There’s no hiding from the phenomenon that is Pokémon GO (ポケモンGO). After a few weeks’ delay, it has finally launched in Japan, where Pokémon—aka Pocket Monsters—was born. The game works based on your GPS location and players go out into the real world to catch these mystical creatures (I won’t reiterate how the game works here). Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are not exempt from having Pokémon roam around. If you find yourself in Japan and the Parks, there’re plenty of Pikachu for you to capture.

Here’s our guide to Pokémon GO at both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea!

Gyms

AquaSphere Pokemon Gym at Tokyo DisneySea

Each park has three gyms and two around the Resort. Being a popular theme Park, the gyms change leaders quite often. If you manage to overtake a gym, don’t expect it to last long. I saw Cinderella Castle switch teams 5-6 times in the span of an hour. Here’s a list of the gyms:

Tokyo Disneyland

• Cinderella Castle
• Space Mountain
• It’s a Small World

Tokyo DisneySea

• Aquasphere (entrance to the Park)
• Mt. Prometheus
• Tower of Terror

Outside the Park

• Tokyo Disneyland Station
• Archway to Tokyo Disneyland (Outside Bon Voyage)

Pokéstops

Scattered around both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea (and other parts of the resort) are a number of Pokéstops. From locations, such as the Partner Statue or Entryway in Tokyo Disneyland, to obscure ones like a Gelatoni painting or seemingly random fixtures in Tokyo DisneySea. These locations come from the game Ingress.

Walking the perimeter of the Parks grabs you most of the Pokéstops. You won’t have to go out of your way—too much—to stockpile your pokéballs, potions, etc.

Park Etiquette

Partner Statue is one of many Pokestops at Tokyo DisneySea

While you are catching them all (I couldn’t help myself) in the Parks, be mindful of other guests, Cast Members, and your surroundings. Following these simple guidelines helps make sure everyone enjoys their time in the Parks and playing Pokémon GO.

• If you’re going to catch that Pikachu during an outdoor show or parade, keep your phone at head level as to not bother those around you, and turn off the AR so you don’t have to point your phone at the Pokémon.
• Keep your phone stored away while on attractions, enjoying live entertainment, or anywhere you aren’t allowed to take photographs.
• If a rare Pokémon appears, walk towards them and resist the temptation to run, no matter how rare they are.
• Be mindful of personal space and where you are pointing your camera.
• When taking screenshots with guests in the background, if their face is clearly visible, please blur or obscure them before uploading to social media (or ask if it is OK to upload their photo).

Magnemite watching Mickey, Minnie, Duffy, and friends during the 15th Anniversary at Tokyo DisneySea

Battery Charging

I’ve upped my smart phone charging game. Who doesn’t love Monsters Inc. #disney

A photo posted by Chris Nilghe (@burninlover) on Apr 14, 2016 at 1:04am PDT

It’s known that the game drains your battery pretty quickly. Pair that with taking photos, videos, and posting to social media, you are left with a dead battery quickly. I highly recommend buying an external battery. Currently, there are no stations to charge your devices.

Types of Pokémon

A variety of Pokémon is found at the Parks. While this list is nowhere near exhaustive, here’re the ones I found:

• Diglett
• Pikachu
• Squirtle
• Magikarp
• Magnemite
• Voltorb
• Staryu
• Cubone
• Slowpoke
• Machop
• Rhyhorn
• Psyduck
• Vulpix
• Raticate
• Drowzee
• Pidgey
• Rattata
• Abbra
• Meowth

Pokémon Trainers

Everyone gets excited when they find Pokemon at Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland (Photo used with permission)

Japan is a densely populated country, especially in the cities. Tokyo Disney Resort being among the most popular destinations in the country, there is no shortage of players attempting to catch Pokémon and claim those gyms. Many players keep to themselves, so don’t expect the level of interaction as found in other countries. This doesn’t mean conversations don’t happen, they are just not as common, especially if you don’t speak Japanese. A simple nod and smile will go a long way.

Recommendations & Tips

Mickey Statue Pokéstop in Cape Cod at Tokyo DisneySea

Here’s how to maximize your time with Pokémon GO at Tokyo Disney Resort:

• Don’t forget your external battery.
• Drop a lure at the various Pokéstops and enjoy one of the many different snacks or popcorn flavours. Let the Pokémon come to you.
• Learn about various locations you never knew existed at both Parks—I even found a few places I never knew about!
• Bring high-level Pokémon if you want to have a chance at overthrowing a gym.
• Try and become the leader of Cinderella’s Castle or Mt. Prometheus for bragging rights.
• Bonus: Bring your Nintendo 3DS for StreetPasses. This is one of the best places to get them. Fill up that map of Japan!

Have you played Pokémon GO at Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea? Share your screenshots with us in the comments!

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Feature photo provided by Duy Phan Photography.