A new landmark attraction is set to redefine the entertainment landscape in Yokohama. Japanese IT and entertainment giant DeNA has announced the grand opening of ‘Wonderia Yokohama,’ a large-scale immersive edutainment facility, scheduled for spring 2026. Located in a prime spot in front of JR Kannai Station, this innovative project promises to blend cutting-edge digital technology with the wonders of the natural world.
A New Realm of Interactive Discovery
Wonderia Yokohama is designed to be more than just a place to see; it’s a world to experience. The facility, spanning a substantial floor area of approximately 7,000 square meters, will feature six distinct zones, each with a unique theme such as lush forests and mysterious deep seas.
The core of the Wonderia experience lies in its dedicated smartphone application. This app will serve as a digital key, unlocking a deeper level of engagement for visitors. Upon entering, guests can use their smartphones to interact directly with the exhibits, access detailed information about the various creatures and ecosystems on display, and even embark on interactive missions. This seamless integration of physical and digital worlds aims to create a highly personalized and educational journey for visitors of all ages, transforming a simple day out into a captivating adventure.
The Bigger Picture: Yokohama’s Urban Revitalization and the Edutainment Boom
The launch of Wonderia Yokohama is not an isolated event but a key component of a much larger initiative: the redevelopment of the Kannai district. The facility will be a central feature of a new complex being built on the site of the former Yokohama City Hall, a project aimed at revitalizing the area and creating a new hub for culture and commerce.
DeNA, the company behind the project, has deep roots in Yokohama as the owner of the city’s professional baseball team, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, whose home stadium is just a short walk from the new site. This venture leverages DeNA’s expertise in gaming and mobile technology to create a new form of physical entertainment.
Furthermore, Wonderia taps into the growing global demand for “edutainment”—experiences that are both educational and entertaining. Following the international success of digital art collectives like teamLab, there is a clear appetite for attractions that use technology to create awe-inspiring and interactive learning environments. Wonderia is poised to be Japan’s next-generation answer to this trend.
Future Outlook and Potential Impact
The arrival of Wonderia Yokohama is expected to have a significant positive impact on the city. For a city that already attracted over 32 million tourists in 2022, Wonderia is set to become a powerful new magnet, drawing in families, students, and tech-savvy international travelers. It will help diversify Yokohama’s tourist offerings beyond the popular Minato Mirai waterfront area and inject new life into the historic Kannai district.
The facility’s innovative app-based approach could set a new standard for museums and theme parks worldwide, demonstrating how technology can enhance, rather than distract from, the physical experience. By offering a unique and repeatable adventure through its missions and interactive content, Wonderia is well-positioned to encourage repeat visits.
Ultimately, Wonderia Yokohama represents more than just a new attraction. It is a bold statement about the future of entertainment—a future where technology fosters a deeper connection with our world, and learning becomes an unforgettable journey. As 2026 approaches, Yokohama is preparing to welcome a wonder that promises to captivate and inspire a new generation of explorers.
