Tokyo welcomes first permanent Pokémon theme park
The Pokémon universe, created in 1996, has expanded into movies, an animated series, and the globally popular mobile game "Pokémon Go." Riding on Japan's record tourist influx and strong local fan interest, the first permanent Pokémon theme park opened in Tokyo on Thursday, offering visitors a fully immersive experience.
Named PokePark Kanto, the 2.6-hectare park is located within Yomiuri Land, Tokyo’s largest amusement park. Fans are greeted by statues of Pikachu and other iconic Pokémon characters, with attractions allowing them to "catch them all" in a hilly outdoor area filled with Pokémon figures. An additional zone recreates a Pokémon-themed town, featuring shops, dining, and interactive experiences inspired by the franchise’s games.
Since its debut on Nintendo’s Game Boy, Pokémon has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, combining the Japanese tradition of insect hunting with the concept of capturing, training, and battling “pocket monsters.” The franchise continues to evolve with films, animated series, and augmented-reality games like Pokémon Go.
Tokyo’s tourism boom, highlighted by over 40 million visitors in 2025 despite a drop in Chinese tourists due to diplomatic tensions, provides a fertile backdrop for new attractions. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has also announced plans to introduce Pokémon-themed experiences, further demonstrating the franchise’s enduring global appeal.
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