People Are Paying $500 A Night For Hotels To Attend Pokémon Go Fest

The recent Pokémon Go Fest 2024 in Sendai, Japan, has caused a significant surge in hotel room rates, with some prices spiking up to ten times the usual rate. The event, which took place in Miyagi prefecture’s capital, attracted an overwhelming number of Pokémon Go enthusiasts, leading to an unprecedented demand for accommodation.

Pokémon Go Fest, an annual event first held in Chicago in 2017, allows players to catch event-exclusive Pokémon, engage in special quests, and connect with fellow gamers. This year, Sendai was the exclusive Japanese location for the event, drawing large crowds to usually quiet areas such as Sendai Station.

According to a report by Fuji News Network, the influx of visitors filled most of the city’s hotel rooms, causing a dramatic increase in room rates. Regular hotels, which typically charge around 8,000 yen per night, raised prices to as much as 80,000 yen (approximately $500 USD) per night during the festival.

The festival activities were centered around Nanakita Park, where players had the opportunity to capture the rare Pokémon Necrozma by completing a Special Research quest. This quest allowed players to obtain either Dusk Mane Necrozma or Dawn Wings Necrozma. The event also encouraged exploration of Sendai, offering local specialties and Pokémon-themed dishes to participants.

The gathering provided a unique chance for Pokémon collectors to interact and trade rare Pokémon exclusive to different regions. The economic impact of the event was notable, bringing significant business to Sendai, a city still recovering from the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Pokémon Go Fest 2024 will continue its global tour with upcoming events in Madrid from June 14-16 and New York City from July 5-7.