(Review) PokéPark Kanto: I went inside the world’s first permanent outdoor Pokémon park
If you’re a Pokémon fan traveling to Japan, there is a new must-visit destination on the map. PokéPark Kanto, located within Yomiuriland in Inagi, Tokyo, feels like a dream come true for longtime Pokémon fans. My review covers what this charming park is like; spoiler alert, it’s fun on a rainy day.
I recently stepped inside the world’s first permanent Pokémon park. It’s as amazing and adorable as any Pokémon fan would hope for. It’s also incredibly accessible, taking only about 45 minutes from Shinjuku Station. PokéPark Kanto was first announced in 2025; it’s now open for Trainers and casual fans alike.
What makes PokéPark Kanto so special
Walking through PokéPark Kanto felt like stepping into a living Pokémon world. The experience is designed around exploration, with Pokémon tucked throughout forests, gardens, rooftops, tunnels, and pathways inspired by locations from the games. I found myself constantly slowing down to look around because there was always another Pokémon hidden somewhere nearby.
For travelers already planning a Tokyo Disney Resort vacation, PokéPark Kanto is surprisingly doable as an additional day trip. The attraction is located about 25 miles from Tokyo Disneyland, with travel times typically ranging from 45 minutes by car to around 90 minutes by train, depending on connections.
All photos by Mai
To help you get oriented, let’s start with the basics. PokéPark Kanto is an immersive land located within Yomiuriland, a historic Tokyo-area amusement park known for its family attractions, seasonal events, and roller coasters. There are two main areas within PokéPark: Sedge Town and Pokémon Forest.
Character encounters
As soon as you enter Sedge Town, you can meet Pikachu and Eevee. The atmosphere was electric from the moment guests arrived. Throughout the day, other favorites like Vulpix, Snorlax, Slowpoke, and Geodude also appeared for character greetings.
Pokémon Playhouse
The characters here change daily. I was lucky enough to meet Psyduck. Be sure to check the “Today’s Pokemon” board outside the house to see who is appearing that day.
More Pokémon throughout Sedge Town
You can spot Pokémon hidden all around Sedge Town. Look closely at rooftops, windows, and tucked-away corners behind buildings so you don’t miss any details.
Browse my photos below to get an idea of where to look.
Exclusive merchandise and goodies
The shopping experience is one of the highlights of PokéPark Kanto.
Blind pin badges
The Poké Ball-shaped blind pins are incredibly popular, so expect a queue. I managed to pull Mew.
Custom souvenirs
Guests can purchase Pokémon-themed headbands, hats, and even Pikachu and Eevee keychains that can be engraved with your name.
Pokémon card challenge
Don’t miss the themed photo event. Guests can grab a Pokémon Card frame, take photos around Sedge Town, and receive a special sticker afterward.
Pokémon Daisuki Shop
This is the largest merchandise location in the park, filled with snacks, attraction-themed goods, plushies, and exclusive souvenirs.
Tasty treats
Exploring PokéPark Kanto definitely works up an appetite, and the themed food locations add even more charm to the experience.
Pikachu’s Onigiri Shop
Guests can order an onigiri rice ball set served with fried chicken (karaage) and warm pork soup (tonjiru).
Photo by Mai
Altaria’s Roost Kitchen
This location offers customizable soup-and-sandwich combo meals.
Snorlax’s Popcorn
Two popcorn flavors are available: caramel and BBQ. There is also a themed popcorn bucket available for purchase.
Eevee’s Café
The latte art drinks are especially adorable. The café also serves ice cream bars, sweets, and themed desserts. I love that the latte art can include Jolteon, the perfect metaphor for a caffeine jolt. My order included Eevee and Umbreon art.
Photo by Mai
Photo by Mai
Pokémon Center
When your partner Pokémon gets tired, Chansey is always ready to help. Guests can place small plush toys onto the Healing Machine for a cute interactive moment.
Spectacular shows
Pika Pika Sparks!
This stage show takes place at the Sedge Gym, where multiple Pikachus face off against Team Rocket in an energetic performance. During the finale, guests can take photos of Pikachus lined up in different costumes.
Entry to the Sedge Gym show is by lottery, and guests may sign up only once per day for each performance.
Pikachu and Eevee Bubble Carnival
This entertainment offering is usually presented as a parade through Sedge Town. Unfortunately, it rained during my visit, so it was modified into a character photo session instead. Even so, Pikachu and Eevee were beyond cute.
Pokémon Forest
Leaving Professor Oak’s Lab feels straight out of the original games. Guests emerge onto Route 1 from Pokémon Red and Green before beginning their journey through Pokémon Forest.
The forest is divided into several immersive themed zones:
- Pikachu & Eevee Area
- Mole Pokémon Area (Diglett & Dugtrio)
- Bird Pokémon & Skwovet Area
- Bidoof’s Area
- Rhyhorn Riding Area
- Carkol Tunnel
- Onix & Sentret Area
- The Flower Garden
Fun attractions
There are two main rides themed to Pikachu and Eevee. Both are beautifully designed, so it really comes down to choosing your favorite ride vehicle and enjoying the experience.
Pika Pika Paradise
Guests board Pikachu-themed vehicles and soar into the sky, powered by the electricity of 30 different Electric-type Pokémon. Be sure to look for a ride vehicle themed to your favorite Pokémon before boarding.
Vee Vee Voyage
This whimsical carousel-style attraction sends guests floating through the air in balloons with Eevee or riding in elegant carriages pulled by Ponyta and Rapidash. Members of the Eevee evolution family appear throughout the attraction, and some are even decorated with adorable ribbons.
Important Tips for Visitors
Certain activities require a numbered ticket (Seiri-ken) due to their popularity. Check these as soon as you arrive:
| Facility | Type | Access Method |
| Pokémon Greeting House | Meet Characters | First-come, first-served |
| Pokémon Daisuki Shop | Merchandise | First-come, first-served |
| Pika Pika Sparks! | Stage Show | Lottery System |
More Pokémon attractions
While PokéPark Kanto is currently the world’s first permanent outdoor Pokémon theme park, Pokémon experiences are also being explored at other destinations, including future attractions connected to Universal parks worldwide. Unlike those rumored or franchise-based theme park attractions, PokéPark Kanto focuses heavily on exploration, character encounters, themed environments, and interactive discovery woven throughout the land.
PokéPark Kanto is located inside Yomiuriland at 4015-1 Yanokuchi in Inagi, Tokyo, about 45 minutes from Shinjuku Station. As the journey continues and you plan your own PokePark visit, read over the important info section of the official website. One thing is certain: PokéPark Kanto has already earned a spot on many Trainers’ bucket lists.
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