Can You Walk Up 110 Steps Without Help? The Pokémon Theme Park in Japan Has Some Strict Safety Rules That Could Exclude Many Visitors

PokéPark Kanto Opens in Japan Next February

Visitors to PokéPark Kanto will step into the role of Pokémon Trainers, exploring a vibrant town and lush forest area designed to bring the beloved anime and video games to life. However, fans eager to live out their Ash Ketchum dreams may find that strict access rules limit participation for many guests.

PokéPark Kanto will be situated within Tokyo’s largest theme park, Yomiuriland. The park is divided into two main zones: the expansive Pokémon Forest, a nature-rich area featuring trails, hills, tunnels, and stairs, and Sedge Town, home to shops, rides, and the Sedge Gym, where guests can enjoy live Pokémon performances. More details on the attractions are available in IGN’s previous coverage.

『PokéPark Kanto』will open on February 5, 2026! Ahead of the opening, we’re sharing an official trailer packed with excitement from the new park! Check the official site for more: https://t.co/ahldUwjQv1 #PokéParkKanto pic.twitter.com/CNrcjznT2V

According to the Area Rules on the official PokéPark Kanto website, the Pokémon Forest is a 500-meter nature trail with steep inclines, tunnels, and stairs. As guests walk through, they’ll encounter statues of Pokémon at play, resting, or battling in their natural settings.

For safety reasons, the Pokémon Forest has strict entry restrictions. The official English site states that guests who cannot climb 110 steps unassisted will not be permitted to enter—this may affect many people with mobility challenges. The official Japanese site confirms that wheelchair users cannot access the area. Additionally, children under five are excluded, even with adult supervision. Those who are pregnant, have heart conditions, experience high or low blood pressure, have consumed alcohol, or are feeling unwell on the day are also barred from entry.

While PokéPark Kanto clearly prioritizes guest safety, the result is that ticket holders may miss out on a major portion of the experience if they don’t meet the requirements. The park will offer two ticket types upon opening: the Ace Trainer’s Pass (14,000 yen) and the Trainer’s Pass (7,900 yen), both granting access to the Pokémon Forest. The Ace Trainer’s Pass includes priority lane access, reserved seating for the Sedge Gym show, exclusive meet-and-greets, and original merchandise. The Trainer’s Pass offers unlimited access to Sedge Town and a scheduled entry time for the Pokémon Forest.

To help, PokéPark Kanto offers reduced rates for children aged 3–12, seniors, and guests with disabilities. Despite this, the restrictions on the Pokémon Forest sparked widespread criticism on Japanese social media when announced. Some questioned why 3- to 4-year-olds are charged the same as older children, given they cannot enter the Forest. Others expressed disappointment that the area lacks wheelchair-accessible pathways. One comment read: “I’d been looking forward to it, so I wish there had been more consideration.”

While the Pokémon Forest remains inaccessible to many, Sedge Town will be more inclusive. By summer 2026, the park plans to introduce a Town-only pass—priced at 4,700 yen for adults, 4,200 yen for seniors, and 2,800 yen for children and guests with disabilities—to ensure everyone can enjoy the park safely and comfortably, according to the Japanese language site.

PokéPark Kanto also enforces strict rules against recording inside the park. This includes any unauthorized filming or photography for commercial purposes, or any content that may disrupt other visitors or impact park operations. All bags are subject to inspection at entry. Prohibited items include suitcases, drones, selfie sticks, and pets—except service animals. There is also a “No Outside Food” policy, banning food and drinks from being brought into the park (including items purchased elsewhere in Yomiuriland), though exceptions are made for small children and those with dietary needs.