Pokémon's First Permanent Theme Park Opens in Tokyo Suburb
In a significant development for entertainment tourism, Japan welcomes its first permanent Pokémon theme park this February. PokéPark Kanto opens its gates in the quiet Tokyo suburb of Inagi, offering visitors an immersive forest experience populated by lifelike statues of the beloved creatures from the globally popular franchise.
A Forest Adventure Unlike Traditional Theme Parks
Unlike the rollercoaster-focused attractions of Tokyo Disney Sea or Universal Studios Japan, PokéPark Kanto presents a more tranquil, exploratory experience. Spanning 26,000 square metres, the park is divided into two main areas: Pokémon Forest and the plaza-style Sedge Town. Visitors can wander through habitats featuring over 600 Pokémon statues arranged in engaging tableaus that depict various species interacting with their environment.
The creative direction has been overseen by Junichi Masuda, one of the original Pokémon creators, ensuring authenticity to the franchise's spirit. Each Pokémon is presented in full scale, with larger creatures proving particularly awe-inspiring—from lorry-sized recreations of the rocky behemoth Onix to herds of rhinoceros-sized Rhyhorns lining the main pathways.
International Appeal During Traditionally Quiet Season
February typically represents a period of quiet reflection in Japan, with winter festivals in Sapporo and hot spring visits dominating domestic tourism. International visitors traditionally arrive with the spring blossoms, but PokéPark Kanto's opening on 5 February is likely to draw tourists earlier this year.
The park's location in Inagi, approximately half an hour from central Tokyo, offers accessibility while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Tickets are currently sold out for the next three months, obtained through a lottery system with prices ranging from ¥7,900 (£38) for standard adult admission to ¥14,000 (£66) for priority passes that allow queue-skipping.
Immersive Experiences and Economic Impact
Beyond the forest exploration, visitors can enjoy Pokémon parades in Sedge Town square, themed fairground games, speciality food offerings, and an Eevee-themed carousel. The park features a real-life Pokémon Centre where guests can purchase exclusive merchandise, continuing the franchise's lucrative retail tradition.
The timing coincides with Pokémon's 30th anniversary, with the franchise remaining the world's highest-grossing media brand with estimated lifetime revenues of $150 billion. The Pokémon Company reported profits of ¥70.3 billion (approximately £337 million) for the year ending February 2025, with projections suggesting further growth in 2026 through new games, merchandise, and the theme park itself.
Tourism Context and Cultural Significance
PokéPark Kanto represents part of a growing trend of video game-based attractions in Japan, following the success of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan since 2021. The park opens amid complex tourism dynamics, with Japan welcoming 42 million visitors in 2025 alongside rising concerns about overcrowding and anti-foreigner sentiment.
Newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been strengthening anti-tourist legislation, making PokéPark Kanto's family-friendly international appeal particularly noteworthy. The attraction is expected to increase visitor numbers to Tokyo while offering a different type of theme park experience focused on exploration and discovery rather than adrenaline-fueled rides.
For eagle-eyed visitors, hidden creatures throughout the trees and grass provide additional discovery opportunities, creating an experience that blends natural exploration with pop culture immersion in Japan's ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
