Starting today (July 7), travellers to Wajimi on Japan’s western Noto peninsula will arrive at Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport – the only airport in the world to officially bear the Pokémon name.
Running through the end of September 2029, the project is the result of a partnership between Ishikawa Prefecture and the Pokémon With You Foundation, an initiative established to “bring smiles and renewed energy to communities” affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
Originally an electronic game series by Nike that debuted in Japan in 1996, Pokémon became a cultural a phenomenon that now includes trading cards, movies and TV shows, merchandise and much more.
“Deeply connected to the landscape and spirit of Noto, this is a project that could only have emerged from this region,” said officials of the former Noto Satoyama Airport.
From the moment visitors arrive, Pokémon appear throughout the airport. Original decorations line the entrance, while a newly designed airport logo welcomes guests at the terminal entrance.
Inside the first-floor arrival lobby, visitors will find a large-scale installation based on Akarui Mirai (“A Bright Future”), an artwork created in 2024 in support of Noto’s recovery efforts.
Pikachu, Plusle, and Minun appear as three-dimensional monuments greeting arriving travellers.
Throughout the airport, guests can also access three original short videos, including a special story featuring Dreepy.
Above the second-floor atrium floats a giant Pikachu riding an airplane balloon, surrounded by Pokémon soaring across the sky. Across the airport, all 111 Flying-type Pokémon discovered as of May 2026 are featured in the décor (excluding Mega Evolutions, Regional Forms, and similar variants) – an astonishing level of detail that fans will appreciate.
On the second floor, the gift shop Serendipity offers original merchandise inspired by Kibou no Sora (“Sky of Hope”), a new artwork created to commemorate the airport’s opening. Items include T-shirts, keychains, and luggage tags designed as memorable souvenirs from Noto.
On the third floor, Restaurant Annon plans to serve two original pancake dishes and two original drinks inspired by the project. Guests ordering a set menu will also receive an exclusive original placemat.
Outside, the observation deck Pikachu no Satoyama presents one of the airport’s most memorable sights: countless Pikachu gathered together to form a satoyama landscape inspired by Noto itself — a scene that feels both playful and deeply connected to the region’s identity.
And beginning in mid-July, two buses operated by the Hokuriku Tetsudo Group will begin service in full Pokémon wrap designs. The existing Noto Express Bus connecting Kanazawa Station, the airport, and Wajima City will operate one daily round trip in a full Pokémon wrap design.
The airport is located 12 km from Wajima on the Noto Peninsula, close to 300 km west of Nagano. Wajima is known for its dramatic coastline, bustling market, and traditional lacquerware.
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