Japan - In spring 2026, Tokyo will become the home of a brand-new attraction that promises to immerse fans of all ages in the world of Pokémon like never before.
The Pokémon Company has officially announced the opening of PokéPark Kanto, the first permanent, large-scale Pokémon-themed area in Japan. Located within the established Yomiuriland amusement park in Tokyo’s Tama Hills, PokéPark Kanto will cover over 26,000 square meters and offer a blend of nature, interactivity, and nostalgia for fans around the globe.
Nature Meets Nostalgia: What to Expect in PokéPark Kanto
PokéPark Kanto will be divided into two distinct areas: Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town. Each zone is designed to reflect different elements of the Pokémon universe, from peaceful forest habitats to lively town centers inspired by the games.
Pokémon Forest: An Immersive Nature Walk
One of the park’s most unique features is the Pokémon Forest, a 500-meter outdoor trail set in a lush, immersive natural environment. Visitors will walk through tall grass, tunnels, rocky terrain, and forest clearings, encountering over 600 Pokémon species from Kanto and beyond—carefully positioned in natural habitats. While these Pokémon are not animatronic or moving, they are placed in lifelike poses and groupings that create the illusion of a living, breathing Pokémon world.
Scenarios include Pokémon hiding in bushes, sharing berries, or peeking from tree trunks—transforming the walk into an interactive scavenger hunt where fans can discover Pokémon in dynamic, lifelike scenes. It’s a spiritual successor to Pokémon Wonder, a past temporary attraction at Yomiuriland, but this time on a grander and permanent scale.
Sedge Town: Themed Attractions and Trainer Fun
In contrast to the tranquil forest, Sedge Town (sometimes referred to in development materials as Kayatsuri Town) offers a more social and entertainment-focused experience. This town-themed area includes familiar locations from the Pokémon universe like a Pokémon Center, Poké Mart, Trainer’s Gym, and a dedicated Trainer’s Market for exclusive merchandise.
The centerpiece of Sedge Town is the Primarina Fountain, a picturesque gathering spot where fans can enjoy special shows or Pokémon-themed parades. According to concept materials, this zone draws visual inspiration from Geosenge Town in the Kalos region (known from Pokémon X and Y), blending European-style architecture with vibrant Pokémon imagery.
Attractions: Family-Friendly Fun Over Thrill Rides
PokéPark Kanto isn’t focused on high-speed rollercoasters or adrenaline-pumping thrills. Instead, it aims to deliver family-friendly, immersive experiences that align with the Pokémon brand’s values of exploration, friendship, and imagination.
The focus on smaller-scale rides and walk-through environments reflects a growing trend in theme parks: creating “experience-first” attractions that immerse visitors into beloved story worlds rather than rely solely on mechanical thrills.
International Expansion? Trademarks Spark Speculation
While PokéPark Kanto is currently the only confirmed Pokémon theme park, there’s mounting evidence that The Pokémon Company is planning further expansions—possibly including Europe.
Nintendo Europe has filed trademark registrations for “PokéPark Kalos” and “PokéPark Paldea”, referencing two key regions from the Pokémon video games:
- Kalos – The setting for Pokémon X and Y, based on France. Kalos is known for its cultural depth and iconic Illumina City.
- Paldea – The region from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, heavily inspired by the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal).
While these trademark filings don’t confirm that physical parks are in development, they strongly suggest that European locations are being considered or protected legally for future use. The names align directly with the PokéPark naming convention, which adds fuel to speculation.
In addition, unverified but persistent rumors about “PokéPark Unova” (based on the New York-inspired Unova region) hint at an even broader global rollout.
Ticket Information and Opening Timeline
The official opening of PokéPark Kanto is scheduled for spring 2026, with the park being a permanent addition to Yomiuriland rather than a seasonal event. The ticket pre-sale is expected to launch in autumn 2025, with more information on pricing and timed entry likely to follow soon.
The attraction is expected to cater to both domestic visitors and international tourists, with multilingual signage and promotional materials already appearing online.
A New Frontier for Pokémon Fandom
PokéPark Kanto represents the most ambitious Pokémon-themed location to date. It combines nature, nostalgia, themed entertainment, and interactive exploration in a way that feels authentic to the spirit of the franchise. Rather than going the route of massive thrill rides, the park opts for a more emotionally immersive and family-friendly approach, making it a must-visit destination for fans of all ages.
If the success of PokéPark Kanto matches expectations, the future could hold even more Poké-themed parks across the world. With trademarks filed and fan excitement building, the global expansion of the Pokémon universe into real-world attractions may just be getting started.
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