PokéPark Kanto Opens in Tokyo Amid Tourism Surge

Japan has unveiled its first permanent Pokémon theme park, a landmark development for one of the country’s most globally recognisable cultural exports. The new attraction, PokéPark Kanto, opened this week inside Yomiuriland, a major amusement complex on the outskirts of Tokyo, and has already become a focal point of the nation’s booming tourism sector.

A Two‑Zone Park Built for Immersion

Spanning 26,000 square metres, PokéPark Kanto is divided into two distinct areas designed to appeal to visitors of all ages:

1. The Pokémon Forest Trail

• A nearly half‑kilometre outdoor path featuring more than 600 life‑sized Pokémon models placed among natural hills, rocks, and grass.
• Entry begins at a Professor Oak–themed research lab, complete with life‑size props inspired by the original games.
• The forest experience blends real foliage with stylised elements from the franchise, creating an atmosphere that is neither fully photorealistic nor purely game‑like.

2. The Town and Attractions Zone

• Includes themed rides, carousel games, stage shows, and a large Pokémon Center‑style shop offering exclusive merchandise.
• A 300‑seat Pokémon Gym theatre adds to the entertainment offerings.
• The area is designed to evoke the towns of the original Pokémon games, with buildings and décor reflecting the franchise’s visual identity.

A Long‑Awaited Permanent Home for Pokémon Fans

While Pokémon attractions have appeared before, they were all temporary—such as Pokémon The Park in Nagoya in 2005 and a short‑lived recreation in Taiwan. The new PokéPark Kanto is the first permanent installation dedicated entirely to the franchise.

The park’s opening comes as Japan records record tourist arrivals, even amid fluctuations in regional travel patterns. Tickets for PokéPark Kanto sold out rapidly, with early passes allocated via a lottery system and advance bookings filled for months.

Visitor Response: Warm, Nostalgic, and Highly Engaged

Early reviews describe the park as warm, immersive, and family‑friendly, with particular praise for the quality of the Pokémon models and the thoughtful design of the forest trail. Some visitors, however, note that the park may lack strong incentives for repeat visits, given its gentle, exploration‑focused format rather than thrill‑ride intensity.

The park targets a broad audience:

• Families with young children
• Gen Z players
• Nostalgic millennials
• Long‑time fans of the original Kanto region games

Part of a Larger Expansion of Pokémon Attractions

The opening of PokéPark Kanto coincides with broader moves to expand Pokémon‑themed entertainment in Japan. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has confirmed plans for its own Pokémon attractions, signalling a growing appetite for immersive experiences tied to the franchise.

A Cultural and Economic Moment

Pokémon, which began in 1996 as a Game Boy title inspired by childhood bug‑collecting traditions, has grown into a global multimedia phenomenon. The launch of a permanent theme park underscores its enduring cultural power and its role in Japan’s tourism strategy.