Travelling to Tokyo for the first time? Be sure to complete all these fun and exciting things to do!

If you grew up with a Game Boy in your hand, you likely spent hours trying to catch them all in the Kanto region. Now, that nostalgia has become a physical place. PokéPark KANTO officially opened its doors inside the Yomiuriland amusement park in Tokyo on 5 February 2026. While meeting a life-sized Pikachu sounds like a dream, the process of getting inside is proving to be a challenge for even the most dedicated travellers.
The park is split into two main sections. Pokémon Forest is a 500-metre nature trail where you can spot around 600 different Pokémon models hidden among the trees and tall grass. For a more urban experience, Sedge Town houses the Pokémon Center, a themed Gym, and the Trainer’s Market for merchandise. This town area also hosts character parades and meet-and-greet sessions.

Image credit: ©2026 Pokémon. ©1995-2026 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Entry costs depend on your age and the level of access you want. For those aged 13 and above, these are the current pass options:
Ace Trainer’s Pass (from ₱5,208). This is the "all-access" pass. It includes unlimited entry to both the Forest and Sedge Town, a reserved seat for the Sedge Gym Show, special meet-and-greets, and one-time priority access to the rides.
Trainer’s Pass (from ₱2,939). This grants a single, time-slotted entry to the Pokémon Forest and unlimited entry to Sedge Town.
Town Pass (from ₱1,748). Available starting in May 2026, this is a budget-friendly option for those who only want to explore Sedge Town.
Children aged 3 to 12 and seniors over 65 can enter at lower rates. All PokéPark tickets include basic admission to Yomiuriland, but you will need to pay extra if you want to use the main amusement park's non-Pokémon rides.
Securing a slot is currently the hardest part of the trip. For Filipinos and other international tourists, there is a dedicated English-language booking portal. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and typically open two months in advance.
Demand is so high that presale tickets are often snatched up minutes after they are released. If you are planning a visit, your best bet is to check the international site daily for any cancelled slots or new releases. Note that if you are a resident of Japan, you must use a different local site that requires a Japanese phone number for SMS verification.
Once you secure your tickets, your next step is downloading the official park app. This tool is essential because it is the only way to book "limited-access" spots once you are inside the park gates. This includes entry times for the Pokémon Daisuki Shop and reservations for the Sedge Gym Show.
For Filipino travellers, keep in mind that the app may be region-locked in some app stores. You might need to adjust your phone's region settings to Japan to find it. Once it is installed, use it to group your family's tickets together so you can book show times for everyone at once. Be careful not to delete the app after registering your tickets, as recovering them can be difficult.
One of the most talked-about features of the park is its strict safety and fitness requirement for the Pokémon Forest. Because this area is a natural woodland with uneven paths and steep hills, all guests must be able to climb a 110-step staircase without any assistance.
If you cannot manage the stairs or if you are travelling with children under five years old, you will be barred from the Forest zone entirely for safety reasons. This also means that wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted in the Forest. If this applies to you, it is better to wait for the Town Pass this summer, which focuses on the paved and accessible Sedge Town area.

Image credit: ©2026 Pokémon. ©1995-2026 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Since PokéPark KANTO is an outdoor attraction, your experience depends heavily on the weather. On rainy days, the park usually remains open, and you can see a different side of the Pokémon ecology as they "react" to the rain. However, if the weather becomes severe, the Pokémon Forest and the two main rides may be suspended for safety.
Tickets are generally non-refundable even during bad weather, so it is wise to bring a sturdy umbrella or a raincoat. While the Forest might close, indoor areas like the Pokémon Center and some shops in Sedge Town will likely stay open, giving you a place to wait out the storm.
If you were planning to bring a packed lunch or "baon" to save money, you should know that Yomiuriland has a strict policy against bringing in outside food, bottles, or cans. They want guests to dine at the themed spots inside, such as Pikachu’s Onigiri Shop or Eevee’s Café.
The only exceptions are typically made for baby food or guests with specific medical dietary needs. If you need a break from the park food, you can speak to a staff member at the exit to get a hand stamp. This allows you to re-enter the park later in the day if you want to grab a quick meal at a nearby convenience store outside the main gates.

Image credit: ©2026 Pokémon. ©1995-2026 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Getting to the park is simple if you are staying in Central Tokyo. The most common route is from Shinjuku Station:
Take the Keiō Line toward Keiō-Hachiōji.
Change at Chōfu Station for a train heading to Hashimoto.
Get off at Keiō-Yomiuriland Station (approx. ₱119).
From the station, you can take a short ride on the Sky Shuttle gondola (₱111 one way) or hop on the Yomi 01 bus (₱78) to reach the park entrance. You can also use the Odakyu Line to Yomiuriland-mae Station and take a city bus from there.
For Filipinos planning their 2026 Japan holiday, PokéPark KANTO is a must-see, provided you book your tickets well before you leave Manila.
Featured image credit: ©2026 Pokémon. ©1995-2026 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
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