Pokémon fans flocking to Tokyo for a unique adventure as the world's first-ever Pokémon theme park opens.
Pokémon enthusiasts are likely to arrive in Japan sooner than ever before this February, thanks to the grand opening of PokéPark Kanto, an amusement park filled with life-size models of beloved creatures from the iconic games. Located in the quiet Tokyo suburb of Inagi, half an hour from central Tokyo, the 26,000 sq-metre park is a walkable forest home to more than 600 Pokémon.
Unlike the thrill rides at Tokyo Disney Sea or Universal Studios Japan, PokéPark Kanto's main attraction lies in its immersive Pokémon experience. Divided into two main areas – Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town plaza – visitors can explore habitats designed by renowned Pokémon creator Junichi Masuda. The park's creative vision brings a re-creation of observing these fantastical creatures in the wild to life, with endearingly lifelike statues and engaging tableaus showcasing various species interacting with one another.
A visit to PokéPark Kanto feels like being alongside David Attenborough as you observe Pokémon in their natural habitats. Beaver-like Bidoofs use their front teeth to cut down real trees, while worm-like Diglett burrow above the soil to greet a smiling Eevee. The park's creative direction offers an awe-inspiring experience, with full-scale re-creations of larger creatures like Onix and Rhyhorns lining the main path.
PokéPark Kanto is set to be another lucrative venture for the Pokémon Company, which has already established itself as one of the world's highest-grossing media brands. The park offers tickets through a lottery system, ranging between ¥7,900 (£38) for standard adult tickets and ¥14,000 (£66) for priority passes.
The opening of PokéPark Kanto marks an exciting moment in the Pokémon Company's expansion plans. Its sister parks have found success worldwide since Super Nintendo World debuted at Universal Studios Japan in 2021, with locations in Hollywood and Florida offering substantial quarterly revenues. However, recent years have seen increased tourist numbers in Japan, leading to growing tensions between locals and visitors.
With its family-friendly appeal and focus on delivering a unique Pokémon experience, PokéPark Kanto is likely to attract more visitors to Tokyo, adding to the city's overcrowded streets.
Pokémon enthusiasts are likely to arrive in Japan sooner than ever before this February, thanks to the grand opening of PokéPark Kanto, an amusement park filled with life-size models of beloved creatures from the iconic games. Located in the quiet Tokyo suburb of Inagi, half an hour from central Tokyo, the 26,000 sq-metre park is a walkable forest home to more than 600 Pokémon.
Unlike the thrill rides at Tokyo Disney Sea or Universal Studios Japan, PokéPark Kanto's main attraction lies in its immersive Pokémon experience. Divided into two main areas – Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town plaza – visitors can explore habitats designed by renowned Pokémon creator Junichi Masuda. The park's creative vision brings a re-creation of observing these fantastical creatures in the wild to life, with endearingly lifelike statues and engaging tableaus showcasing various species interacting with one another.
A visit to PokéPark Kanto feels like being alongside David Attenborough as you observe Pokémon in their natural habitats. Beaver-like Bidoofs use their front teeth to cut down real trees, while worm-like Diglett burrow above the soil to greet a smiling Eevee. The park's creative direction offers an awe-inspiring experience, with full-scale re-creations of larger creatures like Onix and Rhyhorns lining the main path.
PokéPark Kanto is set to be another lucrative venture for the Pokémon Company, which has already established itself as one of the world's highest-grossing media brands. The park offers tickets through a lottery system, ranging between ¥7,900 (£38) for standard adult tickets and ¥14,000 (£66) for priority passes.
The opening of PokéPark Kanto marks an exciting moment in the Pokémon Company's expansion plans. Its sister parks have found success worldwide since Super Nintendo World debuted at Universal Studios Japan in 2021, with locations in Hollywood and Florida offering substantial quarterly revenues. However, recent years have seen increased tourist numbers in Japan, leading to growing tensions between locals and visitors.
With its family-friendly appeal and focus on delivering a unique Pokémon experience, PokéPark Kanto is likely to attract more visitors to Tokyo, adding to the city's overcrowded streets.