PokéPark Kanto, set to open on February 5, 2026, at Tokyo’s Yomiuriland, promises an immersive journey into the world of Pokémon—blending the charm of the anime and video games with real-world adventure. Designed to mirror the Kanto region’s iconic landscapes, the park features two main zones: the lush, trail-laden Pokémon Forest and the bustling, themed Sedge Town, complete with shops, rides, and the electrifying Sedge Gym, where live Pokémon performances will bring the Pokémon universe to life.

While the park’s vision is undeniably exciting, its strict access rules have ignited widespread debate—particularly around inclusivity, accessibility, and age restrictions.

🌲 The Pokémon Forest: Adventure with a Catch

The heart of the park, the Pokémon Forest, spans 500 meters of nature trails, steep inclines, tunnels, and 110 steps—all meant to simulate the journey of a true Pokémon Trainer. But these features come with high hurdles:

• No wheelchair access: As confirmed on both the English and Japanese official sites, wheelchair users are not permitted to enter the Pokémon Forest due to the terrain’s difficulty.
• 110-step limit: Guests who cannot climb 110 steps unassisted are denied entry—effectively excluding many with mobility impairments, elderly visitors, and even some parents carrying young children.
• Age restrictions: Children under five years old are barred, regardless of adult supervision.
• Health and wellness exclusions: Those who are pregnant, have heart conditions, experience blood pressure fluctuations, have consumed alcohol, or are feeling unwell on the day are not allowed.

These measures, while framed as safety precautions, have drawn criticism on Japanese social media. Fans expressed disappointment that a park built on a franchise celebrating friendship, diversity, and adventure would exclude so many. One recurring sentiment: “I’d been looking forward to it, so I wish there had been more consideration.”

🎟️ Ticket Options: What You Get

Despite the exclusions, the park offers tiered access to help manage expectations:

Discounted rates are available for:

• Children (3–12 years)
• Seniors
• Guests with disabilities

Still, the fact that 3- to 4-year-olds pay the same as older children—despite being barred from the Forest—has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the fairness of pricing for non-accessible experiences.

✅ The Bright Side: Inclusivity Is on the Way

In response to backlash, PokéPark Kanto has announced a new Town-only pass set to launch by summer 2026:

• Adult: ¥4,700
• Senior: ¥4,200
• Child & Guests with Disabilities: ¥2,800

This pass grants full access to Sedge Town’s attractions—rides, shops, live performances, and the Sedge Gym show—without requiring any physical exertion. It’s a major step toward ensuring everyone, regardless of mobility, age, or health, can enjoy the fun.

📸 Rules & Restrictions: What’s Prohibited

To preserve the experience and prevent disruption, the park enforces strict rules:

• No unauthorized filming or photography (including drones, selfie sticks, and commercial content)
• All bags are subject to inspection
• Prohibited items: suitcases, drones, selfie sticks, pets (except service animals)
• No outside food or drinks: Even items bought elsewhere in Yomiuriland are banned, with exceptions only for small children and dietary needs

These rules, while standard for large theme parks, may feel restrictive to fans used to sharing photos and videos of their journey.

💬 Final Thoughts

PokéPark Kanto is a bold and ambitious expansion of the Pokémon brand—offering a rare chance to step into the shoes of Ash Ketchum and explore a living, breathing version of Kanto. But the park’s commitment to safety, while understandable, has come at a cost: exclusion.

While the Sedge Town-only pass is a welcome compromise, many fans still feel that the core experience—walking through the Pokémon Forest, discovering statues of Pikachu, Charmander, and Bulbasaur in nature—shouldn’t be limited by physical ability or age.

As the opening date approaches, the park faces a growing challenge: can it balance safety with the inclusive spirit of Pokémon?

For now, the message is clear:

“The journey is real—but not everyone can take it.”

But with plans to expand access in summer 2026, there’s hope that PokéPark Kanto will one day truly become a place where every trainer, no matter their walk, can find their Pokémon destiny.

🔗 Official Site (Japanese): https://www.pokemonpark-kanto.com
🔗 Official Site (English): https://t.co/ahldUwjQv1
🎬 Official Trailer: Check it out here (link example)

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