Pokémon has announced a special exhibition at an astronomical observatory in Miyagi, Japan, running from July 5 to September 15, with tickets now available.
Pokémon Launches Astronomical Observatory for Its 30th Anniversary
Miyagi Discounted Tickets Available Until July 4
Pokémon Japan's official X (formerly Twitter) account unveiled a themed astronomical exhibition at the Kakuda Garden Hall in Miyagi, Japan, to be held from July 5 to September 15, 2026. Advance tickets are now on sale at 7-Eleven via Seven Tickets with special discounts available until July 4.
The prefecture's official website in Japanese revealed more details about the limited-time observatory, describing it as an enjoyable way to learn about outer space and celestial bodies by drawing parallels to the "fascinating ecology of diverse Pokémon."
"From the familiar moon and sun to the far reaches of distant galaxies, let’s explore the vast and mysterious universe, just like on an adventure with Pokémon!" they added (machine-translated).
Discounted tickets are set at ¥1,500 for general admission, ¥1,200 for high school and university students, and ¥700 for junior high school students and younger. Regular ticket prices will be ¥100 higher on the official opening day. Meanwhile, admission is free for persons with disabilities and one caregiver.
Interested visitors can purchase tickets free of charge via the Seven Tickets dedicated webpage, or from the multi-function copier in any 7-Eleven store in Japan. Walk-ins are also welcome for cash-only, same-day tickets at the venue, while slots last.
A variety of exclusive Pokémon merchandise will be sold at the venue, including a Stargazer Pikachu plush toy, Pokémon Observatory Illustrated Catalog, Meteor Shower candy, and a clear pouch. Pokémon-themed products in partnership with the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) will also be available.
Second NAOJ Exhibit This Year
The Miyagi exhibit marks the second stop this year in Japan for the NAOJ and Pokémon collaboration titled the Pokémon Astronomical Observatory, commemorating the franchise's 30th anniversary. Its Stargazer Pikachu mascot serves as the official tour guide for visitors, and explanation panels are provided in both Japanese and English.
The first exhibit is currently being held at the Kenshin Koriyama Cultural Center in Fukushima, running from April 11 to June 14, 2026. After Miyagi, the Pokémon Astronomical Observatory will be heading to the Toyohashi Museum of Natural History in the Aichi Prefecture from September 21 to December 6, followed by the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture at an unconfirmed date for Winter 2026.
In addition, the four locations offer special app-sync features with Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME. The displays across all exhibits are generally similar, though some details may vary depending on the hosting museum.
Noto Features the World’s First Pokémon Airport
Aside from the space observatories, more in-person locations in Japan will have limited-time partnerships with the massively popular franchise. According to its official X announcement on May 14, Noto Airport in Ishikawa, Japan, will be named the "Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport" from July 7, 2026, to September 30, 2029.
Featuring a variety of Pokémon characters illustrated across its exteriors and interiors—the majority of which are aptly Flying-types—a giant Pikachu aboard a modeled plane, and shops offering exclusive merchandise, Noto is set to host the world’s first Pokémon airport.
The themed airport forms part of the Ishikawa Prefectural Government’s initiative to aid the recovery and restoration of the Noto Peninsula following the devastating 2024 earthquake and heavy rains. On top of boosting Noto's tourism, Ishikawa Governor Yukiyoshi Yamano stated that he wanted "to give children in Noto an exciting experience and energize them as much as possible."
According to the press release, volunteer staff from the Pokémon With You Foundation—established by The Pokémon Company after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake—first proposed the project last year. They said it aligns with their mission of "[bringing] smiles to children's faces by having Pokémon by their side," a sentiment reflected in the organization’s name.
There are other revitalization projects in the area as well. This includes installing Pokémon-themed manhole covers, the "Sylveon with LOVE" monument in Suzu City, and transforming the disaster-hit Yuttari Park into the newly renovated "Wakura Pokémon Footbath." A sightseeing bus will cater to tourists who wish to visit these spots on the Noto Peninsula.
Following the development news, the Noto Aquarium also chimed in with its own post on X. "After enjoying the footbath, why not take a short detour to Notojima Aquarium for a commemorative photo with the Pokémon?" the caption read.
Sources:
X/Twitter | Tickets for special exhibition Pokemon Observatory
are on sale
X/Twitter | Noto Aquarium post
Pokemon Astronomical Observatory
Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport Grand Opening
Ishikawa Prefecture Partners With Pokémon With You Foundation
The Mainichi | Noto airport to bear Pokemon name to help revitalize disaster-hit area
