Japan is preparing to welcome aviation and Pokémon fans alike with the launch of the world’s first official Pokémon-themed airport later this summer. Located in Ishikawa Prefecture, Noto Satoyama Airport will temporarily transform into the “Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport”, bringing colourful character displays, themed attractions, and exclusive merchandise to travellers.
Pokémon Takes Over the Terminal
The airport revamp is expected to attract both domestic and international visitors while supporting tourism recovery efforts in the region following the devastating Noto Peninsula earthquake in 2024.
From 7 July 2026, passengers travelling through the airport can expect Pokémon-themed decorations across all four floors of the terminal. The redesign will include large murals, themed restaurants, interactive displays, and exclusive souvenirs inspired by the globally popular franchise.
One of the major attractions will be a giant Pikachu statue positioned on top of an aeroplane in the airport atrium, designed to become a centrepiece for visitors and photo opportunities.
Themed buses operating around the surrounding region will also help extend the experience beyond the airport itself, encouraging tourists to explore more of Ishikawa Prefecture.
Supporting Tourism Recovery in Ishikawa
The initiative forms part of wider efforts to boost tourism and bring renewed attention to the Noto Peninsula region after the earthquake that struck the area in January 2024.
Local officials hope the partnership with Pokémon will encourage increased visitor numbers while creating a positive and family-friendly atmosphere for residents and travellers alike. The project aligns with Pokémon’s long-running “Pokémon With You” programme, which has previously supported recovery initiatives and tourism campaigns across Japan.
Although the airport branding is temporary, the themed transformation is expected to remain in place until September 2029, giving fans several years to experience the attraction. Themed airports and aviation experiences continue to grow in popularity worldwide as destinations look for new ways to stand out and attract younger travellers. Japan in particular has become known for combining tourism, pop culture, and transport infrastructure in unique ways.
For Pokémon fans, the airport could become a must-visit destination alongside attractions such as Pokémon Cafés, Pokémon Centers, and themed trains already operating across the country. With international tourism to Japan continuing to rise, the Pokémon-themed airport is likely to become one of the country’s most talked-about travel experiences this summer.
The launch of the world’s first Pokémon-themed airport marks another example of Japan blending entertainment, tourism, and transport into a unique visitor experience. As the country continues to attract millions of international tourists, the colourful transformation of Noto Satoyama Airport is expected to generate major attention among both aviation enthusiasts and Pokémon fans.
Whether travelling for nostalgia, photography, or simply curiosity, visitors heading to Ishikawa this summer may soon find themselves greeted by Pikachu before they even leave the terminal.
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