- Noto Satoyama Airport will reopen as Pokémon-themed from July 7, 2026, to Sept 30, 2029
- The makeover supports recovery and tourism after the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake
- Airport features include Pokémon-themed decorations, logo, signage, and a large Pikachu balloon
Japan is about to give Pokémon fans yet another reason to pack their bags. In a major announcement that has already created excitement across the travel world, the Noto Satoyama Airport in Japan's Noto Peninsula is getting a magical Pokémon-inspired transformation, becoming the world's first airport to officially carry Pokémon name.
Japan Is Opening The World's First Pokémon-Themed Airport
Starting July 7, 2026, the regional airport will reopen as "Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport," and this limited-time makeover will continue until September 30, 2029. The project is a collaboration between the Ishikawa Prefectural Government and the Pokémon With You Foundation, created to support recovery and tourism revitalisation following the devastating 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. The goal is simply to bring smiles back to local communities, especially children affected by the disaster.
The airport's new original logo is bright, blending familiar Pokémon touches like Poké Balls and Pikachu with the shape of the Noto Peninsula. The building exterior will feature giant Pokémon-themed decorations, while pillars at the entrance will be lined with beloved characters. Even regular airport signs have been redesigned with Pokémon-inspired details. One of the airport's biggest highlights is its massive two-storey atrium, with a huge balloon featuring Pikachu aboard an airplane floating in the centre, surrounded by countless Pokémon.
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The Symbols Of The Story Of Hope
The first-floor arrival area features a large reconstruction-support artwork called "A Bright Future." Intended to deliver an emotional message, it was created in 2024 to support Noto's recovery after the earthquake. Another standout feature is a brand-new original artwork created specially for the reopening called "Sky of Hope." It shows Pokémon flying through radiant skies filled with rainbows and light. It will appear throughout the airport and also feature on exclusive souvenirs, bus wraps, and official merchandise.
There's Pokémon Food, Souvenirs, And Buses
No themed destination is complete without exclusive snacks. On the third floor, visitors can stop at Restaurant Annon for special Pokémon-themed menu items. The restaurant plans to serve two original Pokémon pancake creations, two exclusive-themed drinks, and special collectable placemats when ordering combo sets.
The airport's second-floor shop, Serendipity, will release limited-edition airport-exclusive Pokémon goods, like Pokémon logo T-shirts, Keychains, Luggage tags, Suitcase belts, "Sky of Hope" collectables, etc.
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Starting mid-July 2026, specially wrapped Pokémon buses will begin operating across the Noto Peninsula. One route connects Kanazawa Station, the airport, and Wajima City, and another brand-new sightseeing route will connect visitors to Pokémon-themed attractions across Noto. These special buses will mainly operate on weekends, public holidays, and seasonal travel periods.
