Nestled along the calm shores of Nanao Bay, Wakura Onsen has unveiled a new attraction in collaboration with the Pokémon With You foundation — a charming Pokémon-themed footbath where visitors can soak their feet alongside beloved water-type Pokémon characters.
The Wakura Pokémon Footbath officially opened on May 12 inside Yuttari Park in Nanao City, a seaside hot spring town in Ishikawa Prefecture known for its laidback atmosphere and traditional ryokan inns.
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Photo: Pokémon With You)
Many may remember Ishikawa Prefecture as one of the areas heavily affected by the devastating 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Following the disaster, numerous businesses and inns in Wakura Onsen were forced to close after sustaining structural damage, dealing a major blow to locals who depend on tourism for their livelihoods.
Now, the town hopes the new attraction can help revive visitor interest as recovery efforts continue.
While modest in size, the footbath stretches roughly 15 metres and offers guests a peaceful place to relax while overlooking the scenic waters of Nanao Bay. The space embraces a distinctly Japanese aesthetic, featuring wooden interiors and shoji-style window designs that complement the traditional hot spring atmosphere.
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Photo: Pokémon With You)
The undeniable centerpiece of the attraction is a giant Gyarados-shaped hot water spout, adding a playful touch to the soothing setting. Around the footbath, visitors can also spot life-sized characters including Psyduck, Vaporeon, Pikachu, Poliwag, Poliwhirl and Quaxly, bringing excitement to Pokémon fans of all ages.
Endearingly, the attraction’s first visitors were local kindergarten students from the city, whose excitement filled the space as they dipped their feet into the warm spring water beside their favorite Pokémon characters.
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Photo: Pokémon With You)
Beyond simple entertainment, the project reflects Pokémon’s ongoing efforts to encourage tourism in Japan’s smaller municipalities. Similar initiatives include the nationwide Pokéfuta campaign, which installs Pokémon-themed manhole covers across different regions to inspire travellers to explore destinations beyond Japan’s major cities.
Pokéfuta campaign, the Pokémon-themed manhole covers that are dispersed across Japan. (Photo: Pokémon With You)
Completely free to enter, the Wakura Pokémon Footbath is open daily from 7am to 7pm, with nearby parking available for visitors.
