Advice from Pokémon fans needed

Hi, I'm writing this in behalf of my tween, who is a big Pokémon fan. Collects mostly cards (only cares whether the Pokes are sweet and the cards shine, no other strategy beyond this) and plushies.

We are travelling to Japan next year and he will have about 200 bucks to spend by then. He wants to know:

• Do the value packs work the same as in Europe (aka you get guaranteed special cards in them) and which are good value.

• General strategy for maximum enjoyment (look up rareries in small quiosks all over Japan, go to the biggest Pokémon store and spend it all there). Obviously a complex question, just give your opinion of what you enjoy.

• Trading cards in person (like a live event) / second hand buying - does this exist and it is easily accessible for foreigners?

• He has of course researched the biggest Pokémon stores and Pokémon café - but are these usually very crowded (can become too much)? Less crowded alternatives that are still nice? He can speak English - any chance he can interact with people at stores? I don't know whether personnel at such places typically gives advice or discuss options with buyers - what is the expected baseline here?

• Just generally speaking, cool Pokémon places to be and/ or exclusive Japanese stuff that cannot be found elsewhere.

Thank you so much for your help! We will be spending at least a month in Summer 2027 and travelling all around (second big interest is the Meiji restoration era).