From the upcoming natural expanse of PokéPark Kanto to the historical galleries of London, explore five curated destinations where fans can experience Pokémon in the real world (Photo: Pokémon Concierge/Netflix)
Cover From the upcoming natural expanse of PokéPark Kanto to the historical galleries of London, explore five curated destinations where fans can experience Pokémon in the real world (Photo: Pokémon Concierge/Netflix)
From the upcoming natural expanse of PokéPark Kanto to the historical galleries of London, explore five curated destinations where fans can experience Pokémon in the real world (Photo: Pokémon Concierge/Netflix)

From Tokyo parks to London museums, discover the five essential locations for Pokémon fans to explore around the world

For the dedicated Pokémon enthusiast, the world offers more than just virtual landscapes to explore. Beyond the handheld screens and augmented reality, several real-world locations resonate with the spirit and aesthetic of the beloved franchise. From the upcoming permanent park in Tokyo to the historical halls of London, these destinations offer a tangible connection to the Pokémon universe. Whether you are a long-time Pokémon collector, a competitive Pokémon trainer or someone who appreciates the cultural phenomenon, these spots provide a unique lens through which to experience global travel. 

Read more: 600 Pokémon in one place: Poképark Kanto to open in Tokyo 2026

PokéPark Kanto, Yomiuriland, Japan

Tatler Asia
PokéPark Kanto in Yomiuriland is a meticulously designed landscape where the Pokémon universe is rendered through lush forest trails and the expansive Sedge Town hub (Photo: PokéPark Kanto)
Above PokéPark Kanto in Yomiuriland is a meticulously designed landscape where the Pokémon universe is rendered through lush forest trails and the expansive Sedge Town hub (Photo: PokéPark Kanto)
PokéPark Kanto in Yomiuriland is a meticulously designed landscape where the Pokémon universe is rendered through lush forest trails and the expansive Sedge Town hub (Photo: PokéPark Kanto)

Opening in February 2026, this 26,000-square metre site in Tokyo’s Tama Hills is the first permanent outdoor attraction of its kind. It is divided into two distinct zones: Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town. The forest section uses the natural, hilly terrain of Yomiuriland to create an immersive wilderness where visitors encounter over 600 species. Sedge Town serves as the hub, featuring the Sedge Gym for stage shows, a Trainer’s Market and the Primarina Fountain. It is a calculated move to bring the original Kanto region to life for the franchise's 30th anniversary.

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Natural History Museum, London, UK

A temporary but significant collaboration titled “Pokécology” runs from late January to April 2026 at this South Kensington institution. This pop-up exhibition focuses on the relationship between the creatures and their environments, drawing parallels with real-world biology and scientific illustration. It features exclusive merchandise inspired by the museum's botanical ceiling panels and botanical archives. For those who appreciate the more academic side of the Pokémon world, the inclusion of scientific artwork and a commemorative TCG card makes this a worthwhile stop.

Field Museum, Chicago, USA

The Pokémon Fossil Museum makes its North American debut at Field Museum in Chicago in May 2026. This travelling exhibition invites visitors to compare the anatomy of extinct Pokémon like Tyrantrum and Archeops with real-world prehistoric fossils, including the famous Sue the T. Rex. It is an exercise in paleontology that uses the fictional world to engage with natural history. The display includes life-sized models and excavation tools, providing a grounded look at how the series draws inspiration from the ancient creatures of our own planet.

Universal Studios Japan, Osaka, Japan

While Super Nintendo World often takes the spotlight, the ongoing integration of Pokémon into the park’s parade and seasonal events remains a major draw. The No Limit! Parade features high-energy floats and costumed performers, offering a different scale of spectacle compared to the quiet exploration of a nature trail. The park consistently updates its themed food and limited-edition merchandise, ensuring that the experience stays relevant for repeat visitors who want to see their favourite characters in a high-production theme park setting.

Pokémon Centre Mega Tokyo, Ikebukuro, Japan

The flagship retail space in Sunshine City remains the definitive commercial experience for fans. It is not just a shop but a cultural landmark that houses a Pokémon Go Lab and a permanent café. The store frequently updates its inventory to reflect the latest game releases and regional exclusives. For those looking to see the sheer breadth of the brand’s reach, the scale of this location is unmatched. It represents the modern, urban face of the franchise, serving as a gathering point for the international community.

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Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.