Noto’s Pokémon Airport Opens as a New Gateway to Japan’s Earthquake-Hit Peninsula

Noto Satoyama Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture has reopened under the temporary name Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport, becoming the first airport in the world to carry the Pokémon name. The programme opened on 7 July 2026 and is scheduled to run until the end of September 2029.

The project is part of an Ishikawa Prefecture tourism-support initiative for the Noto Peninsula following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Pokémon-themed artwork now appears across the terminal, including a large Pikachu installation, displays featuring flying-type Pokémon, and decorations in areas such as the departure lobby, boarding bridge and observation deck. The airport restaurant and shop also have themed menus, drinks and merchandise.

A domestic arrival point for Noto

The airport is in Wajima on the northern Noto Peninsula and is served from Tokyo Haneda. The airport’s posted summer 2026 timetable lists two daily ANA return flights between Haneda and Noto through 24 October 2026, making this a domestic connection rather than a new international route. Flight times and seasonal schedules can change, so travellers should check the airport or airline before booking onward plans.

For visitors arriving from outside Japan, the practical route is usually to reach Tokyo first and then connect to Haneda for Noto. The flight takes about one hour, but travellers should allow time for an airport transfer in Tokyo and for limited regional transport options after arrival.

Planning a trip around the peninsula

The Pokémon programme extends beyond the terminal. The official campaign highlights themed stops around Noto, including Wakura Onsen, Anamizu Station and Mitsukejima, alongside Pokémon designs on selected transport services. From 18 July, a Pokémon-wrapped express bus has linked Kanazawa Station with Wajima via the airport. A separate sightseeing bus operates on weekends, public holidays and selected school-holiday periods; the campaign site says advance web reservations are required for that service.

Rental cars are available beside the terminal, while a reservation-based shared taxi connects the airport with destinations across Noto in line with flight arrivals and departures. These options can be useful for travellers who want to combine the airport visit with the peninsula’s coastal scenery, hot springs and local towns, but transport frequency remains important to check in advance.

Opening-day guidance warned that high visitor numbers could lead to entry controls for non-passengers and for the airport’s merchandise area. That notice does not set a permanent restriction, but it is sensible to check the airport’s current announcements before making a special visit solely for the Pokémon displays. Services, themed products and transport arrangements may also change without notice.