Cover A glimpse of Poképark Kanto within Tokyo’s Yomiuriland, where over 600 Pokémon from the iconic Kanto region and beyond will live and play starting in spring 2026. (Photo: Pokémon Asia ENG)
A glimpse of Poképark Kanto within Tokyo’s Yomiuriland, where over 600 Pokémon from the iconic Kanto region and beyond will live and play starting in spring 2026. (Photo: Pokémon Asia ENG)
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Poképark Kanto lands in Tokyo in 2026—walk forest trails, explore Sedge Town and discover the next Pokémon experience
Pokémon enthusiasts have reason to revitalise their anticipation as Poképark Kanto is slated to open its gates in spring 2026. This marks the launch of Pokémon’s first permanent theme park experience, set within Tokyo’s expansive Yomiuriland amusement park. Sprawling over 26,000 square metres, this Pokémon theme park promises an immersive encounter with over 600 Pokémon spread across two thematic zones, the Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town. While it is not a standalone park, Poképark Kanto aims to blend nature, fandom and interactivity in a fresh way that resonates well beyond nostalgia.
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Why Poképark Kanto is a must-visit for Pokémon fans
Above Poképark Kanto occupies 2.6 hectares of Yomiuriland in the Kanto region of Japan.
Poképark Kanto is a major leap for the Pokémon franchise, breaking new ground outside its digital and televised worlds. The Pokémon theme park is set within Yomiuriland in Tokyo’s scenic Tama Hills, with two distinctive zones to explore.
To better understand the significance, it’s essential to know what Kanto represents in the Pokémon universe. Kanto is the franchise’s original region, introduced in the very first Pokémon games—Red and Blue—in the 1990s. Based on the real-world Kantō area of Japan that includes Tokyo, Kanto’s in-game geography features a diverse landscape of cities, mountains, forests and coastline, such as the famous Pallet Town, Cerulean City and the Indigo Plateau, which form the backdrop for many iconic adventures. It is famously home to seminal characters like Ash Ketchum and Pokémon such as Pikachu and Mewtwo, and hosts the empowering Indigo League with gym leaders like Brock and Misty. Over generations, Kanto has remained a nostalgic and cultural anchor point in Pokémon lore because it embodies the franchise’s roots and earliest explorations.
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In Poképark Kanto, visitors will traverse areas inspired by this iconic region. The Pokémon Forest lets guests experience naturalistic habitats where wild Pokémon roam, blending Kanto’s diverse geography into a compelling setting that brings the original games and anime landmarks into real life. This solid foundation in Kanto’s rich history and geography elevates the park’s appeal, transforming it into a must-visit destination for fans eager to connect with Pokémon’s enduring legacy.
A new level of immersion with over 600 Pokémon
Above A wild Pikachu appears: explore vibrant habitats where 600 Pokémon roam freely. (Photo: Pokémon Asia ENG)
A wild Pikachu appears: explore vibrant habitats where 600 Pokémon roam freely. (Photo: Pokémon Asia ENG)
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Central to the guest experience is the integration of over 600 Pokémon, a feature intended to elevate engagement significantly. By populating the Pokémon Forest with such a diverse array, visitors can observe creatures acting out natural habits—hiding, socialising and confronting each other—adding a layer of realism that encourages exploration and discovery. This breadth of species, spanning multiple regions, ensures continual surprise and depth, appealing to seasoned fans eager for rare encounters and to newcomers seeking an expansive introduction to the franchise’s world. It transforms the Pokémon theme park into a living ecosystem rather than a static display.
Adjacent to the forest, Sedge Town serves as a social and commercial hub within the Pokémon theme park. Here, Pokémon trainers from various regions converge in a designed townscape featuring key landmarks like the Pokémon Centre, Poké Mart and Sedge Gym. Visitors can engage with interactive attractions, attend Pokémon parades and connect with fellow enthusiasts in an atmosphere modelled to reflect the series’ communities. The iconic Primarina Fountain at Sedge Town offers a focal point for unique Pokémon-trainer encounters, emphasising communal engagement within the theme park framework.
Exciting encounters at Poképark Kanto
Above Poképark Kanto occupies 2.6 hectares of Yomiuriland in the Kanto region of Japan. (Photo: Pokémon Asia ENG)
Poképark Kanto occupies 2.6 hectares of Yomiuriland in the Kanto region of Japan. (Photo: Pokémon Asia ENG)
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This collaboration, led by The Pokémon Company, Yomiuriland Co and The Yomiuri Shimbun, blends entertainment expertise for a unique guest experience. Poképark Kanto tickets are expected to go on sale in late 2025, with pricing yet to be announced. Unlike sprawling mega-parks, this Pokémon theme park is a self-contained section within Yomiuriland, ideal for visitors seeking an experience that’s hands-on yet not overwhelming.
Above The Pokémon Forest lets guests experience naturalistic habitats where wild Pokémon roam. (Photo: Pokémon Asia ENG)
The Pokémon Forest lets guests experience naturalistic habitats where wild Pokémon roam. (Photo: Pokémon Asia ENG)
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Poképark Kanto is set to deliver a fresh, authentic approach to bringing the Pokémon universe to life. Whether you’re seeking thrilling exploration, memorable encounters or a social hub to meet other fans, the park’s blend of immersive environments and interactive attractions marks a bold new era for real-world Pokémon adventures. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo in 2026, this is a destination worth adding to your itinerary.
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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.
