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Yomiuriland’s new Pokémon attraction in Tokyo is stirring debate. Poképark Kanto opens in February, but one of its main features carries strict limits. The rules aim to protect guests, the park says, yet they also exclude many visitors.
What visitors will find when Poképark Kanto opens
The park’s opening date is set for Feb. 5, 2026. Yomiuriland has divided the attraction into zones to suit different audiences.
Sedge Town: a family-friendly area with shopping and rides.
Pokémon Forest: a natural trail with varied terrain and stairs.
Sedge Town includes a Pokémon Center, Poké Mart, a trainer gym, a daily parade, and rides such as Pika Pika Paradise and the Vee Vee Voyage carousel. These zones are designed to be accessible to most guests.
Trail rules: age limits and a stair requirement
Access to the forest trail comes with two clear conditions. Visitors must be at least five years old. They also must demonstrate they can climb a set of stairs.
The trail spans roughly 500 meters, with elevation changes and rugged sections. Yomiuriland describes it as hilly paths, tall grass, tunnels, and rocky stretches. The park says the stair check is a safety measure to reduce risk on uneven ground.
How much extra does forest access cost?
Entry options vary by what a guest wants to see.
Town Pass: grants access to Sedge Town. Prices start at 4,700 yen for adults under 65.
Trainer Pass: includes the forest trail and costs about 7,900 yen for the same age group.
Ace Trainer Pass: a premium ticket from roughly 14,000 yen. It adds priority lines, free ride tickets, and a photo with Eevee and Pikachu.
Discounts are available for children under 12 and for seniors.
Public reactions and accessibility concerns
The stair requirement has divided opinion online. Some users praised the rule as a way to limit crowding. Others criticized it for excluding people with disabilities and older adults.
Advocates for accessibility noted the policy prevents visitors who use wheelchairs or mobility aids from entering the forest. Others pointed out guests who need supplemental oxygen would also be excluded.
Disability advocates and family members warned that a loved one’s dream visit could be blocked by the stair policy. Social posts ranged from mocking to deeply concerned.
Safety rationale and what the park says
Yomiuriland frames the checks as risk management. The park emphasizes the trail’s natural conditions and slope changes. Staffers will ask visitors to confirm they can handle the stairs.
Procedures may include a brief demonstration or staff assessment before allowing entry. The goal, according to the park, is to prevent injuries on uneven terrain and to keep the trail enjoyable for those who enter.
What guests who cannot enter the forest can still do
Explore Sedge Town attractions and shops.
Enjoy parades and accessible rides in other park areas.
Purchase lower-cost Town Passes that omit the forest trail.
Many fans will still have substantial experiences without the forest. But for some, the restriction marks a meaningful loss.
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