PokéPark Kanto to Open in 2026 — Pokémon's First-Ever Full Theme Park is Coming to Tokyo
- Jomanda Heng
- Jul 26
- 3 min read
It’s official: Pokémon is levelling up from games, anime, and collectibles into a real-life dreamland. Come spring 2026, the first-ever permanent, full-scale Pokémon theme park—PokéPark Kanto—will open its gates in Tokyo, Japan. This massive 26,000 sqm outdoor adventure will be housed in Yomiuriland, one of Tokyo’s most iconic amusement locations.
Unlike temporary themed events in the past, PokéPark Kanto isn’t just a fleeting pop-up. It’s designed to be a permanent fantasy zone, giving fans from all over the world a place to live their trainer dreams—365 days a year.
Inside PokéPark Kanto: Two Massive Zones of Magic
Pokémon Forest
Fans will journey into the wild across a 500-meter nature path that emulates the diverse ecosystems of the Pokémon world. Expect tall grass, rocky terrain, forest paths, and hidden nooks—each inhabited by over 600 Pokémon, from tiny Bug-types to large Dragon-types. Some Pokémon will be camouflaged in creative ways, inviting visitors to explore every corner.
This immersive trek isn’t just a walk—it’s a scavenger hunt and interactive storytelling journey, pulling inspiration from the original Kanto Region.
Sedge Town
A charming “trainer village” styled after nostalgic towns from the Pokémon games, Sedge Town includes:
A real-life Pokémon Centre
Fully stocked Poké Mart
Trainer’s Market for exclusive merchandise
An interactive Gym Arena
Central Primarina Fountain Plaza
Guests can shop, dine, train, and even enjoy live Pokémon-themed shows and spontaneous parades. The design aims to mimic the feel of an RPG town, where every corner offers a surprise or interaction.
What Makes This Park a Game-Changer?
Unlike previous Pokémon theme park attempts—like PokéPark 2005 in Japan and its short-lived Taiwan counterpart—PokéPark Kanto is built to last. It’s a multi-million dollar collaboration between The Pokémon Company and Yomiuriland, signalling the franchise’s bold step into long-term immersive entertainment, similar to what Super Nintendo World did for Mario fans.
With the Pokémon franchise turning 30 in 2026, this park is not just a celebration of its legacy—it’s a living tribute to one of the most successful IPs in entertainment history.
Tickets, Opening Date, and Travel Tips
🎟️ Opening Date: Spring 2026
🕒 Advance Tickets: Expected to go on sale in late 2025
💸 Ticket Pricing: Yet to be announced, but likely to follow Yomiuriland’s pricing structure with additional options for zone access and merchandise bundles
✈️ Location: Inside Yomiuriland, about 35 mins from Shinjuku Station, Tokyo
Pokémon fans and travel enthusiasts are already planning their Japan trips, especially since Tokyo continues to be a hotbed for themed experiences like Ghibli Park, Super Nintendo World, and TeamLab Planets. Expect PokéPark Kanto to become a must-visit attraction by 2026.
Pokémon isn’t just a game—it’s a global language. From childhood nostalgia to billion-dollar card trades, it unites generations. PokéPark Kanto capitalizes on that emotional bond, offering fans a place to live out their trainer fantasies and for families to create new memories together.
With entertainment moving increasingly toward experiential tourism, this move could be the first of many. Could we see more PokéParks around the world in the future? If Kanto is a success, it’s not just possible, it’s inevitable.
References:
CNA Lifestyle – “PokéPark Kanto: Japan’s Pokémon Theme Park to Open in 2026”https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/travel/pokepark-kanto-japan-opening-2026-468476
Pokémon Official Website – “Prepare for PokéPark Kanto’s Grand Opening in Early 2026”https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/prepare-for-pokepark-kantos-grand-opening-in-early-2026
Japan Travel – “PokéPark Kanto Set to Open in Spring 2026”https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/pok%C3%A9park-kanto-set-to-open-in-spring-2026/71744
Wikipedia – “PokéPark”https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9Park
SAYS Malaysia – “PokéPark Kanto Opening in Early 2026”https://says.com/my/lifestyle/pokepark-kanto-opening-in-early-2026
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