PokePark Kanto Is Coming to Tokyo in 2026, and It Looks Magical
February 5, 2026, is now a fixed date for one of Tokyo’s most anticipated entertainment openings. PokéPark KANTO will launch inside Yomiuriland as the first permanent outdoor Pokémon-themed park in the world, spanning roughly 2.6 hectares. Ticket sales began through a lottery system on November 21, 2025. With confirmed timelines, pricing tiers, and a long-term operating plan, the project marks a switch in how Pokémon is moving into physical attractions.
Pokémon has hosted temporary parks before, most notably a limited installation in Nagoya in 2005. This time, the goal is different. The park is designed to operate year after year. For a franchise nearing three decades of global popularity, that signals confidence in its multi-generation audience.
The Significance of The Name Kanto
“Kanto” references the original region featured in the first Pokémon games released in 1996. That same name also refers to the real-world region that includes Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures, and Yomiuriland happens to be situated within it. The overlap creates an intentional connection between the game world and physical geography. For fans who started their journey in Pallet Town on a Game Boy, the idea of walking through a real Kanto-based park carries weight.
Two Areas, Two Very Different Energies
The park layout centers on two distinct zones that mirror the progression of Pokémon games. Pokémon Forest focuses on exploration. A roughly 500-meter walking route traverses natural terrain with slopes, tunnels, and varied elevations. More than 600 Pokémon appear throughout the space, positioned to suggest movement, interaction, and behavior.
Some designs are positioned above eye level, while others remain partially hidden, encouraging visitors to stay alert as they move through the area. Kayatsuri Town serves as a central hub, featuring a Pokémon Center, shops, food stands, and a gym space used for shows and scheduled performances. Parades, meet-and-greets, and rotating character appearances give the town a social rhythm that contrasts with the quieter forest paths.
Tickets, Timing, And Planning Ahead
Image via Getty Images/studiocasper
Tickets are available through a lottery system, with applications opening on November 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Japan time. The first sales window spans visits from February 5 to March 31, 2026. Two primary ticket types launch first. The Trainer’s Pass starts at 7,900 yen for adults ages 13 and up and includes timed entry with limited flexibility.
The Elite Trainer’s Pass starts at 14,000 yen and allows re-entry, priority access for select attractions, and reserved seating for shows. Both tickets include admission to Yomiuriland itself. A separate Town-only pass is scheduled to arrive later in 2026. Given Pokémon’s track record with limited releases, demand is expected to be high, especially during the opening months.
Does This Park Change The Bigger Picture?
PokéPark KANTO arrives during a period when Japan is investing heavily in physical experiences tied to its most valuable intellectual properties. Ghibli Park and Super Nintendo World proved that fans will travel specifically for immersive environments built around familiar worlds.
Pokémon’s move into this space feels like the natural next step because the brand already connects parents and kids through games, cards, and animation.