PokéPark Kanto, the first-ever permanent outdoor Pokémon theme park, had its long-awaited grand opening last week.
“The 27th of this month marks exactly 30 years since Pokémon was born into the world…[we] welcome Pokémon fans visiting from all over Japan and around the world,” president of Yomiuriland and PokéPark Kanto Takeshi Mizoguchi said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Sitting in the western outskirts of Tokyo in Inagi City, PokéPark Kanto is actually a new expansion of an already established theme park: Yomiuriland. At around 37 hectares, the park is Tokyo’s largest theme park, housing over 40 attractions, a waterpark and seasonal celebrations like its famous winter illuminations.
PokéPark is a new area built on approximately 2.6 hectares of land. Fans can see over 600 different Pokemon characters throughout the park.
Entrance Plaza
The Entrance Plaza greet visiting Pokémon trainers with a big welcome sign featuring Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle and Eevee.
The plaza also houses the Pokémon Research Lab and the Pokémon Daisuki Shop, where a large lineup of merchandise awaits. Guests can look forward to classic theme park goods and exclusive souvenirs such as character headbands, keychains, plush toys and more.
To enter Daisuki Shop, guests must have a numbered ticket (separate from your park admission ticket) that’s obtained through the official PokéPark app. Numbered tickets are time-designated, so it’s recommended for guests to register as soon as they pass through the Yomiuriland gate to not miss out on a shopping slot.
Sedge Town
In Sedge Town, guests can find the Pokémon Trainers’ Market, the Pokémon Center, the Poke Mart, the Gym and two rides.
Stepping inside the Pokémon Center, Chansey and Nurse Joy will assist in healing guests’ Pokémon. Trainers can step across to the Poke Mart to relax and enjoy specialty drinks. Other food and drink options include Pikachu’s Onigiri Shop, Eevee’s Cafe and Snorlax’s Popcorn.
The Sedge Gym will host daily shows, parades and character meet-and-greets. Entry to the Sedge Gym Show will run on a lottery system. For more information on all of the entertainment offerings at Sedge Gym and to check the performance schedules, please check the website.
The area features two rides, both of which require a separate ticket (each ticket costs ¥1200 for adults and ¥800 for children) available for purchase at the Trainers’ Market.
Pika Pika Paradise is an aerial-style ride with the idea that it’s powered by 30 electric-type Pokémon. Vee Vee Voyage is a carousel pulled by Ponyta, Rapidash and Eevee.
Pokémon Forest
The Pokémon Forest is a spacious wilderness spanning over 500 meters, with grass paths, tunnels and slopes across the trail. Guests are encouraged to freely explore the area and discover the numerous character statues scattered throughout.
As Pokémon Forest has steep uphill slopes, individuals who are pregnant, have heart conditions, have high or low blood pressure, are unable to climb 110 steps without assistance or are generally feeling unwell will not be allowed to enter the area.
Strollers are not permitted and the forest is also unfortunately not wheelchair accessible, though guests in wheelchairs are able to see a small portion of the route.
