant to be a temporary installation, scheduled for removal after less than a year, I thought someone had seriously underestimated how much people love Pokémon—especially in its home country. Turns out, I wasn’t alone in that skepticism.
“After seeing the immensely positive response from residents and visitors, the decision was made to extend the Pokémon mailboxes service for an additional four years.”
The city quickly realized their popularity and doubled down, extending their stay for four more years. Fans from around the world, myself included, flocked to snap photos, mail letters, and bask in the pure joy these adorable boxes brought to otherwise mundane city errands.
The Countdown: When Are the Pokémon Mailboxes Disappearing?
But as the old saying goes, nothing lasts forever. The extended timeline is now winding down, and the latest word is that the Pokémon mailboxes are still set for removal at the end of this month—specifically, June 30. I kept hoping for a last-minute extension, a surprise announcement that, once again, public enthusiasm had bought another year or two. But so far? Silence.
And that’s left me with a bittersweet feeling. Sure, these mailboxes were always meant to be temporary, but their cheerful faces have become part of Yokohama’s urban charm. I suppose every phenomenon—no matter how delightful—has to make way eventually for the next wave of creativity.
Where to Find the Pokémon Mailboxes Before They’re Gone
If you’re determined to see these Poké-postal wonders before they vanish, you’ll want to head for Bashamichi Station on the Minato Mirai Line. The station conveniently connects straight into the basement of Yokohama City Hall, making the journey to the Pikachu and Eevee mailboxes a breeze. From there, it’s just a quick stroll to see Piplup holding down the post office fort.
On my visit, I was genuinely surprised at how easily accessible each mailbox was, and how much joy they brought to everyone passing by, whether they were mailing a letter or just snapping a selfie. The route itself became a mini adventure, and for a moment, the everyday cityscape felt transformed—like stumbling onto a secret side quest in a familiar game.
What’s Next for Pokémon Fans in Yokohama?
For those who can’t make it before the mailboxes are retired, there’s still a touch of Pokémon magic left in the city. Yokohama’s also known for its collection of Pokémon-themed manhole covers, each one featuring a different character. While they don’t quite have the same interactive flair as the mailboxes, they’re still a charming find for anyone wandering through the city’s streets.
I have to admit, after my initial skepticism about temporary installations, I came away from the experience more appreciative of these small bursts of delight that cities occasionally offer. Even if the mailboxes will soon be gone, their memory (and the countless photos!) will linger on.
Заключение
Whether you’re a lifelong Pokémon fan or just love unique city attractions, Yokohama’s Pokémon mailboxes have been a one-of-a-kind treat. Their removal at the end of June marks the end of a small but memorable era in urban pop culture. Have you had a chance to visit these mailboxes, or do you have a favorite pop-culture landmark in your city that you wish could stick around forever?
ЧАСТО ЗАДАВАЕМЫЕ ВОПРОСЫ
- Why were the Pokémon mailboxes installed in Yokohama?
They were originally introduced to add a playful, local twist to the city’s postal infrastructure and to celebrate the global popularity of the Pokémon franchise. - How many Pokémon mailboxes are there in Yokohama?
There are three: a Pikachu pair, an Eevee, and a Piplup, each at different prominent locations around the city hall and post office. - When will the Pokémon mailboxes be removed?
They’re scheduled for removal on June 30, so the window to see them is rapidly closing. - Can I still find Pokémon-themed attractions in Yokohama after the mailboxes are gone?
Yes! Yokohama also has Pokémon-themed manhole covers scattered around the city, which remain a fun find for fans. - Is there any chance the Pokémon mailboxes will stay longer?
As of now, no further extension has been announced. While past extensions have happened, it seems unlikely this time—so don’t wait!
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