Noto Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, reopened Tuesday after being redesigned as a Pokémon-themed airport. [Smoking Airports website]
Noto Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, reopened Tuesday after being redesigned as a Pokémon-themed airport. [Smoking Airports website]

Noto Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, has been transformed into the world's first Pokémon-themed airport, drawing on the beloved anime and video game franchise. The project is the result of a collaboration between the local government and the Pokémon Foundation to revive tourism in the Noto region, which was hit by a major earthquake and heavy rains in 2024.

Kyodo News reported Tuesday that the airport reopened under the new name "Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport." At an opening ceremony held that morning, Pikachu — the franchise's iconic character — made an appearance and cut the ribbon. Ishikawa Governor Yamano Yukiyoshi said in a congratulatory address that he hoped "the excitement the Pokémon Airport brings will serve as a driving force for Noto's recovery and give it great momentum."

As the world's first Pokémon airport, the facility features nine photo zones indoors and three outdoors to showcase the theme. In keeping with the airport's role as a gateway to the skies, 111 flying-type Pokémon — including Dragonite — are depicted throughout the building. A large Pikachu statue riding a balloon airplane stands in the central plaza inside the terminal.

The first-floor arrivals lobby features an artwork depicting Pokémon moving energetically through nature, carrying a message of support for the Noto region's tourism recovery. The third-floor observation deck, named "Pikachu's Satoyama," is decorated with illustrations of Pikachu in various poses. Visitors can also use their smartphones to scan sounds emitted from indoor sculptures and unlock behind-the-scenes Pokémon video content. Even the manhole covers on the ground have been decorated with Pokémon characters.

The airport restaurant "Annon" has begun serving special Pokémon-themed menu items, while the gift shop carries limited-edition merchandise available exclusively at the airport.


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