Legend Research in Nihonbashi & Yaesu 2026, Tokyo, Japan

• September 9, 2026
  Event date:
• November 29, 2026
  Event end:

What to expect in 2026

Legend Research in Nihonbashi & Yaesu 2026 transforms central Tokyo into a large-scale Pokémon discovery experience from September 9 through November 29, 2026. Instead of taking place inside one convention hall, the event spreads across the Nihonbashi and Yaesu districts, combining life-size Pokémon statues, more than 100 Pokémon displays, a city-walking mystery challenge, event merchandise and a special Pokémon GO collaboration.

The main attraction is the appearance of 19 Pokémon as life-size statues throughout the area. These include legendary Pokémon alongside other well-known Pokémon, giving visitors opportunities to encounter the characters in a real urban environment. Additional Pokémon appear on walls, signs and other installations, bringing the total number of Pokémon featured around the district to more than 100. The public displays can be viewed free of charge without purchasing the paid puzzle experience.

For visitors who want a more interactive experience, the paid Pokémon Legend Research mystery-solving programme takes participants on a walking adventure through Nihonbashi and Yaesu. The experience is titled “Pokémon Legend Research – Awaken the Legendary Research Report!” and was created by RIDDLER, the puzzle-creation group led by Ryo Matsumaru.

The story begins when participants discover an old Pokémon report and a mysterious file. The information is encrypted, and participants must travel through the city to locate clues connected with legendary Pokémon. A dedicated map and puzzle kit guide the investigation as visitors move between the different Pokémon displays.

The event therefore combines several types of activities:

• Free viewing of 19 life-size Pokémon statues
• More than 100 Pokémon throughout Nihonbashi and Yaesu
• A paid city-wide Pokémon mystery-solving challenge
• Original event artwork and merchandise
• A Pokémon GO tie-in
• Special Pokémon-themed photo opportunities
• Participating commercial facilities and shopping destinations
• A city-walking experience connecting Nihonbashi and Yaesu

The result is closer to an outdoor Pokémon exhibition and puzzle adventure than a traditional gaming convention. Visitors can choose between simply exploring the installations for free or purchasing the mystery-solving kit for a more structured experience.

Event dates

Legend Research in Nihonbashi & Yaesu 2026 runs from September 9, 2026, through November 29, 2026.

The event takes place throughout the Nihonbashi and Yaesu districts, with the paid mystery-solving experience beginning at the reception desk on the first floor of Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower.

The main operating hours for the puzzle experience are:

• Weekdays: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM, with final answer submission at 7:00 PM
• Weekends and public holidays: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM, with final answer submission at 8:00 PM
• Puzzle reception: Weekdays 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Weekend and holiday reception: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM

The official information distinguishes the reception period from the final answer-submission period. Participants should therefore collect their kit early enough to allow sufficient time to walk around the area and complete the investigation.

The event is scheduled throughout the entire period, rather than being limited to a single weekend. The official site states that the event can proceed in rainy weather, although severe weather, disasters or other circumstances may result in cancellation or changes.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

Legend Research is a city-wide event rather than a single-site exhibition. Its main locations are spread around Nihonbashi and Yaesu, allowing visitors to discover Pokémon while walking between major commercial and cultural facilities.

The principal locations include:

• Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower
• COREDO Muromachi 1
• COREDO Muromachi 2
• COREDO Muromachi 3
• COREDO Muromachi Terrace
• Tokyo Midtown Yaesu

The puzzle reception is located on the first floor of Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower. Participants who have purchased the required exchange voucher should go to this reception point on their selected date to receive the mystery-solving kit.

Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower: 2-1-1 Nihonbashi-Muromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Midtown Yaesu: 2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Midtown Yaesu also hosts the dedicated Legend Research merchandise sales corner on its fifth floor. This area is separate from the puzzle reception and can be visited even by people who have not purchased the puzzle-solving ticket.

Because the event occupies public-facing areas of several buildings and the surrounding streets, visitors should expect to walk outdoors between locations rather than move through one enclosed exhibition space.

