Japan will welcome the world's first permanent outdoor theme park dedicated entirely to the Pokémon franchise next year, offering fans an unprecedented opportunity to immerse themselves in the beloved universe of pocket monsters.
A New Era for Pokémon Enthusiasts
The Pokémon Company has officially confirmed that PokéPark Kanto will operate within Yomiuriland, an established amusement park located in the Tama hills west of central Tokyo. The new attraction will span approximately 26,000 square metres of carefully landscaped forest and town-themed areas, creating an authentic Pokémon environment for visitors to explore.
This ambitious project deliberately draws inspiration from the franchise's origins. The fictional "Kanto" region from the original 1996 Pokémon Red and Green video games was itself modelled after Japan's real Kantō region, creating a perfect full-circle moment for long-time fans.
Exploring PokéPark Kanto's Magical Zones
Visitors will begin their adventure by entering through a Pokémon Research Lab, which serves as the gateway to two distinct sections: Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town.
The Pokémon Forest features woodland trails populated with more than 600 Pokémon positioned throughout natural terrain. Some Pokémon figures will be large enough for children to sit on or "ride," enhancing the interactive experience. Meanwhile, Sedge Town offers a walkable settlement brought to life through live performances and themed attractions.
The park will also include the series' iconic Pokémon Center, serving as the franchise's traditional healing hub, alongside scheduled shows and character appearances. Official materials describe the park as "a Pokémon-packed Trainer's Area, where Pokémon Trainers can embark on the unforgettable adventure through forest and town alike."
Ticketing and Park Access Details
Tickets will become available through an initial lottery and pre-sale system starting 21 November 2025. The park will offer two main ticket types: the Trainer's Pass and the premium Ace Trainer's Pass.
Both passes include access to the park's two main zones, while the Ace Trainer's Pass provides additional benefits such as priority entry, reserved seating for live shows, and exclusive merchandise opportunities.
This represents the franchise's most significant venture into real-world environments to date. While temporary PokéParks operated in Nagoya (2005) and Taiwan (2006), both were short-term installations that closed after several months, making PokéPark Kanto the first permanent offering of its kind.
The Pokémon Company began teasing the park earlier this month with promotional videos and concept art, including a hand-drawn map and trailer showcasing parts of the themed landscape, generating substantial excitement among the global Pokémon community that has maintained strong engagement with the franchise for nearly three decades.
