Japan's Officially Opens Its First-Ever Pokémon Airport

The world’s first official Pokémon-themed airport has officially opened its doors, transforming Japan’s “Noto Satoyama Airport” into the brand-new “Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport” as part of a major regional revitalization project.

Pokémon first debuted in 1996 with the release of Pokémon Red and Green on the Game Boy and has since grown into one of the world’s most successful entertainment franchises, spanning video games, animation, trading cards, films, and merchandise while continuing to attract fans of all ages.

The ambitious project is the result of a partnership between Ishikawa Prefecture and the Pokémon With You Foundation, with the goal of supporting recovery efforts following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake while encouraging tourism and economic growth across the region.

As the world’s first airport to officially carry the Pokémon name, the newly transformed travel hub has been redesigned from the ground up to immerse visitors in the colorful world of Pokémon from the moment they arrive.

A newly commissioned illustration titled “Sky of Hope” depicts numerous Pokémon flying toward a bright rainbow, symbolizing hope, new beginnings, and the joy of travel, and will feature prominently throughout the airport and its exclusive merchandise.

The airport’s striking two-story atrium welcomes travelers with giant Pikachu and airplane-shaped balloons suspended overhead, surrounded by numerous Pokémon appearing to soar through the open space.

Designers have incorporated all 111 currently known Flying-type Pokémon throughout the airport, excluding Mega Evolutions and Regional Forms, encouraging visitors to search for hidden characters as they explore the terminals.

Pokémon-themed directional signs have also been installed throughout the building, turning navigation around the airport into part of the overall experience.

The first-floor arrivals lobby showcases the large-scale “Bright Future” illustration that was originally created in 2024 to support Noto’s recovery efforts, while a three-dimensional display featuring Pikachu, Plusle and Minun warmly greets arriving passengers.

On the second floor, visitors will find decorative displays including Machamp carrying luggage through the terminal, while the Serendipity gift shop offers an extensive range of exclusive merchandise featuring the airport’s new logo and original artwork.

Available souvenirs include T-shirts, keychains, luggage tags, suitcase belts, and other travel-themed collectibles created exclusively for the airport.

The third floor features “Pikachu’s Satoyama,” where numerous Pikachu gather together to form an adorable countryside-inspired display overlooking the surrounding scenery.

Restaurant Annon, also located on the third floor, serves an exclusive themed menu that includes two varieties of pancakes and two original drinks.

Guests who order a pancake and drink set will also receive their meal on a special “Sky of Hope” placemat created exclusively for the collaboration.

Visitors can further enhance their trip by watching three original short videos on their smartphones while exploring the terminal.

One of these animated stories, titled “Fly! Bagon,” follows the dreams of a young Bagon that longs to soar through the skies and connects directly to a statue inside the airport showing the Pokémon looking up toward Salamence.

A newly installed Pokémon manhole cover featuring Bagon and Salamence has also been added to the airport grounds, giving fans another unique photo spot tied to the Fly! Bagon story.

The Pokémon experience extends beyond the airport itself, with Hokuriku Railroad Group introducing two specially wrapped buses that will help visitors explore destinations across the wider Noto Peninsula.

One vehicle will operate daily on the existing express route linking Kanazawa Station, the airport and Wajima City, while the second serves a new sightseeing route connecting travelers with Pokémon attractions including the Wakura Pokémon Footbath in Nanao City and the Sylveon with LOVE monument in Suzu City.

The Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport officially opened on July 7, 2026, and will remain in operation as a limited-time attraction until September 30, 2029.