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A major new addition is coming to Japan’s Yomiuriland, with the operator announcing plans to develop a nature-based Pokémon theme park at its home in Tokyo
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 Dec 2023
PokéPark Kanto is coming to Yomiuriland Credit: PokéPark Kanto
Tokyo’s largest theme park is set to gain a major addition, with Yomiuriland announcing plans to develop a Pokémon-themed entertainment destination at the popular attraction.
Based on Japan’s Kanto region - also the original region of the franchise’s first games - PokéPark Kanto is set to feature a range of Pokémon experiences all set within a natural environment.
“Pokémon fans from all over the world will gather in this place rich in nature, feel Pokémon, and create a space that can be enjoyed together beyond the walls of countries, regions and languages,” said a release from Yomiuriland, which has not yet announced what will be included in the experience or when the attraction will open.
The announcement sees The Pokémon Company, Yomiuri Land Co, and Yomiuri Shimbun form a new company, PokéPark Kanto LLC. This is the second-such collaboration between Yomiuriland and the Pokémon Company, which previously worked on a natural experience called Pokémon Wonder, where visitors would have to hunt and explore for hidden Pokémon through 48,000sq ft (4,500sq m) of natural woodland behind the park.
Natural attractions are proving to be a hit in Japan, with the popular Studio Ghibli theme park drawing guests from all over the world, while future plans include the upcoming ¥70bn (US$470m, €429m, £372m) Jungalia, which aims to take advantage of the nature of the greater Yambaru forest area in Okinawa Prefecture.
In addition to PokéPark Kanto, The Pokémon Company has worked with a number of attractions in 2023, collaborating earlier in the year with the Van Gogh Museum and also working with Universal Studios Japan on the annual No Limit! Parade. Pokémon attractions are also heavily rumoured for Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe park and as additions to its Super Nintendo World attractions.
Theme park
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