Nintendo has officially confirmed that the first permanent Pokémon theme park, named PokéPark Kanto, will open on February 5, 2026. This marks a significant milestone for Pokémon fans worldwide, as previous Pokémon-themed parks and attractions were temporary and only operated for limited periods. PokéPark Kanto will be located within the Yomiuriland amusement park in Tokyo, Japan, and will require visitors to purchase an additional pass to access the Pokémon-specific areas.
The park is designed to immerse visitors in the Pokémon world through two main sections: Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town. Pokémon Forest is a naturalistic area featuring hills, paths lined with tall grass, rocky trails, and tunnels, all designed to replicate the habitats where Pokémon live. Life-sized Pokémon statues are strategically placed to depict them engaging in various activities such as battling or playing, creating an interactive and lively environment for guests.
Sedge Town serves as the park’s town center, where visitors can find a Pokémon Center and a Poké Mart. The Pokémon Center is likely to offer merchandise and themed experiences, while the Poké Mart provides refreshments and other amenities, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
In addition to these areas, PokéPark Kanto will feature several themed rides and attractions. One notable ride is Pika Pika Paradise, which showcases over 30 electric-type Pokémon in a vibrant, electrifying setting. Another attraction, Vee Vee Voyage, is a carousel with carriages pulled by the fiery Pokémon Ponyta and Rapidash. There are also balloon rides where visitors can soar with Eevee, adding a whimsical and family-friendly element to the park.
The entrance to the park is through a building called the Pokémon Research Lab, which acts as a gateway to the two main sections. This thematic choice aligns with the Pokémon universe’s emphasis on research and discovery, providing an immersive narrative context for visitors as they enter the park.
While official photos of the park have not yet been released, promotional trailers and announcements have given fans a glimpse of what to expect. The park’s design and attractions aim to bring the Pokémon world to life in a way that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers.
PokéPark Kanto represents a major development in the Pokémon franchise’s expansion into real-world experiences. By creating a permanent outdoor theme park, Nintendo and its partners are providing a dedicated space for fans to engage with Pokémon beyond video games, trading cards, and television shows. This move also reflects the growing trend of immersive entertainment experiences that blend popular media franchises with physical environments.
The park’s location in Tokyo, a global hub for gaming and pop culture, positions it well to attract both domestic and international visitors. The requirement of an add-on pass suggests that the Pokémon-themed areas will be a premium experience within the larger Yomiuriland amusement park, potentially offering exclusive content and events.
Overall, the launch of PokéPark Kanto on February 5, 2026, is highly anticipated and is expected to become a landmark destination for Pokémon enthusiasts. It combines naturalistic settings, themed attractions, and interactive elements to create a unique and engaging environment that celebrates the beloved Pokémon universe. This development underscores Nintendo’s commitment to expanding the Pokémon brand in innovative ways that connect with fans on multiple levels.
