Like its namesake, the Pokémon franchise has evolved in various ways over the years. In terms of gameplay, its latest entry, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, represented a bold leap into real-time action, while collaborations and physical installations continue to take over the real world – and that’s on a normal day.
It goes without saying that the franchise’s 30th anniversary will be celebrated in grand fashion, starting with PokéPark Kanto, first announced in 2023. Ahead of its opening in Japan on 5 February 2026, Geek Culture was invited to a media preview of the first permanent Pokémon outdoor facility, situated within Yoimuriland amusement park, and it’s the closest fans can get to living out their trainer dreams.
Spanning 2.6 hectares, or 26,000 square metres, PokéPark Kanto is divided into two main zones: Pokémon Forest, where visitors get up close with various Pokémon along a 500-metre walking trail, and Sedge Town, home to a Pokémon Center, a Poké Mart, a Gym, and two attractions. The beloved starter trio of Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur, as well as Pikachu and Eevee, are a welcome presence at the entrance, accompanied by a giant Pokéball and a moving art display along the stretch of road that leads to the first stop: the Pokémon Research Lab.
Stepping into the familiar space reveals an accurate recreation of its in-game counterpart, from the three Pokéballs on a table – each housing one of the three starter Pokémon – and shelves lined with books to the mysterious machine seen in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.
Head outdoors, and the Pokémon Forest awaits. As its name suggests, the Pikachu and Eevee Forest puts both fan favourites into focus, but there are other adorable critters to be found around and at times, above the ground. The same hide-and-seek fun extends to subsequent areas, with Rhyhorn’s Take Down Hill even inviting fans to hop onto the back of a Rhyhorn horde.
The rhinoceros-like Pokémon won’t be the only Rock/Ground dual-type here, however, finding company in Onix, the star of Onix Passage, which continues into Flower Garden, the final leg of the Pokémon Forest. While the excitement for fans lies in identifying and spotting the various Pokémon, especially those hidden from plain sight, the general crowd can expect to appreciate the sights without having to do their homework.
Sedge Town, meanwhile, brings the Pokémon Center and Poké Mart to life. The former offers the experience of restoring and reviving Pokémon just like in the games, complete with the iconic jingle, and may even turn them into Nurse Joy’s assistant; similarly, the interior of the Poké Mart inherits elements from the original and is designed for visitors to order beverages inspired by Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur.
Along the Pokémon Trainer Market are additional menu options, including Pikachu rice balls, soup and baguette sandwiches, latte art of the various Eevee-lutions, Pikachu and Eevee-shaped popsicles, and more, as well as exclusive merchandise that includes blind box pins. The Pokémon hunt is well in place here, too, so keep an eye out for familiar figures in town – be it on rooftops or in the nooks and crannies.
For parents or those who want to indulge in their inner child, PokéPark Kanto includes two kid-friendly rides: Pika Pika Paradise, powered by over 30 Electric-type Pokémon, and Vee Vee Voyage, a merry-go-round featuring all eight Eevee-lutions and select other companions, such as Ponyta and Rapidash in both their base and Galarian forms.
Swing by the Sedge Gym at the right time, and the Parade Show proves why it remains a hot favourite everywhere. The infectious, upbeat energy of Pikachu and Eevee mascots, alongside the accompanying performers, makes it easy to break into a smile from start to end at the Primarina Fountain, which pays tribute to the various Water-type critters across the franchise.
There’s also the Sedge Gym Show, an electrifying spectacle of music, light, and different stage effects, with access determined by a lottery system. Likewise, the Pokémon Playhouse, home to meet-and-greet sessions with different Pokémon every day, is limited to a first-come, first-served basis.
Upon exiting Sedge Town, one final surprise lies in wait. The Battle Court pits Gyarados, Raichu, Tyranitar, and Garchomp in a four-way showdown, complete with finer details that convey the intensity of it, including claw marks, displaced feet placement, and thrashing tail movement.
Rounding out the PokéPark Kanto experience is the merchandise store, boasting a mix of standard fare like ear headbands and plush toys, and exclusive Carnival Eevee and Pikachu offerings that add up to a healthy variety.
PokéPark Kanto will open its doors on 5 February, with ticket prices ranging from 4,700 yen (S$39) to 16,500 yen (S$136) for adults. The first, the Town Pass, grants entry to Sedge Town only, while the Trainer’s Pass (starting at 7,900 yen / S$66) allows access to both the town and Pokémon Forest. The Ace Trainer’s Pass (starting at 14,000 yen / S$115) includes unlimited access to Pokémon Forest, alongside the following additional perks: one free use of the priority lane for each of the two attractions, a reserved seat for the Sedge Gym Show, entry to Sedge Condominiums (meet-and-greet + photos with Pikachu and Eevee of the Trainer’s Market), and original merchandise.
First-come, first-served sales are now available and will end as soon as tickets are sold out. Tickets for admission up to the last day of the month two months later launch on the last day of the current month, which means tickets for 28, 29 and 30 April can be purchased starting 28 February, 6pm JST (GMT+9). Best be quick, though – with over 600 Pokémon to be found, PokéPark Kanto will certainly rank high on fans’ wishlist.
©2026 Pokémon. ©1995-2026 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