Full gaming programme

There is no conventional gaming programme such as console demonstrations, gaming stages or developer presentations. Instead, the central interactive activity is the Pokémon Legend Research mystery-solving challenge.

The paid experience begins when participants purchase a mystery-solving kit exchange voucher in advance. On the selected date, they collect the kit at Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower and then follow the clues through the city.

The experience combines:

• Pokémon research
• City walking
• Puzzle solving
• Clue discovery
• Legendary Pokémon investigation
• Smartphone-based information
• Physical Pokémon statues
• Location-based exploration

The mystery is based around an encrypted research report. Participants use information about the legendary Pokémon encountered throughout the route to decipher the clues contained in the mysterious file.

An internet-connected smartphone, tablet or other compatible device is required because participants need to access the dedicated website during the puzzle.

The event does not impose a fixed puzzle-solving time limit. This allows participants to explore the area at their own pace, although they must respect the final answer-submission deadline for the day they attend.

Featured games & developers

The featured property is Pokémon, but Legend Research itself is not a new Pokémon video game launch or developer showcase.

The event connects the Pokémon franchise with a real-world urban exploration format. Pokémon from across the franchise appear as statues and decorations, while the mystery-solving experience uses Pokémon knowledge as part of its puzzle structure.

The puzzle content was created by RIDDLER, a Japanese puzzle-creation group headed by Ryo Matsumaru. RIDDLER describes its work as creating puzzle experiences for beginners through advanced players, while Matsumaru is known for developing and presenting mystery-solving content.

The Pokémon Company is cooperating with the event, while Mitsui Fudosan is the organizer. Central Japan Railway Company is listed as the sponsor in the official event information.

The collaboration also extends into Pokémon GO, with special PokéStops and Gyms being installed in the event area during the event period.

Esports tournaments & competitions

There are no esports tournaments, competitive gaming brackets or live Pokémon video-game championships scheduled as part of Legend Research in Nihonbashi & Yaesu.

The competitive element is instead the mystery-solving challenge. Participants investigate the city, find clues and use Pokémon information to decode the encrypted report.

The puzzle was specifically designed around legendary Pokémon appearing in Nihonbashi and Yaesu. Each discovery contributes to the wider research mission, making the city itself part of the puzzle environment.

This format makes the event accessible to visitors who enjoy Pokémon but may not participate in competitive Pokémon gaming. It also gives families and casual fans a way to interact with the franchise through walking, observation and problem solving.

Tournament & event schedule

There is no tournament timetable because the event does not include esports competitions.

The practical event sequence is straightforward:

Step 1 – Purchase the puzzle voucher

Participants purchase a mystery-solving kit exchange voucher for their chosen date through the official ticketing channels.

Step 2 – Visit the reception

On the selected date, participants go to the first-floor reception at Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower and exchange the voucher for the puzzle kit.

Step 3 – Begin the research

The kit introduces the story and provides the information needed to begin the investigation. Participants then follow the map and clues around Nihonbashi and Yaesu.

Step 4 – Research the Pokémon

Visitors locate the life-size Pokémon statues and other Pokémon displays positioned around the event area.

Step 5 – Solve the mystery

Information discovered during the city walk helps participants decode the encrypted research report.

There is no fixed time limit for solving the mystery. However, participants must submit their final answers within the published operating hours.

Ticket types

The event has two fundamentally different participation options.

Free Pokémon viewing

The life-size Pokémon statues and the more than 100 Pokémon decorations placed around Nihonbashi and Yaesu can be viewed free of charge. Visitors do not need to purchase a ticket simply to walk around and see the public displays.

Mystery-solving kit exchange voucher

The paid interactive experience requires a mystery-solving kit exchange voucher.

The current price is approximately $21 USD, based on the published price of ¥3,300 including tax and an exchange rate of roughly ¥156.86 per US dollar on September 18, 2026. Actual card charges can vary according to the exchange rate and payment provider.

The voucher is valid only for the date selected at purchase. Participants must bring the voucher and follow the official collection instructions.

The official ticket information is currently offered through Ticket Pia and Mitsui Shopping Park Ticket.

