PokéPark Kanto represents a groundbreaking development in the world of Pokémon attractions and theme park experiences. This facility marks the first-ever permanent outdoor Pokémon park to be established anywhere in the world, setting a new standard for how fans can interact with their favorite franchise in a natural, immersive environment.[1]
The park will open its doors on February 5, 2026, nestled within the grounds of Yomiuriland, one of Tokyo’s most beloved amusement destinations.[1] Yomiuriland itself is located in a picturesque area that straddles Tokyo’s Inagi city and Kawasaki, surrounded by the green Tama Hills, which provides an ideal natural backdrop for this unique Pokémon experience.[3] The entire PokéPark Kanto facility will span 2.6 hectares within Yomiuriland’s larger grounds, giving visitors plenty of space to explore and discover.[3]
What makes PokéPark Kanto truly special is its commitment to bringing the Kanto region to life in a way that has never been done before. The park recreates the magic and wonder of the original Pokémon games by allowing visitors to explore forests, towns, and natural outdoor settings where more than 600 different Pokémon are brought to life.[1] This isn’t a traditional indoor theme park experience. Instead, guests will find themselves immersed in nature while encountering their favorite Pokémon characters throughout their journey.
When visitors first arrive at PokéPark Kanto, they’ll be greeted at the PokéPark Entrance Plaza by three iconic Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.[1] These three starter Pokémon serve as welcoming ambassadors to the park, immediately setting the tone for the adventure ahead. Before guests venture into the main areas of the park, they’ll begin their journey at the Pokémon Research Lab, a facility designed to help trainers prepare for what lies ahead.[1] This preparation area ensures that visitors understand the layout and what they can expect during their time at the park.
The park features several distinct areas and attractions designed to appeal to different interests and age groups. One of the main draws is Pokémon Forest, where guests can play with lots of Pokémon in a natural outdoor setting.[2] This forest experience allows for direct interaction with Pokémon characters, creating memorable moments for visitors of all ages. Beyond the forest, there’s the Pokémon Trainers’ Market, which serves as a shopping destination for exclusive merchandise and collectibles.[2] The Gym offers entertainment through shows and performances, while the Battle Court provides an interactive space where visitors can engage in Pokémon battles.[2]
The exclusive merchandise and collectibles available at PokéPark Kanto represent a significant draw for fans and collectors. The park features the Pokémon Daisuki Shop, which offers exclusive merchandise that cannot be found elsewhere.[1] This shop is particularly special because entry to it requires a limited-access ticket that must be obtained in advance, making the shopping experience feel exclusive and special.[1] Additionally, the Pokémon Trainers’ Market provides another venue for discovering unique items and collectibles related to the Pokémon franchise.[2]
For collectors and enthusiasts, PokéPark Kanto represents an unprecedented opportunity to acquire merchandise that is specifically designed for this location. The limited-access nature of certain shopping areas means that items purchased at the park will have a special significance, as they’re tied to this historic first permanent outdoor Pokémon facility. Fans who visit during the early days of the park’s operation will have the chance to collect items from the opening period, which often become more valuable and sought-after over time.
Ticket sales for PokéPark Kanto began on Friday, November 21, 2025, allowing fans to start planning their visits well in advance.[2] This early ticket availability gives enthusiasts time to arrange travel plans and secure their spots during peak visiting periods. The park’s opening on February 5, 2026, falls during a time when many people in Japan and internationally may be planning winter or early spring travel, potentially making it an attractive destination for holiday trips or special occasions.[1]
The creation of PokéPark Kanto reflects the enduring popularity of the Pokémon franchise and the desire of fans to experience the world of Pokémon in increasingly immersive and authentic ways. By combining outdoor natural settings with Pokémon characters and interactive experiences, the park offers something fundamentally different from traditional indoor theme parks or shopping centers. The emphasis on nature and outdoor exploration aligns with growing trends in tourism and entertainment that prioritize experiences in natural environments.
For merchandise collectors specifically, PokéPark Kanto offers several advantages over typical retail locations. The items sold at the park are exclusive, meaning they won’t be available through standard retail channels. The limited-access ticketing system for certain shops creates a sense of exclusivity and scarcity that appeals to serious collectors. Additionally, merchandise purchased at the park carries the prestige of being acquired at the world’s first permanent outdoor Pokémon facility, which adds historical and cultural significance to the items.
The park’s location within Yomiuriland is strategically important for accessibility. Yomiuriland is already an established destination that attracts millions of visitors annually, so PokéPark Kanto benefits from existing infrastructure, transportation connections, and visitor traffic. This means that fans traveling to experience PokéPark Kanto can potentially combine their visit with other attractions at Yomiuriland, making it a more comprehensive entertainment destination.
The concept of bringing more than 600 Pokémon to life in an outdoor setting represents a massive undertaking in terms of design, construction, and ongoing operations. The park’s creators have had to consider how to authentically represent these characters in a natural environment while maintaining the magical quality that makes Pokémon appealing to fans worldwide. The use of the Tama Hills’ natural landscape as a backdrop suggests that the park designers have worked to integrate the Pokémon experience seamlessly with the existing natural environment rather than creating an artificial, completely constructed space.
For international fans, PokéPark Kanto represents a pilgrimage destination. Japan has long been the epicenter of Pokémon culture, being the birthplace of the franchise, and this park solidifies that position. Fans from around the world will likely travel to Japan specifically to visit PokéPark Kanto, making it a significant tourism draw for the region. The park’s opening in February 2026 gives fans several months to plan their trips and arrange accommodations in the Tokyo area.
The merchandise strategy at PokéPark Kanto appears to be carefully designed to create multiple tiers of
