Enter the wonderful world of Pokémon at PokéPark Kanto—opening in 2026!
- Published on : 12/08/2025
- by : Joshua
- Youtube
©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Pokémon is a franchise that needs very little introduction, and the new PokéPark Kanto that will open in 2026 will offer fans an immersive experience like no other!
Calling all trainers from all regions! In 2026, the wonderful world of Pokémon comes to life in the place it all began!
The world’s first ever Pokemon theme park will open in spring of 2026. Dubbed the “PokéPark Kanto,” the attraction will be located within Tokyo, the capital of Japan and the metropolitan center of the real-life Kanto Region.
(For those who don’t know, the Kanto Region in the games is named after and based off the actual Kanto Region in Japan!)
Pokémon: a franchise that transcends culture
The worldwide phenomenon that is Pokémon has touched hearts for decades now, and in 2026, the franchise will be commemorating its 30th anniversary.
Originally created by Satoshi Kon, who was inspired by his childhood pastime of bug catching, Pokémon saw its first iterations as video games for the original Game Boy. In these games, players would embark on a journey in which they explore, battle, and catch their way through the original Kanto Region, a land inhabited by 151 different species of creatures known as Pokémon.
Flash forward into the modern day, new Pokémon games have been released consistently over the years, with an ever-growing roster of beloved characters and designs. Furthermore, the greater Pokemon universe consists of not just the video games but also a beloved run of anime, a worldwide popular trading card game, endless merchandise, and such an iconic pop culture presence that it has gone on to become the most profitable franchise, not just in Japan, not just in gaming, not just in animation, but of all time.
Pokémon Cards
@Japan Experience
Pokémon fan
@Oliver Ayala on Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
The keys to its success? A unique, ever-expansive concept and a universal appeal for literally all age groups.
Few mascots can claim the universal appeal of iconic characters like Pikachu, and in a way, the red-cheeked little electric mouse has become the definitive ambassador for Japanese pop culture. For many throughout the world, the initial introduction to Japan as a country was through Pokémon. Those who played the first games during their release have grown up with the franchise and have even gone on to introduce their own children to it.
PokéPark Kanto will be an interactive manifestation of the awe-inspiring Pokémon world. Let’s look into what to expect when it opens in 2026!
Step into the wonderful world of Pokémon!
PokéPark Kanto will open in spring of 2026, 30 years after the original Japanese releases of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green (known as Pokémon Blue in the west).
The theme park will cover 26,000 square meters and be located within the iconic Yomiuriland of Tokyo. This is the largest amusement park in Tokyo and is located less than 30 minutes away from Shinjuku Station!
PokéPark-Kanto will be formatted like a town and forest. The town, known as “Sedge Town,” will have facilities like the Pokémon Trainer’s Mart that will sell goods and merchandise. There will also be the Sedge Gym, Pokémon Center, and more! There will even be a Poké Parade event held with unique motifs and aesthetics!
Yomiuriland, Tokyo
@Shin Masa on PIxabay, Pixabay Content License
Adjacent to the town will be the Pokémon Forest, ripe for discovery and home to over 600 Pokémon for keen-eyed trainers to find! The Pokémon featured won’t just be from the Kanto Region, so rest assured lovers of all generations will be able to enjoy the forest environment!
Advanced pre-sale tickets for the 2026 opening will start in late 2025. Be sure to stay tuned for more information!
Get ready to experience the iconic world of Pokémon like never before in the location that started it all!!
