World’s First Pokémon Airport To Open In Japan

This is what childhood dreams are made of!
by Andy Flores | May 22, 2026

If being welcomed to a new destination by over a hundred Pokémon sounds like a great idea to you, then you might want to consider visiting Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan soon. 

On July 7, 2026, Noto Satoyama Airport (NTQ) will reopen as “Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport,” becoming the first-ever Pokémon airport in the world. 

 

Regional revitalization efforts

This move by the prefecture, in partnership with Pokémon With You Foundation, aims to boost tourism in the region, following the devastating earthquake that hit the Noto Peninsula at the beginning of 2024.

The earthquake claimed the lives of over 200 people and left tens of thousands of buildings—including the Noto Satoyama Airport—either damaged or destroyed. Two years on, the region has yet to recover from the disaster’s widespread devastation. 

In a press event at the prefectural office, Governor Yamano Yukiyoshi—accompanied by Pikachu, of course—expressed his hopes for the reopening of the airport. “First, we want to give children in the area a sense of excitement and cheer them up,” said Yamano. “We also hope more people will visit the region and that this will bring economic benefits.”

Pokémon Airport highlights

Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport will be decked with 111 flying-type Pokémon as well as a new original artwork called Sky of Hope, so travelers will get the feeling of walking into a Pokédex, while also being reminded of the region’s resilience. Meanwhile, the centerpiece of the project is no less than a massive Pikachu balloon alongside an aircraft display at the two-story atrium. 

As passengers wait for their respective flights, they can watch an original animated series made especially for the collaboration, which can be accessed via smartphone throughout the terminal. The first confirmed episode is titled Fly, Bagon!, which follows a Bagon dreaming of flight while training beneath a Salamence monument located within the airport. 

Restaurant Annon on the third level of the airport terminal will also include Pokémon-themed pancakes and drinks on its menu—to be served on a Sky of Hope placemat—while the in-terminal Serendipity gift shop will sell exclusive character travel merchandise, such as luggage tags, luggage belts, shopping bags, and T-shirts. 

Airport sightseeing bus

To complete the Pokémon airport experience, an airport bus connecting Wajima and Kanazawa will be given a Pokémon makeover. 

 

The bus is set to shuttle passengers to the airport with some sightseeing stops for fans of the media franchise. Two of the stops are the “Sylveon with LOVE” monument in Suzu City and the Pokémon Wakura Footbath in Nanao City. 

Why visit Ishikawa Prefecture?

If you’re looking for a good reason to visit Ishikawa Prefecture to check out the Pokémon Airport, you’ll find a solid few. 

An underrated gem, the region—particularly the Noto Peninsula—is best known for its laid-back atmosphere, breathtaking coastal views, verdant rice paddies, lively morning market, colorful kiriko festivals, and warm locals. 

It will especially appeal to culinary enthusiasts, as it is home to the prized Noto no shio (Noto salt)—a type of sea salt produced through the 400-year-old agehama-shiki method, which involves manually scattering seawater over specially prepared sand and letting it dry in the sun.

The city of Wajima is also famous for its exquisite lacquerware or Wajima-nuri. This prestigious Japanese craft has a 6,800-year-old history, originating from Noto.

To make a single lacquered piece following the technique of Wajima craftsmen, the wooden base is layered with dozens (sometimes up to 124) applications of lacquer and ground earth. Once finished, pieces are accented with maki-e (gold or silver powder sprinkled over wet lacquer) or chinkin (gold inlay carved into the hardened surface). Needless to say, these make for precious souvenirs. 

The Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport will have a three-year run, with the activation concluding on September 30, 2029. For more information on Ishikawa Prefecture, you may visit its official website.