'Pokemon Tournament', 'Pokemon Go' just got better as Pokemon Gym opens in Japan this November

Come November 19 of this year, Pokemon fans can mingle, play and battle with other fans at the Pokemon Expo Gym in Osaka, Japan. Sanoyas Interaction designed and built this "edutainment" facility.

Pokemon gyms are commonly mentioned in the series, says Game Spot. This is where trainers go train their respective pocket monsters before going out.

Inside Games reports (and translated by Siliconera) that the massive facility is designed to give Pokemon fans advice and tips on training Pokemon, using abilities and more. There are also programs which will encourage kids to mingle and interact with other fans.

In a recent report by Entertainment Weekly, the Pokemon-themed structure will feature training games such as "Gardevoir's Control Score" and "Charizard's Battle Colosseum."

Playing these games will give gamers access to awards such as special Pokemon. These awards can be used in 3DS titles such as Pokemon X, Pokemon Y, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, EW adds.

Express says that a visit to the Gym will also give visitors access to a Gym Gear app that indicates ranking and stats of players.

The facility is similar to Pokemon Center stores where fans can buy Pokemon-themed merchandise. What makes this facility different, says Kotaku, is that the Gym features interactive exhibits, allowing people to touch and even talk to the characters.

Interactive areas include Pokemon Battle Bowing, Zoroark's Somewhat Sinister Dojo and Machamps First Aid Center. Kotaku states that access to these areas can last between three to fifteen minutes and will cost visitors between $3 and $5 for each exhibit.

Starting Oct. 31, fans can pre-order the Pokemon Expo Gym Member's Card and Pass Case via Osaka's Pokemon Center, the Express report indicates. Mashable says the Gym app will be launched shortly after that.

Reporters from Sankei News took a brief tour around the facility and have recently uploaded their photos and videos online. Dempagumi Inc. popstar Mirin Furukawa's Twitter account also featured images taken in and around the facility.

Although there are no confirmed connections between the Gym and Pokemon Go, Express says that the use of augmented reality can help provide real life action for fans of the series.

As of the moment, Mashable believes that there are currently no plans to build or design a similar institution in the United States.

According to IGN, fans located outside Japan can look forward to Pokemon Go. Nintendo's smartphone massively multiplayer online game app is set for release in 2016.