In a significant development for fans of the iconic franchise, the first permanent Pokémon theme park has opened its doors in Tokyo. PokéPark Kanto, which launched on 5 February, offers a unique, immersive experience set in a forest environment, diverging from the typical rollercoaster-heavy amusement parks.
A Forest Filled with Lifelike Pokémon
Located in the quiet Tokyo suburb of Inagi, approximately half an hour from the city centre, PokéPark Kanto spans an impressive 26,000 square metres. Unlike the bustling, thrill-seeking atmospheres of Tokyo Disney Sea or Universal Studios Japan, this park is designed as a walkable forest populated with over 600 meticulously crafted, lifelike statues of Pokémon characters.
The creative direction of the park has been overseen by Junichi Masuda, one of the original creators of Pokémon. Visitors can explore various habitats where these fantastical creatures are arranged in engaging tableaus, interacting with each other in ways that mimic natural wildlife. This setup allows guests to feel as though they are observing Pokémon in their natural habitats, akin to a wildlife documentary experience.
Immersive Experiences and Full-Scale Models
Each Pokémon statue is presented in full scale, making the larger creatures particularly awe-inspiring. For instance, visitors can marvel at a lorry-sized replica of the rocky behemoth Onix or encounter a herd of rhinoceros-sized Rhyhorns lining the main pathways. The park rewards eagle-eyed visitors with hidden creatures dotted throughout the trees and grass, adding an element of discovery for children and adults alike.
The park is divided into two main areas: Pokémon Forest and the plaza-style Sedge Town. After exploring the forest, guests are greeted by a Pokémon parade in Sedge Town square, which also features Pokémon-themed fairground games, such as ring toss, and an Eevee-themed carousel. Additionally, there is a real-life Pokémon Centre, an iconic building from the games and anime, where visitors can watch live Pokémon battles that blend human performers with advanced animatronics.
Ticket Demand and Economic Impact
Tickets for PokéPark Kanto are sold through a lottery system and are currently sold out for the next three months. Prices range from ¥7,900 (approximately £38) for a standard adult ticket to ¥14,000 (around £66) for a priority pass that allows queue-skipping. This high demand underscores the enduring popularity of the Pokémon brand, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Pokémon remains the highest-grossing media brand globally, with an estimated lifetime revenue of $150 billion, surpassing other major franchises like Star Wars and Marvel. The Pokémon Company reported a profit of ¥70.3 billion (roughly £337 million) for the year ending February 2025, and with new games, merchandise, and this theme park, profits are expected to rise further in 2026.
Boosting Tourism in Japan
The opening of PokéPark Kanto comes at a time when Japan is experiencing a surge in tourism, partly due to a weak yen post-pandemic. In 2025, the country welcomed 42 million visitors, but this influx has led to tensions, including overcrowded streets and a rise in anti-foreigner sentiment. Newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is implementing anti-tourist legislation to address these issues.
Despite these challenges, PokéPark Kanto's family-friendly international appeal is likely to attract even more visitors to Tokyo, potentially exacerbating overcrowding but also boosting the local economy. The park will sell exclusive merchandise, such as plushies and clothing, available only on-site, encouraging fans to travel specifically for these items.
A New Trend in Theme Parks
Video games are a major cultural export for Japan, and theme parks based on virtual stars are becoming a notable trend. Following the success of Super Nintendo World, which opened at Universal Studios Japan in 2021 and has since expanded to Hollywood and Florida, PokéPark Kanto represents another step in this direction. These parks are driving significant revenues, with multi-billion dollar quarterly earnings reported at various locations.
In summary, PokéPark Kanto offers a unique, immersive experience for Pokémon enthusiasts, set against the backdrop of Japan's evolving tourism landscape. With its creative design, high demand, and potential economic impact, this theme park is set to become a must-visit destination for fans worldwide.
