Hello Kitty in Japan: Must-Visit Spots for Fans
Last Updated on August 13, 2024 by Kay
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For 50 years, Hello Kitty has been capturing the hearts of people of all ages around the world. Of course, Japan, the country of her origin, is no exception. Japan loves Hello Kitty so much that it may as well be called Hello Kitty Land!
It’s nearly impossible to go out in Japan without seeing Hello Kitty somewhere in some shape or form. I almost feel like this is how young kids like my daughter become die-hard fans! In fact, Hello Kitty is so beloved that there are hotels, cafes, shops, and amusement parks dedicated to her!
So if you’re a Hello Kitty enthusiast or know someone who is, then you’ll want to read this article all about must-visit spots in Japan that every Hello Kitty fan should know.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission on any purchases through those links at zero additional cost to you. Whatever I make goes to keeping this website running and I am forever grateful for the support.
Table of Contents
Hello Kitty Hotels in Japan
Good news for those who want to stay overnight in a room decked out with Hello Kitty — Japan has Hello Kitty hotels! Well, to put it more concisely, there are hotels with Hello Kitty rooms, as well as some featuring other Sanrio characters.
If you’re a Hello Kitty fan or have a child who loves Hello Kitty as much as my daughter does, then you’ll want to consider staying at one of these adorable Hello Kitty-themed hotels in Japan! These rooms are so cute and wonderfully decorated that they’re bound to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
In fact, we stayed in one in Kyoto and had the best time!
Asakusa Tobu Hotel
Asakusa Tobu Hotel is not only in an excellent location right in front of Asakusa Station in Tokyo, but it also has several lovely Hello Kitty rooms! I especially love the cute pink aesthetic of the Japanese-style Sakura room, pictured above. When you’re visiting Japan, experiencing a room with tatami is a must, so why not do it here?
Families in particular rated this hotel 9.5 on Booking.com.
One drawback, though, is that this hotel is about 1.5 hours from Sanrio Puroland.
Centrair Hotel
Located less than an hour away from Nagoya Station, Centrair Hotel has the cutest Hello Kitty room featuring airplanes and sky-blue walls. The design and color scheme is fitting since it’s right next to the airport.
RESI STAY THE KYOTO
This apartment-style accommodation in Kyoto is within walking distance of Kyoto Station. They have different Sanrio-themed rooms featuring characters like Kuromi and, of course, Hello Kitty.
My family stayed in the Hello Kitty room, so make sure to read about our experience!
RESI STAY Fuyacho
RESI STAY Fuyacho is a machiya-style accommodation in Kyoto that is perfect for those who want to stay in something more traditional when visiting the city. The Hello Kitty room in particular is spacious with several beds, cribs available upon request, and a small kitchenette.
Best of all, it’s within walking distance of Gion Shijo Station, right in the heart of the city, and close to several tourist spots!
RESI STAY NISHIKI
RESI STAY NISHIKI is another machiya-style accommodation in Kyoto featuring Hello Kitty. It’s located close to Nishiki Market, which is a must-visit when you’re visiting the city. Like the other RESI STAY vacation homes, all the rooms come with a kitchenette and washing machine.
Families seemed particularly satisfied staying here, giving it a high rating of 9.6 on Booking.com.
HOTEL OKINAWA WITH SANRIO CHARACTERS
Unlike the other hotels on this list, HOTEL OKINAWA WITH SANRIO CHARACTERS is exclusively Sanrio-themed. Every single room in the hotel features a Sanrio character, from Cinnamoroll to Little Twin Stars, and Hello Kitty as well.
The hotel is also right by Kokusaidori, a popular shopping street in Naha. (To learn more about Okinawa, visit my article about staying at Hotel Monterey and things to do in Okinawa.)
Grand Chariot Hokutoshichisei 135°
Grand Chariot Hokutoshichisei 135° is a gorgeous hotel in Awaji Island, located about 2 hours by train from Osaka Station and under 2 hours from Kobe Station.
The Grand Chariot Hokutoshichisei 135° has beautiful, cottage-like rooms overlooking the mountains and sea. And of course, they have a Hello Kitty-themed room as well as rooms featuring other characters from Naruto, Dragon Quest, and Godzilla.
Although it’s a little out of the way, it’s a beautiful place to visit to escape the city, and about a 10-minute drive from Awaji Hello Kitty Apple Land. Cribs are also available to rent for an additional charge.
Hello Kitty Land in Japan: Theme Parks
Sanrio Puroland
Located in Tokyo, Sanrio Puroland is one of the cutest theme parks I have ever visited. It feels absolutely magical and I love how it’s easily accessible by train in Tokyo. There are rides, photo spots, and plenty of places to eat. It’s also indoors, making it perfect to visit on rainy, cold, or hot days.
