Japan’s Pokémon Airport Gets Ready for Take-Off
Noto Satoyama Airport in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture is getting a Pokémon-themed makeover as part of renovation works linked to regional recovery. The airport will be renamed Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport on 7 July 2026. The project is due to run until 30 September 2029, with themed displays, events and visitor attractions across the terminal.
The airport currently operates domestic flights only between Noto and Tokyo Haneda, but the new theme is designed to draw extra attention to the region. Visitors will be able to find 111 flying-type Pokémon across the four-storey building. A Pikachu sitting on an aircraft will appear in the atrium, surrounded by characters inspired by birds, insects and dragons.
What Visitors Will Find
The airport plans to add:
- First-floor arrivals mural: "A Bright Future", inspired by Noto’s nature;
- Character pillars: outdoor Pokémon decorations;
- Second-floor displays: airport-themed Pokémon wall art and signposts;
- Restaurant items: themed pancakes and drinks;
- Gift shop goods: T-shirts, keychains, suitcase belts and luggage tags.
The project also has a recovery angle after the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, which caused major damage across the area. The airport says the theme is intended to bring cheer to children affected by the disaster. A "Sky of Hope" design will appear on merchandise and on a sightseeing bus linking Kanazawa Station, the airport and Wajima City.
The makeover gives Pokémon fans another reason to add Ishikawa to a Japan trip, especially if travelling through Tokyo Haneda. Kanazawa, Wajima, the Wakura Pokémon Footbath and the Sylveon With LOVE monument in Suzu City could all fit into a themed regional itinerary. It also connects with wider Pokémon travel options in Japan, including hotel rooms and PokéPark Kanto in Tokyo.
