PokéPark KANTO: Tokyo’s New Pokémon Adventure Zone

Welcome, aspiring Pokémon Trainers! The moment we’ve all been waiting for is upon us. Tokyo is no longer just a hub of towering skyscrapers and neon lights; it is now the home of the Kanto region, materialized in the form of PokePark KANTO. This isn’t a temporary exhibition or a themed café – it is Pokémon’s first-ever permanent, outdoor theme park, set to open its gates on February 5, 2026.

Located within the sprawling Yomiuriland Amusement Park in Inagi City, nestled in the green Tama Hills of west Tokyo, PokéPark KANTO is a massive undertaking. Covering approximately 2.6 hectares (about 26,000 square meters or 280,000 square feet), the park is roughly the size of a small city park or Universal’s Super Nintendo World. This comprehensive guide will arm you with the precise knowledge needed to navigate the two distinct zones, conquer the ticket system, and ensure your real-life Kanto adventure is a success.

PokéPark KANTO: Location, Launch Date, Size & Pokémon Count

• What: A new Pokémon “Trainer’s Area” at Yomiuriland, Tokyo. This isn’t a museum or shop – it’s a live adventure with real forests and a village.
• Where: Inside Yomiuriland Amusement Park (Inagi City, west Tokyo). (Think of it as an add-on zone: you enter Yomiuriland and follow signs to the PokéPark section.)
• When: Grand opening on February 5, 2026. Initial ticket lottery registration starts Nov 21, 2025, so planning begins now.
• Size: About 2.6 hectares (≈26,000 m²) – roughly the footprint of Universal’s Super Nintendo World or a small city park.
• Pokémon: Over 600 Pokémon from Kanto (and beyond) will roam the park, making this the largest collection of “real” Pokémon on Earth.

How PokéPark KANTO Stands Out?

PokéPark KANTO stands out drastically from previous Pokémon attractions in Japan. For years, fan engagement was limited to pop-up events, retail stores, and short-term exhibits. This new park redefines immersion:

A Permanent Destination

Unlike temporary installations, PokéPark KANTO is built to last, offering a stable and long-term travel destination for international fans. It provides a consistent, dedicated home for the franchise outside of digital media.

Outdoor Immersion Over Concrete Rides

The park leverages the natural terrain of the Tama Hills. Instead of focusing on large, high-speed steel rollercoasters, the design emphasizes exploration, ambiance, and photo opportunities. The heart of the park, the Pokémon Forest, uses real hills, natural canopies, and uneven paths to simulate a wilderness safari experience, transporting visitors directly into the environment of the games and anime.

Living Pokémon – Figurines and Mascots

The park is reported to house over 600 Pokémon from Kanto and beyond. The vast majority of these are highly detailed, static, life-size models and figures meticulously placed throughout the landscape. You won’t see them moving via complex robotics, but you will see a lifelike Bulbasaur napping under a tree or a Sudowoodo hiding among the rocks. This focus on natural, static placement is key to the park’s immersive, realistic forest feel. Live actors in costume (Pikachu, Eevee, Chansey, etc.) are reserved for Sedge Town parades, shows, and dedicated photo opportunities.

Zoning In: The Two Worlds of PokéPark

PokéPark KANTO is cleanly divided into two major sections, each offering a distinct experience:

Pokémon Forest (Zone 1) – The Trainer’s Trial

This is the park’s green heart and main adventure area. It is designed to emulate the natural routes and wilderness areas found in the Kanto video games.

• The Trail: It features a 500-meter nature trail that winds through steep hills, grassy meadows, tunnels, and areas of long grass. The goal is simple: hike and spot the hidden wild Pokémon blending into their natural habitats.
• The Experience: Visitors are meant to feel like real Trainers on a Pokémon safari, spotting creatures running, battling, or sleeping in the foliage. This experience is designed for immersion, not speed.
• Physical Demands and Strict Restrictions: The Forest is strenuous. It has steep hills and requires climbing a challenging 110-step staircase. For safety reasons, the park enforces strict entry bans:
  • Children under 5 years old are prohibited (even if accompanied by an adult).
  • Pregnant guests are forbidden.
  • Guests with serious health conditions (heart, high/low blood pressure) are barred.
  • Individuals with mobility issues or using wheelchairs/strollers cannot enter this area.
• Access: Entry to the Forest requires either a Trainer’s Pass (one-time, time-slotted entry) or an Ace Trainer’s Pass (unlimited re-entry). Arrive early for your time slot and wear sturdy shoes. The trail may close temporarily due to heavy rain or wind.

Sedge Town (Zone 2) – The Village Hub

Sedge Town is the lively, bustling village that serves as the commercial and entertainment hub of PokéPark. It is modeled after the friendly towns and settlements found in the game.

• Shopping and Services: The plaza features a full-size Pokémon Center (complete with a friendly Chansey mascot greeting guests), a Poké Mart (offering themed snacks and drinks), and a Trainers’ Market for exclusive merchandise and souvenirs.
• Entertainment: The town boasts an Electric-type Gym building which doubles as a stage theater for daily shows featuring costumed Pokémon mascots (Pikachu, Eevee, etc.). The Primarina Fountain acts as the central plaza anchor and often hosts character parades.
• Rides: This is where the park’s two gentle carnival-style rides are located:
  • Pika Pika Paradise: A Pikachu-themed electric-car or carousel ride.
  • Vee Vee Voyage: An Eevee-themed teacup or balloon carousel ride.
  • Note: These rides have separate fees via kiosks, but Ace Pass holders receive one free ride on each.
• Access: Sedge Town is open to all ticket types and is accessible to guests who cannot brave the Forest trail, including toddlers (under 3 ride free). Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted here.

