Don’t get us wrong – there are some really impressive airports out there, but we can probably agree that most are a little meh when it comes to decor.
Well, the same can’t be said for Noto Satoyama Airport. About to be rebranded as the ‘Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport’, the hub – which exclusively operates domestic flights to and from Tokyo Haneda International Airport – has had one hell of a makeover.
A Pokémon-themed makeover, to be more specific. On July 7, the brand-new look for this hub will be unveiled, and you can expect to find artwork inspired by Pokémon across all four storeys of the building.
A statue of Pikachu (perched atop an aeroplane, obviously) will sit in the atrium, and visitors will be greeted by a first-floor mural nodding to the abundant nature the Noto peninsula is known for. Pillars have been decorated with various different characters from the Pokémon universe, and across the second floor, they’ve been depicted on information signs and walls carrying out airport activities.
Long story short, this is absolute heaven for PokéManiacs – and even if you don’t know your Ash Ketchum from your Alakazam, it’s sure to put a smile on your face. And that’s precisely the point: the initiative to create a themed airport actually came about in the aftermath of the 7.6 Noto Peninsula earthquake, which killed hundreds in 2024. By injecting colour, fun and a heap of nostaliga into the airport, the goal was to bring some cheer to the lives of children affected by the disaster, according to euronews.
It’s not only the decor getting a Poké-makeover – the food is, too. If you’re hungry, An-non Restaurant will be rustling up Pokémon-themed pancakes and drinks, and you can even cop some Pokémon merch from the Serendipity gift shop (think T-shirts, keyrings, luggage tags and seatbelts).
A weekend and summertime bus service will ferry visitors around Kanazawa City from the airport.
There is a slight catch: the theme is temporary, but you’ve got a few years to see it. The airport will retain its Pokémon persona until September 30, 2029. While in Japan, why not check out the new Pokémon theme park?
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