I’ve written a detailed review all about visiting Puroland so make sure to check it out if you want to know more! (The article focuses on visiting with a toddler but I think the information in there is helpful for all ages.)
Where is Puroland Located?
Puroland is located near Tama Station, which is about 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station.
Address: 1-31 Ochiai, Tama City, Tokyo
Hours: Varies so check online
Awaji Hello Kitty Smile and Apple Land
Awaji Hello Kitty has a ton of Hello Kitty attractions for fans, such as shows and a theatre and observation deck in the Hello Kitty Apple House.
They also have two restaurants. One is called Hello Kitty Smile where you can eat Hello Kitty-themed dishes made with local ingredients from Awaji Island. Another, called Hello Kitty on the Hill, offers vegan food!
Hello Kitty Smile also has plays, greetings from Hello Kitty herself, and experiences like painting Hello Kitty figurines.
Note that Hello Kitty Smile and Hello Kitty Apple House are five minutes away from one another by car.
Where is Awaji Hello Kitty Apple Land Located?
Awaji Hello Kitty Smile and Apple Land are located on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, which is not too far from Osaka and Kobe. My daughter loved this place and we definitely anticipate going again. You can read about our experience visiting Awaji Hello Kitty Apple Land here.
I highly recommend visiting by car, especially since there is free parking near the entrance.
Address: 985-1 Hikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture
Hours: Weekdays 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6 PM), Weekends 10:00 AM to 7:00 AM (last entry at 6 PM)
Harmonyland
This is Oita’s bigger and outdoor version of Puroland.
It has a range of rides, shows, and restaurants to make any Hello Kitty enthusiast happy. In fact, they have 16 different attractions, far more than Puroland.
Where is Harmonyland located?
Harmonyland is in Beppu, Oita. It’s recommended to drive there if possible but they also have a shuttle bus, Harmonyland Via, that runs from Kitsuki Station.
Address: 5933 Fujiwara, Hiji-machi, Hayami-gun, Oita Prefecture
Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (note that they close on different days once or twice a week, so check the schedule)
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka is one of my family’s favorite places to visit, enough that we have an annual pass to the theme park! They have lots of character-themed areas and rides, and Hello Kitty is no exception.
I’ve written an in-depth article about Universal Studios Japan so make sure to give it a read so you want to know more about what to expect and helpful tips.
Hello Kitty Experiences in Japan
Hello Kitty Train
If you want to ride on one of the cutest trains in Japan, then you’re in luck because there’s a Hello Kitty one!
This train, the Kansai-Airport Express “Hello Kitty HARUKA”, runs to/from Kansai Airport to/from Tennoji Station in Osaka, Osaka Station, and Kyoto Station. And since it’s reserved, you don’t have to worry about crowded trains or where you’ll sit or put your luggage.
Best of all, the outside of the train has Hello Kitty decor all over it. It’s the perfect train to ride after landing in Kansai or heading out!
Hello Kitty Shops in Japan
Kiddy Land
This is the place to visit for adorable character goods such as Hello Kitty!
They have a huge selection of Hello Kitty products, so I highly recommend visiting. I also like that they have a ton of other character goods, like Mofusand, Miffy, and, at times, Sailor Moon.
Where is Kiddy Land Located?
Kiddy Land is located across Japan but the best locations are:
- Harajuku in Tokyo
- Ikebukuro Sunshine Mall in Tokyo
- Shijo Kawaramachi in Kyoto (my favorite place for cute hair accessories)
- Umeda in Osaka (on the B1 floor of Hankyu Sanbangai in Osaka-Umeda Station)
Sanrio Gift Gate
This is hands-down the best place to find Sanrio goods such as Hello Kitty. Their plushies are incredibly cute and I love the variety of products they sell.
They have exclusive and seasonal items as well and you can get freebies if you sign up for a point card.
Where is Sanrio Gift Gate Located?
Throughout Japan! For instance, there is one in Daimaru in Osaka Station as well as in HEP FIVE in Umeda, Osaka.
Search for “Sanrio Gift Gate” in Google Maps and if you’re in a major city, you’re bound to find one nearby.
Hello Kitty Cafes in Japan
Sanrio Cafe
This is an adorable cafe with food featuring Sanrio characters like Kuromi and Hello Kitty. I like that they have savory food (burgers) and you can choose from among 11 Sanrio characters for their colorful latte art.
They sell cafe-exclusive Sanrio goods as well such as bags and keychains!
Where is Sanrio Cafe Located?
One is in Kamakura while another is in the basement of Sunshine City Mall in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Wrap-up: Hello Kitty in Japan
In this article, I shared tons of great places to visit in Japan to get your fix of Hello Kitty. You’re bound to have a great time and pick up some cute Hello Kitty goods no matter where you go!
I hope this information has been helpful and that you feel prepared to experience all that Japan has to offer when it comes to Hello Kitty.
Where do you want to go first?