The Ticket Reality Check: Lottery & Sales

Getting into PokéPark KANTO is arguably the hardest part of the entire experience. There are absolutely no walk-up tickets or cash sales. Entry is strictly controlled via a lottery and pre-sale system due to anticipated global demand.

The Lottery System for Japanese Residents

Japanese residents must participate in a rolling monthly lottery that requires a valid Japanese mobile number for verification and membership.

• First Draw (CLOSED): The initial lottery for visits between February 5 and March 31, 2026, ran from November 21 to December 8, 2025. Winners were notified in late December and had until December 31 to complete payment.
• Ongoing Monthly Lottery: The lottery system will continue on a rolling basis, opening for visits roughly three months out.
• Example: The lottery for April 2026 visits will open from January 1 to January 12, 2026.

International Ticketing for Overseas Visitors

International fans purchase tickets through a separate English-language portal.

• Key Advantage: Overseas purchase does NOT require a Japanese mobile number, removing the primary barrier for international travel.
• High Demand: Tickets for the initial Feb-Mar 2026 period were sold on a first-come, first-served basis for international fans and are currently sold out.
• Future Sales: Overseas fans must monitor the official English site closely. Sales for April 2026 tickets will likely open in early January 2026 (following the Japanese lottery window). The biggest challenge for international guests will be the speed and volume of demand.

Pass Types and Pricing (Approximate)

All ticket types include mandatory entry into the main Yomiuriland Amusement Park and access to the two PokéPark zones. Prices vary by day.

Planning & Logistics: Preparing for Your Journey

The success of your PokéPark trip depends heavily on your preparation.

Travel and Location

• Park Address: Yomiuriland Amusement Park, Inagi City, West Tokyo (part of the Tama Hills region).  For route planning, transit apps, and seasonal travel tips beyond PokéPark, refer to this detailed Japan travel guide for 2026.
• Transit: Allow ample time (plan for 30-60 minutes) to reach Yomiuriland from central Tokyo and navigate the grounds to the PokéPark entrance.
• Arrival: Aim to arrive at the main Yomiuriland entrance at least 30-60 minutes before your scheduled entry time for the Forest to allow for travel within the park and ticket scanning.

What to Pack

• Sturdy Shoes: Essential for the uneven paths and stairs in the Pokémon Forest.
• Layers: February and March in Tokyo’s hills can be cold and windy. Dress in layers (base, sweater, windbreaker) to adjust to temperature swings.
• Portable Charger: You will be taking hundreds of photos and using the park map/app. A portable battery bank is a must-have.
• Rain Gear: Bring an umbrella or a light rain jacket. The Forest trail can close in inclement weather, but Sedge Town will remain open.
• A Tote Bag: Prepare to stock up on merchandise at the Trainers’ Market! A foldable tote will be invaluable, especially if you’re planning to grab keepsakes like plushies, pins, and snacks. If you’re wondering what’s truly worth your yen, check out this curated list of souvenirs to buy in Japan 2026 to help you prioritize.

Navigation Tip: With limited on-site signage in English, having mobile access to maps and translation apps is essential. For smooth connectivity throughout your visit, especially if you’re traveling from abroad, consider activating Voye Global’s eSIM for Japan before landing – it’ll keep your data flowing from Narita to PokéPark.

Who Should Go And Who Should Wait?

This park is a spectacular fit for certain travelers but might disappoint others:

Must-Go List

• Hardcore Pokémon Fans: Anyone who grew up with the Kanto region and dreams of seeing the world come alive.
• Families with Kids 5+: The Forest is ideal for primary-school-aged children and teens who are Pokémon enthusiasts.
• Pop Culture Tourists/Cosplayers: Sedge Town is a vibrant, photogenic festival atmosphere perfect for social media and unique Tokyo sightseeing.
• Nostalgic Millennials/Gen Z: The park is built on a foundation of Kanto nostalgia and feels like stepping inside the original game’s cutscenes.

Skip This Trip If

• You Only Seek Thrill Rides: The park has only two gentle rides; it is not a destination for rollercoaster enthusiasts.
• You Have Very Young Children (Under 5): They are strictly banned from the Forest. Consider waiting until the Town Pass launches in summer 2026.
• You Have Mobility/Health Issues: The Forest is dangerous for guests with heart conditions or those unable to climb 110 steps. Stick to the Sedge Town (or wait for the Town Pass).
• You Are On a Strict Budget: Ticket prices are steep (up to ¥14,000) before factoring in merchandise and food.

Stepping Into the Game World

PokéPark KANTO is an ambitious, heartfelt love letter to the Kanto region. The decision to prioritize an immersive, nature-based exploration zone (the Forest) over standard theme park rides shows a commitment to the core fantasy of the franchise: becoming a Trainer and exploring the wilderness.

This park embraces the raw magic of Pokémon. It relies not on super-high-tech virtual reality, but on a faithful recreation of the environment using real terrain, plants, and over 600 detailed, hand-placed figures. That rawness is thrilling – it truly feels like the games have spilled out into the real world. Imagine walking through the shade of a pine canopy and spotting a life-size Pikachu running by, or finding a Snorlax figure napping against a mossy rock.

Yes, securing a ticket will be a logistical nightmare, and the Ace Pass is a high-cost commitment. But for the lucky few who manage to win a spot, the experience of literally walking in Kanto’s footsteps promises to be a once-in-a-generation achievement. This park is not just a commercial venture; it is a full-on immersive experiment that, if successful, could pave the way for future parks based on Johto, Sinnoh, or beyond.

The countdown is on. Brush up on your Pokédex, study the lottery dates, and get ready, Trainers. 2026 is the year we finally go to Kanto.