When I told my daughter we were going to Tokyo, she was fairly nonplussed until I mentioned two words: “Hello Kitty” Suddenly, she was jumping up and down and asking how soon we were leaving.
Of course, I wasn’t telling the whole truth. It isn’t technically the Hello Kitty Theme Park. We were actually headed to Sanrio Puroland, aka Hello Kitty Land Tokyo, where Hello Kitty is the star of the show at a fanciful and fun destination that attracts two million visitors a year.
And, as we discovered, a visit to Sanrio Puroland is reason enough to plan a trip to Japan. Here are nine reasons why it’s so amazing.
Another kawaii moment at Sanrio Puroland
Cute Hello Kitty meet ‘n’ greets
Unlike some theme parks, you don’t have to work hard for a character meet ‘n’ greet at Sanrio Puroland. Although, this is less of surprise when you see how many Sanrio characters there are to meet here. So even if – whisper it – your kid is more into Pompompurin or Mop than Hello Kitty, they won’t be disappointed.
One way to make sure of meeting a favourite is to check out their birthday on the Puroland site. Lucy loves cute puppy-boy Cinnamon and he was born 6 March ‘above the clouds’, so our mid-March visit meant our up-close-encounter was practically guaranteed.
Hello Kitty meets you off the train at Tama station
Just 30-minutes from Tokyo
Located in the Tokyo suburb of Tama, Sanrio Puroland is just 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku station in the city centre. No surprise, Tama train station itself is decorated with images of Hello Kitty and all her friends, so you’re in the mood for cuteness the moment you arrive. Sanrio Puroland is only a 10-minute walk from the station.
Entrance to Sanrio Puroland, Tokyo
Year-round and weather-proof
It doesn’t matter what the weather is up to in Tokyo or what time of year you visit, Sanrio Puroland is under cover. So rain or shine it’s a comfortable experience for kids and you can easily spend an entire day here.
Hello Kitty and her Sanrio friends
Much more than Hello Kitty
Although Hello Kitty is the main attraction, her Sanrio friends all make appearances too. Get ready to spend time with characters like the snuggly white rabbit My Melody, fun-loving doggie Cinnamon and Kiki and Lala, the Little Twin Stars. Check out the gentle, magical Sanrio Character Boat Ride, plus plenty of colourful, clever interactive digital games that your kids will want to take home. And what we loved the most? Photo ops, galore!
All the awesome parades
There are so many cute to bits moments at Sanrio Puroland, you’ll have your own favourite. For us it has to be the Miracle Gift Parade which takes over the main floor. Even if kids don’t speak Japanese, they’ll still sing along with the Kawaii song. The costumes and colorful floats are just as OTT as you’d expect, but the dancing is impressive: think cartoon Cirque du Soleil and you get the idea. Be sure to buy a glowing Miracle♡Light wand that’s programmed to go with the parades so kids can really join in.
Too cute to eat … or is it?
Too cute to eat food
If you thought taking photographs of food was over, pull up a seat at Puroland and think again. Cute to the max, all the food is character themed and there are even Hello Kitty plates and napkins. Just watch out for over-ordering, kids will want everything on the menu, just because it looks soooooo adorable. Eating it all is another story – although our order did taste as good as it looked.
Shopping at Sanrio Puroland
Irresistible shopping
It doesn’t matter if you’re a massive fan of Hello Kitty or not, you won’t leave Sanrio Puroland without at least one shopping bag. Nowhere on earth has a better selection of branded merch, ranging from character socks and tiny onesies to books, games and toys you literally will not find anywhere else.
Kawaii Kabuki show, Sanrio Puroland
Kawaii Kabuki
Some of Japan’s best kabuki actors star in the Sanrio Kawaii Kabuki show, so expect a mix of seriously professional theatre and non-stop Hello Kitty fun. All the performances are impressive, but the star turn is kimono-clad Hello Kitty playing the role of a kabuki theatre director. If you want, you can use the translation app. But trust us, we skipped the app and just immersed in the show and it was spectacular.
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- Japanese Modern Room, Asakusa Tobu Hotel
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- Sakura Tennyo Room, Asakusa Tobu Hotel
Hello Kitty sleepovers
If you want more, book a Hello Kitty room at Asakusa Tobu Hotel: home of the original themed rooms and also in one of Tokyo’s quaintest districts.
Little traditionalists will want the Sakura Tennyo Room where Hello Kitty, dressed as an adorable celestial maiden, welcomes her young guests into a world of cherry blossom and pinkness. Alternatively, the Japanese Modern Room is a fresh take on tradition right down to Hello Kitty in the coolest kimono.
Try to leave time to explore Asakusa for its old-fashioned Tokyo atmosphere, authentic shops and food stalls on Nakamise Street. Most locals visit the district for the ancient Sensō-ji temple, which is definitely worth a look. But for kids, the biggest ticket draw here has to be the rides at historic Hanayashiki amusement park. And if you time it well and you might even catch a firework display at Kuritsu Sumida Park on the river. The waterfront in Asakusa is also where you’ll find some of Tokyo’s coolest rising star restaurants.
A Toei Subway line runs from Asakusa to Shinjuku Station, so it’s also a good area to stay in for a day at Sanrio Puroland.
Book Hello Kitty rooms at Asakusa Tobu Hotel
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