Calling all Pokémon fans! The world’s first permanent outdoor Pokémon theme park, PokéPark Kanto, officially opened in Tokyo on 6 February this year.
Image credit: PokéPark Kanto
If you’ve spent days, years or even decades exploring the Kanto region in the original games, this immersive experience deserves a place on your travel bucket list.
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Getting There
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The park sits 30 minutes from Tokyo’s city centre. You’ll find it within Yomiuri Land amusement park in the Tama Hills. Train and bus connections make the park readily accessible, so you won’t worry about a car rental.
From Shinjuku Station, ride the Keio Line to Keio Yomiuri Land Station. From there, either ride the Odakyu bus to the amusement park or take the Sky Shuttle gondola.
Alternatively, take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station to Yomiuri Land-Mae Station. You’ll see a bus bound for Yomiuri Land outside the station.
Park Layout
Image credit: PokéPark Kanto
When you visit PokéPark Kanto, you’ll discover a sprawling 26,000 square-metre space divided into two distinct areas: the Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town.
The Pokémon Forest features a 500 metre exploration trail populated by over 600 life-sized Pokémon replicas. This immersive environment blends the Pokémon universe with nature.
Image credit: PokéPark Kanto
Meanwhile, Sedge Town houses the Pokémon Centre, Poké Mart, Sedge Gym with shows, themed food and beverages, and rides. Rides include Pika Pika Paradise and Vee Vee Voyage.
Ticket Types and Pricing
Three ticket types are available for your visit. All ticket types include admission to Yomiuri Land.
The Ace Trainer’s Pass offers unlimited access to both areas. You’ll receive re-entry privileges, reserved seating for the Sedge Gym show, priority lanes for attractions, and exclusive merchandise. This pass is priced from 14,000 yen.
The Trainer’s Pass provides timed entry to the Pokémon Forest and access to Sedge Town, beginning at 7900 yen.
The Town Pass limits access to Sedge Town only. It is available from summer 2026.
Booking Your Tickets
Here lies the critical challenge. Tickets require advance purchase through the official website.
The park operates a monthly lottery system for most bookings. Applications open between the first and the twelfth of each month for dates around three months in advance. Results come thereafter.
Alternatively, first-come, first-served sales begin exactly 2 months before your visit date at 6pm Japan Standard Time. These tickets frequently disappear within minutes or seconds. So, take immediate action when sales open. Weekend and holiday dates see particularly high demand.
For international visitors planning to visit PokéPark Kanto, do note to purchase tickets exclusively through the English website. Even with entry tickets, some attractions require separate purchases. These range from 800 to 1200 yen.
What to Experience
Image credit: PokéPark Kanto
The park’s highlight is the thirty-minute “Pika Pika Sparks!” show (featured in the image above) at Sedge Gym. It features no dialogue, so language barriers won’t be a problem.
Image credit: PokéPark Kanto
The Bubble Carnival mini-parade (image above) occurs at select times throughout the day, available to all including non-ticket holders.
Rides include Pika Pika Paradise and Vee Vee Voyage carousels. Both cost 1200 yen for adults and 800 yen for children.
Character meet-and-greet experiences offer photo opportunities with Pikachu and Eevee. These require first-come, first-served tickets via the PokéPark Kanto app.
Pokémon Go players benefit from special field research tasks. You’ll find raids and legendary Pokémon encounters that rotate seasonally.
Extending Your Tokyo Experience
Consider combining your PokéPark Kanto visit with other Tokyo attractions to make the most of your trip.
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Ueno is ideal for cherry blossom viewing and museums. Stop by the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and even Japan’s oldest zoo when you’re in the area.
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Alternatively, foodies can tour the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market to witness how vendors prepare fresh fish and sashimi. You can book culinary tours of 2 to 3 hours, where you’ll be guided around market stalls and ask to taste test local specialities. This makes for an idea morning activity before heading to the PokéPark as the highlight of your trip.
Image credit: Japan National Tourism Organisation
As PokéPark Kanto is within the larger theme park of Yomiuri Land, it’s a no-brainer to explore the park as well. With forty different attractions to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The various seasons dress the park in different shades as well. Spectacular cherry blossoms embellish the Bandit roller coaster scenery during spring, and winter beckons Jewellumination, the largest light show in the Kanto region.
Allocating 3 to 4 days for your Tokyo leg would allow time for shrine visits in traditional districts. You can explore bustling neighbourhoods like Shibuya and Shinjuku. Don’t miss the chance to sample world-renowned Japanese cuisine in each district!
Start Planning Your Visit
Image credit: PokéPark Kanto
Monitor ticket release dates carefully. Prepare for outdoor walking in appropriate footwear. Download the official app before arrival.
The Kanto region awaits your arrival!
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AloJapan.com