Tourists planning a trip to Yomiuriland theme park in Tokyo to check out the new Pokémon area next year may want to start getting their steps in now. Poképark Kanto is a theme park with a physical fitness requirement, age restrictions, and a high price tag.
The park is opening sooner than expected, February 5th of next year, and will offer three different ticket types. The new area spans roughly 280,000 square feet, giving fans plenty of room to explore Sedge Town and Pokémon Forest. Sedge Town, with its rides, stage shows, and souvenir shops, will be open to anyone with a ticket.
Access to Pokémon Forest, however, is more restricted.
The Long Walk
When the official website went live, eyebrows went up when hopeful fans found the fine print.
“The Pokémon Forest is a nature-filled forest with steep hills and stairs. Entry has certain restrictions in place for the safety of all Trainers. Children under the age of 5 and their guardians, guests who cannot walk up a 110-step staircase, and other guests in the restricted-access category will not be allowed to enter (even with persons assisting them).”
The forest is a 1,640-foot nature trail. That’s only about six city blocks, but unpaved and hilly, with some tunnels. For guests with the stamina, it promises to be an immersive experience that any aspiring Pokémon Trainer over 5 years old will appreciate. Those accustomed to more inclusive parks and who are unable to meet the 110-step staircase requirement may go home disappointed.
A screenshot from Pokémon Violet (2022), Nintendo
There’s currently no word on how or where the step test will be administered. If it’s before entering Poképark Kanto and purchasing tickets, those who don’t know their limits have no cause for concern. However, there’s no clarification if refunds are available should a ticket-holding guest fail to meet the requirement.
Ticket Costs
Poképark Kanto tickets are an additional cost when visiting Yomiuriland and are not available standalone. Geeks + Gamers provided a breakdown in yen and US dollars.
Key art for Pokémon GO (2024), Niantic
A one-day, all-you-can-ride ticket to Yomiuriland (not including Poképark Kanto):
● Adults (aged 18-64): 5,900 yen (USD $37.45)
● Children aged 12-17: 4,700 yen (USD $29.83)
● Children aged 6-11, seniors (aged 65 and up): 4,100 yen (USD $26.02)
● Children aged 3-5: 2,500 yen (USD $15.87)
The Trainer Pass ticket (allows access to both Sedge Town and Pokémon Forest):
● Adults (aged 13 and up): starting at 7,900 yen (USD $50.17)
● Children (aged 3-12): starting at 4,700 yen (USD $29.83)
● Seniors (aged 65 and up): starting at 7,100 yen (USD $45.09)
The Ace Trainer Pass, also called the “Elite Trainer Pass” ticket (grants access to both areas, priority line access for attractions in Sedge Town, free rides on the rides, a photo op with Evee and Pikachu, and souvenirs):
● Adults (aged 13 and up): starting at 14,000 yen (USD $88.91)
● Children (aged 3-12): starting at 11,000 yen (USD $69.89)
● Seniors (aged 65 and up): starting at 13,500 yen (USD $85.78)
The Town Pass ticket (no access to Pokémon Forest, only Sedge Town):
● Adults (aged 13 and up): starting at 4,700 yen (USD $29.86)
● Children (aged 3-12): starting at 2,800 yen (USD $17.79)
● Seniors (aged 65 and up): starting at 4,200 yen (USD $26.69)
Ash Ketchum hugs Pikachu in the intro to Pokemon – YouTube, The Official Pokemon YouTube Channel
So a family of four, physically fit adults with older children should expect to pay $335.24 USD for a day of playing Pokémon Trainer. It should also be noted that the Poképark Kanto website lists these ticket prices as “starting at” which suggests variability. Soranews24 notes this implies “higher ticket prices, say for weekends, holidays, and peak travel seasons.”
Tickets are currently only available through a lottery. Still, given the massive international Pokémon fanbase, Poképark Kanto will likely remain a dream destination for many.
Would a fitness requirement keep you from visiting a Pokemon theme park? Let us know in the comments!
Nothing amuses me more than the idea of some little Japanese girl trying to explain to some Honey Boo Boo looking Amerimutt that they’re too morbidly obese to enter the Pokemon theme park. “Too beaucoup, too beaucoup.”