A world’s first Pokémon airport will open in Noto in July | News
Rooted in the Hokuriku region, Kanazawa Biyori is a regional media platform dedicated to sharing the living culture of this area – not just its celebrated destinations, but also the people, creativity and spirit of innovation that continue to shape life here.
This summer, Noto will welcome an airport like the world has never seen.
A world first, made for Noto
On July 7, 2026, Noto Satoyama Airport will reopen under the name Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport – the only airport in the world to officially bear the Pokémon name.
This limited-term project will run until the end of September 2029 and is the result of a partnership between Ishikawa Prefecture and the Pokémon With You Foundation, an initiative created to bring smiles and renewed energy to communities affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake.
This project is deeply connected to the landscape and spirit of Noto and could only have emerged from this region.
Step inside: Pokémon at every turn
From the moment visitors arrive, Pokémon will appear throughout the airport. Original decorations adorn the entrance, while a newly designed airport logo welcomes guests at the terminal entrance.
In the arrival hall on the first floor, visitors will find a large-scale installation based on Akarui Mirai (“A Bright Future”), an artwork created in 2024 to support Noto’s recovery efforts. Pikachu, Plusle and Minun appear as three-dimensional monuments greeting arriving travelers.
Throughout the airport, guests will also have access to three original short videos, including a special story featuring Dreepy.
Floating above the second-floor atrium is a giant Pikachu sitting in an airplane balloon, surrounded by Pokémon flying through the air. The entire airport features all 111 Flying-type Pokémon discovered in May 2026 (excluding Mega Evolutions, Regional Forms and similar variants) – an astonishing level of detail that fans will appreciate.
Shop, eat and enjoy the view
On the second floor, the Serendipity gift shop offers original merchandise inspired by Kibou no Sora (“Sky of Hope”), a new work of art created to commemorate the opening of the airport. Items include T-shirts, key chains and luggage tags designed as memorable souvenirs from Noto.
On the third floor, Restaurant Annon wants to serve two original pancake dishes and two original drinks, inspired by the project. Guests who order a set menu will also receive an exclusive original placemat.
Outside, the Pikachu no Satoyama observation deck presents one of the airport’s most memorable sights: countless Pikachu gathered to form a satoyama landscape inspired by Noto himself – a scene that feels both playful and deeply connected to the region’s identity.
Explore Noto by Pokémon Bus
From mid-July, two buses from the Hokuriku Tetsudo Group will be put into service in full Pokémon packaging designs.
The existing Noto Express Bus connecting Kanazawa Station, the airport and Wajima City will operate a daily round trip in a full Pokémon wrap design.
In addition, a new Noto Circular Bus will connect the airport to destinations such as the Wakura Pokémon Footbath at Wakura Onsen in Nanao City, which opened on May 12, 2026, and the Nymphia with LOVE monument in Suzu City.
The round bus runs on weekends and public holidays (with the exception of winter), but also during the summer holidays from mid-July.
Discover Noto
A visit to Noto this summer offers the opportunity to experience how a region is rediscovering its energy, creativity and warmth after the 2024 earthquake.
With stories like this, Kanazawa Biyori continues his commitment to sharing the culture, people and evolving identity of Hokuriku with audiences in Japan and beyond.
Whether traveling with family, friends or fellow Pokémon fans, Noto invites visitors to discover a place unlike anywhere else in the world.
■ Information Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport Opening date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Period: July 7, 2026 – end of September 2029 (limited project) Organizers: Ishikawa Prefecture / Pokémon With You Foundation Inquiries: www.kanazawabiyori.com
