[The opening of a new presence-evoking Pokémon theme park in Japan has generated considerable press coverage. This story from DesignTAXI describes it as “bringing the 8-bit landscapes of our childhood into the physical world”; see the original story (or YouTube) for a video trailer. An article in Variety says “PokéPark Kanto is a Pokémon fan’s wildest dream come to life. It’s almost like playing ‘Pokémon Go’ in real life, with hordes of new creatures to discover just a few steps away.” For more detailed information see IGN’s first-person report by a superfan that includes an eight minute video and Time Out Tokyo’s photo-filled story. –Matthew]

[Image: Credit: The Pokémon Company / Nintendo]

Pokémon theme park finally opens in Tokyo, inviting fans into a real-world Kanto filled with surprises

By KeyboardKitty
February 7, 2026

The long-held dream of stepping into the tall grass became a reality on February 5, 2026, with the official debut of PokéPark Kanto. Nestled within the grounds of Tokyo’s Yomiuriland, this permanent installation kicked off the franchise’s 30th-anniversary celebrations by bringing the 8-bit landscapes of our childhood into the physical world. While many expected a high-tech rival to Super Nintendo World, the actual experience is something much more grounded and atmospheric.

The park is spread across 26,000 square meters and focuses on two distinct vibes. First, you have Sedge Town, which feels like a cozy hub pulled straight from the games. It features a Pokémon Center and a Poké Mart filled with pixel-art-inspired items that will satisfy any collector. This area is the social heart of the park, where you can find themed food stalls and gather near the Primarina fountain.

The other half is the Pokémon Forest, a massive nature trail that serves as the adventurous side of the park. Forget any ideas of a simple, flat stroll through the woods. It is a winding, hilly path where over 600 life-sized Pokémon statues are hidden in their natural habitats. You might spot a Bug-type hanging from a branch or a Water-type peeking out from a stream. It is worth noting that the forest includes some steep steps and uneven terrain, so it might be a bit of a workout for some visitors. Because of these 110 steps and the rugged landscape, the forest area is off-limits for children under five, those in wheelchairs or strollers, and anyone unable to navigate the climb unassisted.

If you are looking for a roller coaster to lose your lunch on, you won’t find it here. The current attractions are much more relaxed, featuring an Eevee-themed carousel called Vee Vee Voyage and a Pikachu ride for younger fans. The park designers chose to prioritize world-building over adrenaline. This focus on atmosphere is evident in the Sedge Gym, which is set to host live performances and character meet-and-greets. Early visitors have mentioned that even without a constant soundtrack or flashing lights, the sheer scale of the statues and the attention to detail create a genuine sense of wonder.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Pokémon event without exclusive gear. The Pokémon Daisuke Shop is the primary spot for park-only plushies and accessories. However, the park uses a lottery system and app-based tickets to manage the crowds, especially for the shop and specific shows. This means you’ll need to do some digital legwork before you arrive if you want the best souvenirs.

Securing your entry requires some strategic planning. Tickets have been available via a lottery for locals since November, but international fans can book on a first-come, first-served basis two months ahead of time. These global sales windows open at 6 p.m. on the final day of each month via the official website. You have three main options for entry. The top-tier Ace Trainer’s Pass costs ¥14,000 (roughly $90) and covers everything from the forest to rides and reserved gym show seating. The mid-range Trainer’s Pass starts at ¥7,900 (roughly $50) and gets you in the gate, though you’ll pay extra for rides and show reservations. For those who just want the town vibes, the ¥4,700 Town Pass (roughly $30) launches in May. A nice bonus is that every PokéPark ticket also grants you access to the rest of Yomiuriland.

The consensus so far is that PokéPark Kanto is a love letter to the original 151 and the fans who grew up with them. It feels like a living museum of the Kanto region rather than a traditional amusement park. For those who want to slow down and literally hunt for Pokémon in the wild, it is a bucket-list destination. For everyone else, it is a beautiful, nostalgic stroll through one of the most iconic worlds in gaming history.