Japan’s Noto Satoyama becomes the world’s 1st Pokémon Airport
May 18, 2026
This summer, Japan will open the world’s first Pokémon-branded airport by changing Noto Satoyama Airport into the “Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport.” The redecoration is part of the region’s recovery efforts after the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake.
“Ishikawa Prefecture and Pokémon With You Foundation are working to cheer up the affected children and to support tourism to revitalise the region,” the Prefecture states in an official announcement.
“In addition to providing Pokémon fans across the country with the pleasure of touching Pokémon projects that are only available here, we will create tourism demand, increase the number of residents, and increase smiles and excitement for everyone in Noto.”
The themed airport will officially launch on July 7, 2026, and will remain in operation through September 2029. According to Ishikawa Prefecture and the Pokémon With You Foundation, it will be the first airport in the world to carry the Pokémon name.
A Pokémon-themed airport designed to boost tourism
The airport overhaul includes large-scale Pokémon decorations throughout as well as exclusive Pokémon merchandise sold in shops, themed food offerings and special transport links across the peninsula.
The airport’s atrium will feature a two-story balloon display featuring Pikachu and an airplane, surrounded by Flying-type Pokémon installations. Organisers say all 111 Flying-type Pokémon discovered as of May 2026 will appear somewhere throughout the airport. Travellers are encouraged to catch them all.
Pokémon take over the terminal
Passengers arriving at the airport will find Pokémon-themed signs, boarding bridges, walls and observation deck displays. The airport’s rooftop viewing area will feature a “Pikachu’s Village” installation recreating a satoyama countryside landscape using clusters of Pikachu figures.
The arrivals lobby will also showcase “A Bright Future,” an original artwork created in 2024 to support reconstruction efforts in Noto following the earthquake.
Pikachu, Plusle and Minun appear prominently in the installation and also appear as three-dimensional monuments inside the terminal.
Pokémon buses, food and exclusive merchandise
The airport experience extends beyond the terminal itself. Pokémon-wrapped buses operated by the Hokuriku Railroad Group will connect travellers from the airport to attractions across the Noto Peninsula, including Pokémon-themed footbaths and monuments already introduced there.
An original artwork, “Sky of Hope”, commemorates the opening of the Pokémon-themed airport.
“It expresses the longing for the sky, the joy of flying freely, and the ‘hope’ for a new journey, together with the expression of dazzling lights and sparkling rainbows,” the Prefecture states.
It will be used for various decorations in the airport building, as well as for original goods sold at the airport and bus decorations.
Inside the airport, visitors will be able to buy exclusive Pokémon travel merchandise, including luggage tags, keychains, suitcase belts and apparel featuring the new “Sky of Hope” artwork created specifically for the project.
The airport’s Restaurant Anon, located on the third floor, will serve Pokémon-themed pancakes and drinks inspired by Pokémon characters on placemats that feature the “Sky of Hope” artwork.
Pokémon tourism continues expanding in Japan
The project reflects Japan’s growing use of popular entertainment franchises to promote domestic tourism and regional revitalisation. Pokémon has partnered with local governments and transport operators through the “Pokémon With You” initiative, which focuses on supporting children and communities affected by natural disasters.
For aviation, the concept follows the popularity of Pokémon-themed aircraft liveries and the general appeal of Japan’s Kawaii “cute” culture.
Noto Satoyama is leaning into immersive passenger experiences as airport terminals compete to become more than transport hubs, becoming destinations in their own right.
Featured Image: Ishikawa Prefecture