VIP & premium access

There is no separately advertised VIP ticket, premium package or priority-access pass for Legend Research.

The paid mystery-solving experience is the principal premium component of the event. It provides visitors with a dedicated research kit and access to the interactive puzzle storyline.

Visitors who only want to photograph the Pokémon statues or view the city decorations do not need to purchase the puzzle kit.

The event therefore has a simple structure: free public Pokémon installations for general visitors and a paid interactive investigation for participants who want to solve the mystery.

Exhibitors & gaming companies

Legend Research does not operate as a traditional gaming trade show, so there are no conventional exhibitor booths from video-game publishers or hardware manufacturers.

The main organizations associated with the event are:

• Organizer: Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
• Cooperation: The Pokémon Company
• Sponsor: Central Japan Railway Company
• Puzzle production: RIDDLER
• Pokémon GO collaboration: Pokémon GO development team

The event also uses several Mitsui Fudosan-managed facilities throughout Nihonbashi and Yaesu as part of the city-wide experience.

Exhibition halls & gaming zones

There are no conventional exhibition halls or gaming zones. Instead, the event uses multiple urban locations as themed discovery areas.

Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower: This is the most important starting point for puzzle participants because the first-floor reception is where the mystery-solving kit is collected.

COREDO Muromachi 1: One of the participating locations where Pokémon displays can be encountered.

COREDO Muromachi 2: Another part of the city-wide Pokémon route.

COREDO Muromachi 3: A further location containing Pokémon installations.

COREDO Muromachi Terrace: One of the principal event sites where Pokémon appear.

Tokyo Midtown Yaesu: This location contains Pokémon displays and the official event merchandise sales corner on the fifth floor.

Together, these locations create a large outdoor exhibition environment where the surrounding city becomes part of the experience.

Game demos & new releases

There are no new Pokémon video-game demonstrations or game-release presentations associated with the event.

Instead, the event’s interactive technology comes from its dedicated puzzle website and the Pokémon GO collaboration.

Participants in the mystery challenge need an internet-connected smartphone, tablet or other compatible device to access the dedicated website. The physical kit and digital content work together as participants move around the city.

Pokémon GO players also have an additional reason to explore the area. Special event PokéStops and Gyms are installed throughout the event period, using special imagery connected with Legend Research.

The Pokémon displays themselves are the most important “new content” for the event, with 19 life-size statues and more than 100 Pokémon appearing throughout the participating areas.

Event rules

Several practical rules apply to the event and puzzle experience.

Date validity: The mystery-solving voucher is valid only on the date selected at purchase. Participants should check their booking information carefully before attending.

One ticket per participant: A separate ticket is required for each person taking part in the paid puzzle experience.

Recommended age: The official information recommends the puzzle experience for elementary school students and older. There is no general age restriction for viewing the free Pokémon displays.

Internet connection: Participants must bring a smartphone, tablet or another suitable internet-connected device to access the dedicated puzzle website.

No fixed time limit: The puzzle itself does not have a fixed solving time limit, but participants must respect the day’s final answer-submission deadline.

Spoilers: Participants are asked not to publish puzzle answers, mystery solutions or content that could spoil the experience for other visitors.

Photography and social media: Visitors can enjoy and photograph the event environment, but spoiler-related posts should be avoided. Live streaming requires advance permission according to the official puzzle FAQ.

Weather: The event is scheduled to continue in rain, but severe weather or disasters can result in changes or cancellation.

How to get there

Legend Research takes place in central Tokyo around Nihonbashi and Yaesu, making it accessible from several major railway and subway stations.

The puzzle reception is at Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, located at 2-1-1 Nihonbashi-Muromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo.

The participating area is close to Tokyo Station and is connected by several major railway and subway routes. Visitors can combine the event with sightseeing around Nihonbashi, Tokyo Station, Yaesu and nearby commercial districts.

Because the event is spread across several sites, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The experience is designed around moving between locations rather than remaining inside one venue.

Visitors using navigation apps should search for Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower as the starting point if they are participating in the paid mystery-solving experience.

