Tokyo will debut its first permanent Pokémon-themed amusement park
In the heart of Tokyo, nestled within Yomiuriland, the city's largest amusement park, a new adventure awaits Pokémon enthusiasts. **PokéPark Kanto**, set to open in spring 2026, will be Japan's first-ever permanent Pokémon-themed park, spanning approximately 2.6 hectares (6.4 acres) and offering an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
The park is divided into two main themed zones, each with distinct features and attractions. The **Pokémon Forest** is a 500-meter trail winding through varied natural terrains, designed to evoke the feeling of a wild Pokémon encounter. Visitors can observe over 600 Pokémon from the Kanto region and others in lifelike, natural habitats. Interactivity and exploration are emphasized, with Pokémon seen running, battling, or interacting with their environment.
In contrast, **Sedge Town** is a vibrant hub modeled as a bustling town where Trainers meet, shop, and enjoy entertainment. Key locations include the Trainer’s Market, Pokémon Center, Friendly Shop (Poké Mart), and a Gym for challenges. Entertainment features include live greeting parades, two theme rides, and ample opportunities to meet and interact with Pokémon face-to-face.
The announcement of the theme park was made by Junichi Masuda, the chief creative fellow of the Pokémon Company, who stated that the aim is to create a space where Pokémon are always present and where people can have fun with them. The park aims to blend nature, fandom, and interactivity to offer a fresh experience appealing both to nostalgia and modern Pokémon fans.
**PokéPark Kanto** promises a dynamic and interactive journey for Pokémon Trainers when it opens in spring 2026. Ticket sales are expected to start in fall 2025, with further details to be announced closer to the opening.
The Pokémon franchise, first launched in 1996 as a role-playing game for the Nintendo Game Boy, has become a global hit, with the franchise including movies, an animated TV show, and the "Pokémon Go" augmented-reality mobile game beyond the original game. The new theme park will be a significant addition to Yomiuriland's existing amusement park offerings, coming amid a record influx of visitors in Japan, boosting demand for tourist attractions.
[1] PokéPark Kanto Official Website - https://www.pokemontheme.jp/ [2] Yomiuriland Official Website - https://www.yomiuriland.com/ [3] The Pokémon Company Official Website - https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ [4] The Pokémon Company Press Release - https://www.pokemon.co.jp/press/2023/03/10_01/
- In addition to the bustling town ambiance of Sedge Town, PokéPark Kanto also encompasses a natural Pokémon encounter experience through the Pokémon Forest, inviting visitors to engage with over 600 Pokémon creatures in lifelike habitats.
- Rounding off the diverse offerings at PokéPark Kanto, the home-and-garden segment includes shopping and entertainment venues like the Trainer’s Market, Pokémon Center, and Friendly Shop (Poké Mart), complemented by live greeting parades, theme rides, and sports challenges at the Gym.
