When it was announced that overnight smash hit Pokémon Go wouldn't be released in Japan right away, we were honestly pretty disappointed – the original game was invented here, after all. However, if our sources are correct, the wait might be over before you know it: Japan could be getting the game as soon as tonight. With that in mind, and because we're more than a little fed up with waiting, here are six places in Tokyo we hope become Pokémon Go gyms.
1. Haneda Airport baggage claim
What better way to welcome travellers to the land of Pokémon than let them play it while waiting for their bags?
Photo by 木更津乃風
2. Yumenoshima Greenhouse Dome
Tokyo can get quite chilly in winter, but this greenhouse is warm year-round, making it the perfect place to train your Venusaur.
Photo by Wiiii
3. The middle of Rainbow Bridge
Nintendo loves rainbows (think Rainbow Road), which is exactly why we think this would make a fantastic gym. Come here at night to really see your Voltorb's sparks fly. And yes, you can walk across the entire thing, although we recommend stopping by a toilet before you go – there are no bathrooms up on the bridge.
Photo by Gussisaurio
4. This beach in the Ogasawara Islands
Just imagine – you endure a 25-hour ferry ride (and the related seasickness) so you can battle a Seadra on a beach. These islands might be the hardest-to-get-to part of Tokyo, but they make up for it with pristine beaches, fresh seafood and abundant whales and dolphins.
Photo by しんかわな
5. The inner Imperial Palace Grounds
No, we're not talking about the East Garden (which is open almost every day). The elusive inner grounds are only open to the public two days a year, and having a Go gym there would make those two days even more special (and crowded).
Photo by WPPilot
6. The top floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The centre of Tokyo politics has one of the best free observation platforms in the city. And it looks more than a little Silph Co-esque, no?
Photo by Markus Leupold-Löwenthal