Public transport & parking

The Nihonbashi and Yaesu districts are among Tokyo’s most accessible central areas.

Tokyo Station: The Yaesu side of Tokyo Station provides convenient access to the Yaesu portion of the event and Tokyo Midtown Yaesu.

Mitsukoshimae Station: This is particularly useful for reaching Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower and the COREDO Muromachi facilities.

Shin-Nihombashi Station: JR services provide another convenient route to the Nihonbashi portion of the event.

Nihonbashi Station: Tokyo Metro and Toei services connect the area with other parts of Tokyo.

Kyobashi Station: This station is useful for visitors approaching from the southern side of the Yaesu area.

Because the experience requires walking between several locations, public transportation is generally practical for moving into the district. The event itself does not operate a dedicated parking facility.

Visitors arriving by car should use nearby commercial parking facilities and check individual facility conditions, availability and fees before travelling.

Accommodation areas

The most convenient areas for visitors staying overnight are Nihonbashi, Yaesu and the wider Tokyo Station district.

Staying near Tokyo Station is particularly useful because it provides access to both sides of the event area and offers extensive railway connections for visitors arriving from other parts of Tokyo or from outside the city.

Nihonbashi is another practical option for visitors who want to remain close to the puzzle reception and COREDO Muromachi locations.

Visitors can also consider nearby Ginza, Kyobashi and Kanda. These districts are within convenient travel distance of Nihonbashi and Yaesu and offer a wide range of hotels.

For visitors planning to complete the puzzle, staying close to the event area can make it easier to arrive early, collect the kit and spend several hours exploring the city without needing a long return journey.

Accessibility

The event takes place across an active urban district rather than inside a single controlled exhibition venue. Accessibility therefore varies according to the individual buildings, streets, crossings and walking routes used during the experience.

Visitors who only want to view the free Pokémon displays can choose their own route and focus on locations that are easiest for them to reach.

The mystery-solving experience requires walking between multiple locations, reading clues and interacting with a smartphone or other internet-connected device. Visitors with mobility or accessibility requirements should consider the walking nature of the activity before participating.

Families with children should also note that the official event recommends the puzzle experience for elementary school students and older. The free Pokémon installations have no general age restriction.

Because the event occupies commercial buildings and public streets, visitors should follow the accessibility and safety instructions of each participating facility.

Previous year’s highlights

Legend Research in Nihonbashi & Yaesu 2026 is presented as a new event for this specific 2026 period, and official sources do not identify a previous 2025 edition of the same event.

Instead, the 2026 event introduces a new city-wide Pokémon concept combining physical installations with a dedicated mystery-solving story. The scale is one of its defining features, with 19 life-size Pokémon statues and more than 100 Pokémon distributed across the Nihonbashi and Yaesu districts.

The event also represents a collaboration between several established organizations. Mitsui Fudosan organized the experience with cooperation from The Pokémon Company, while RIDDLER created the mystery-solving content.

The original story begins with a mysterious Pokémon report and encrypted file discovered in the city. Participants then follow clues connected to legendary Pokémon, turning the urban environment into an investigation route.

Another major feature is the newly drawn event key visual, which is used for exclusive merchandise including acrylic stands, keychains, clothing, mugs, bags and other collectable items.

The Pokémon GO collaboration adds another layer by introducing special PokéStops and Gyms to the area throughout the event period.

Official tickets

The official puzzle-solving ticket is a mystery-solving kit exchange voucher. The current published price is approximately $21 USD, converted from the official tax-included price using a recent USD/JPY rate. The price is subject to exchange-rate fluctuations for international visitors.

The free Pokémon statues and city decorations do not require a ticket. Visitors can explore the public displays without purchasing the puzzle kit.

The official ticket channels are Ticket Pia and Mitsui Shopping Park Ticket.

Official Ticket Pia: https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventBundleCd=b2669840

The official ticket page currently separates sales into September, October and November periods, with tickets valid according to the selected date. Participants should select the correct date before purchasing because the voucher is date-specific.

Location

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