PokéPark Kanto is a groundbreaking permanent Pokémon theme park set to open on February 5, 2026, inside the Yomiuriland amusement park in Tokyo, Japan. This park represents a unique physical extension of the Pokémon universe, connecting deeply with the Pokémon games by bringing the world and creatures of Pokémon to life in an immersive, interactive environment. Unlike previous temporary Pokémon attractions, PokéPark Kanto offers a lasting experience where fans can explore and engage with Pokémon in ways that echo the gameplay and lore of the original and subsequent Pokémon games.
The park is divided into two main areas: Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town. Pokémon Forest is designed as a naturalistic trail about 500 meters long, featuring hills, paths with tall grass, rocky trails, and tunnels. This area showcases over 600 Pokémon, including many from the original Kanto region as well as from other regions, displayed as statues or costumed performers in settings that mimic their natural habitats and behaviors seen in the games. This design choice reflects the exploration and discovery elements central to the Pokémon game experience, where players encounter Pokémon in various environments and terrains.
Sedge Town serves as the park’s town center, mirroring the towns found in the games where players rest, shop, and prepare for battles. It includes a Pokémon Center and a Poké Mart, places familiar to players as hubs for healing Pokémon and purchasing items. The town also features a Gym, performance spaces, and other attractions such as the Primarina Fountain and a Pokémon parade, all of which contribute to the feeling of being inside a living Pokémon world. The Gym and Battle Court areas allow visitors to engage in battle-themed activities, echoing the competitive battling aspect of the games.
Several rides and shows further connect the park to the Pokémon games. For example, Pika Pika Paradise is a ride featuring over 30 electric-type Pokémon, and Vee Vee Voyage is a carousel with carriages pulled by Ponyta and Rapidash, both of which bring to life the Pokémon’s characteristics and types as experienced in the games. Additionally, the park offers a special show called Pika Pika Sparks, featuring Pikachu and friends with music, lights, and stage effects, enhancing the entertainment value while reinforcing the iconic status of Pikachu as the franchise mascot.
The park’s connection to the games extends beyond physical design to the emotional and social experiences it fosters. Just as players in the games build bonds with their Pokémon and other trainers, visitors to PokéPark Kanto can interact with Pokémon characters, participate in themed activities, and purchase exclusive merchandise such as plush toys of Pikachu and Eevee, deepening their engagement with the franchise.
PokéPark Kanto also integrates technology to enhance the visitor experience, recommending the use of smartphones with iOS 15.0 or newer or Android 9.0 or newer, though tablets are not supported. This suggests the presence of interactive digital elements, possibly including augmented reality or app-based guides, which would further bridge the gap between the digital Pokémon games and the physical park environment.
In terms of accessibility, the park requires an add-on pass to enter Yomiuriland, with two ticket classes: the Trainer’s Pass and the Ace Trainer’s Pass. The Ace Trainer’s Pass offers additional benefits such as priority access to rides and shows, exclusive merchandise, and photo opportunities with popular Pokémon characters, reflecting the tiered engagement options often found in gaming communities.
While the park is named after the Kanto region—the setting of the original Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green games—it includes Pokémon from multiple regions, totaling over 600 creatures. This broad inclusion mirrors the expansive nature of the Pokémon games themselves, which have grown to include many regions and generations of Pokémon, thus appealing to a wide range of fans.
In summary, PokéPark Kanto connects to the Pokémon games by physically embodying the game’s environments, characters, and activities in a real-world setting. It recreates the exploration, battling, and social aspects of the games through themed areas, interactive attractions, and live performances. This connection is designed to provide fans with an immersive experience that complements and extends their engagement with the Pokémon franchise beyond the screen.
