Time to rack up those Poké-steps.
PokéPark KANTO theme park is opening on February 2026, but fans planning a trip to this upcoming PokéPark next year may want to start building up their stamina now.
The new attraction inside Tokyo’s Yomiuriland comes with a standout requirement: you must physically be able to climb 110 steps to enter Pokémon Forest, the park’s most immersive zone. It’s a strangely fitting twist for the franchise. Pokémon has always been about the journey, trekking through tall grass, climbing hills, stumbling through caves, and grinding your way to the next town.
PokéPark Kanto has taken that spirit and grounded it in real life, with a forest trail that genuinely asks visitors to be ready for a proper hike, not just a photo op.
Pokémon Forest: A real route challenge with real restrictions
Pokémon Forest spans a 1,640-foot woodland trail designed to mimic the wild routes of Kanto. It features steep slopes, changes in elevation, grass paths and tunnels, and it’s not something the theme park wants visitors to attempt unprepared.
For safety, entry is restricted to guests who can walk the full trail and climb the 110-step staircase unaided. Children under five, anyone unable to make the climb, and guests who fall under specific restricted-access categories will not be allowed in, regardless of who they’re with. The Pokémon Company repeats these restrictions across every ticket description that includes Forest access, making it one of the park’s clearest rules.
Visitors who can’t or don’t want to tackle the Forest will still be able to explore Sedge Town, the park’s more relaxed area filled with shops, stage shows, attractions and all the expected Pokémon charm.
A separate Town Pass, granting access to Sedge Town only, will be available from summer 2026.
Japan gets first access: Ticket sales go live on 21 November
The park’s ticketing system has introduced another complication: international fans can’t buy anything just yet. Those residing outside Japan are redirected to an English-only external page with “Coming Soon” written on it. Meanwhile, residents of Japan are first in line through a lottery system. Here are the confirmed details for residents of Japan:
- Tickets are sold via a lottery on the official PokéPark Kanto site.
- Lottery registration opens at 6 P.M. JST on 21 November, 2025.
- To register, visitors must create a membership and complete SMS verification using a mobile phone that works in Japan.
Sales Schedule
Tickets for 5 February to 31 March, 2026
- Lottery registration: 21 November – 8 December, 2025.
- Winner notification: Around late December (only winners are contacted).
- Payment deadline: 21–31 December, 2025.
Tickets for 1 April 2026 and beyond
- Lottery registration: 1st–12th of each month (starting 1 January 2026).
- Visit dates correspond to the month, three months after registration.
- Winner notification: Late each month.
- Payment deadline: End of each month.
- Schedule is subject to change.
Ticket Types and Pricing
PokéPark Kanto will open with two main ticket types, with prices that vary depending on date and age category. All ticket tiers include standard entry to Yomiuriland.
Ace Trainer’s Pass
- Unlimited access to Sedge Town.
- Unlimited access to Pokémon Forest.
- Priority lanes, reserved seating for the Sedge Gym Show, meet-and-greets and exclusive merchandise.
- Pokémon Forest restrictions fully apply.
Trainer’s Pass
- One timed entry to Pokémon Forest.
- Unlimited access to Sedge Town.
- Same physical requirements.
Town Pass (coming summer 2026)
- Entry to Sedge Town only.
So if you’re planning to visit next year, consider this a gentle nudge to start putting in the steps and levelling up your stamina now. After all, exploring Kanto will be quite the adventure.
