PokéPark KANTO

Pokémon's first permanent outdoor attraction opened in February 2026 inside the Yomiuriland amusement park in Inagi, on the western edge of Tokyo. It covers about 2.6 hectares of the wooded Tama hills, and more than 600 Pokémon are placed across it.

There is an oddity in the address. Yomiuriland straddles a prefectural border, part of its grounds lying in Inagi, Tokyo, and part in Tama-ku, Kawasaki, over in Kanagawa. The postal address falls on the Tokyo side, but when PokéPark KANTO opened, the mayors of both cities were on the platform.

The premise is different from a conventional theme park. Rather than a set of rides, the site is built as a place where Pokémon live and visitors come to visit them – the Kanto region of the original games, made walkable.

The adventure begins at the PokéPark Entrance Plaza, where iconic partners such as Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle welcome arriving Trainers. From there, guests enter through the Pokémon Research Lab, which serves as the gateway to the park’s two main areas: Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town. Access to these areas requires the appropriate passes, and certain facilities operate under limited-access systems managed through the park’s official app.

Pokémon Forest stretches over approximately 490 meters of natural terrain, offering a scenic walk through hills, tall grass, tunnels, and rocky paths. The area is designed to feel like a real wilderness habitat, where Pokémon can be seen running, battling, and interacting with one another. Because the forest experience involves extended walking on uneven ground, visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor exploration.

Sedge Town provides a contrasting atmosphere, recreating familiar elements from the Pokémon universe in a bustling community space. Here, guests will find the Pokémon Centre, where Chansey greets visitors, and the Poké Mart, offering refreshments and specialty drinks. The town also features a marketplace filled with themed goods, as well as the Pokémon Daisuki Shop, which requires advance limited-access registration due to high demand. Two signature attractions anchor Sedge Town’s entertainment offerings. Pika Pika Paradise is an electric-themed ride powered by more than 30 Electric-type Pokémon, creating a dynamic experience centred around Pikachu and friends. Vee Vee Voyage, in contrast, is a whimsical carousel inspired by Eevee, where riders travel in carriages drawn by Ponyta and Rapidash or float in balloon-themed seats. Both attractions require separate time-designated tickets purchased on-site and observe standard safety and weather-related operating policies.

Live entertainment plays a significant role in the park’s atmosphere. The Sedge Gym hosts daily stage shows, including “Pika Pika Sparks!” which combines music, lighting effects, and live performers with appearances by Pikachu and other Pokémon. Parades such as the Pikachu and Eevee Bubble Carnival bring costumed characters through the streets of Sedge Town, inviting guests to participate. Meet-and-greet experiences rotate throughout the season, with scheduled appearances by Pokémon such as Clefairy, Vulpix, Psyduck, Growlithe, Slowpoke, Gengar, Lapras, and Dragonite. Dedicated spaces like the Pokémon Playhouse and the Pikachu and Eevee Playroom allow visitors to interact more closely and capture commemorative photos.

To manage demand for popular experiences, PokéPark KANTO utilizes a limited-access ticket system accessible through its official mobile app. After entering Yomiuriland, guests can apply for entry to certain shows, shops, and attractions. Some operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others use a lottery system. The app also enables ticket display, group creation for shared reservations, and access to an in-park map.

Admission to PokéPark KANTO requires advance ticket purchase through the official website. Visitors are advised to check the park schedule before arrival, as operating hours and pricing may vary by date, and opening times may differ slightly from those of Yomiuriland. Bag checks are conducted at entry, and area rules are enforced to ensure a safe environment for all guests.

Tickets

Entry is by advance ticket only, and there is no walk-up admission. Tickets have sold out consistently since opening. Three types exist:

• Elite Trainer's Pass – both areas without time restriction, plus reserved show seating, priority attraction lanes, special greetings and a gift

• Trainer's Pass – Sedge Town without restriction, and one timed entry to Pokémon Forest with no re-entry

• Town Pass – Sedge Town only

All tickets include admission to Yomiuriland itself; the park cannot be entered separately. Prices are dynamic and vary by date, so weekends, public holidays and school breaks cost considerably more than a quiet weekday – worth checking the calendar before settling on a day. The two rides are charged separately on top of any ticket.

Booking is through the official English ticket site.

Practical Notes

Download the official app before arriving. It holds your ticket code, handles group creation and ticket sharing, runs the sign-ups for limited-access shows and meet-and-greets, and carries the site map. Without it you will miss things.

Pokémon Forest has an age limit. Children under five cannot enter, and the trail includes 110 steps. Sedge Town has no age restriction, and under-threes enter it free.

The park is cashless throughout – no cash accepted anywhere.

Five hours is the realistic figure for both areas. Bag checks are carried out on entry, and outside food, selfie sticks, drones and large luggage are all prohibited.