Ever wanted to meet the world-famous Hello Kitty? Visit Hello Kitty Smile on Awaji Island in western Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture, where you can!
Opened in 2018, Hello Kitty Smile is the only attraction where you can meet Princess Hello Kitty as Otohime, a princess from a popular folktale, and visit her undersea home of Ryugu Castle.
In this magical place, you can take photos with Hello Kitty, enjoy a delicious meal at one of four restaurants, and enjoy all kinds of fun Hello Kitty-themed activities while gazing out at sea.
Top image: ©2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L621898
What is HELLO KITTY SMILE?
(© 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L621898)
Awaji Island is Japan’s largest island in the Seto Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku.
Hello Kitty Smile lies on the west coast of Awaji Island, established in April 2018. This popular spot is chock full of adorable Hello Kitty attractions that fans of all ages will love!
It even upgraded in April 2020 after undergoing a media, art, and restaurant renewal, with the new theme being ‘Hello Kitty at sea.’
Ryugu Castle is a mythical undersea palace and the setting of Otohime, a famous Japanese folk tale. Teeming with colorful corals and all kinds of fish, Hello Kitty as Otohime now welcomes you into her home!
Map of Hello Kitty Smile (Photo courtesy of HELLO KITTY SMILE / ©2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L621898)
The venue is an elongated two-story building that faces the sea. The theme of the first floor is ‘a world under the sea’, where Hello Kitty greets visitors from an open car and a giant kaleidoscope.
On the second floor, you’ll find Hello Kitty’s Room, where you can meet and greet Hello Kitty face to face! There’s also a dome-shaped theater called Palace Theater Time, and a projection mapping attraction called Time After Party.
Tickets & Access: Getting to Hello Kitty Smile
(© 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L621898)
From Osaka, take the highway bus to Kobe Awaji Naruto Expressway/Awaji IC. From there, it’s about 10 minutes via free shuttle bus.
A new toll bus, launched in December 2021, departs from Sannomiya, located in central Kobe, and goes around the west coast of Awaji, stopping at Hello Kitty Smile. Take this bus directly to the venue to avoid transferring trains at Awaji IC. A parking lot is also available for those who choose to go by car.
Purchase your admission ticket at the ticket booth at the entrance or online. Tickets are available for adults, children (4 years+), junior/senior high school students, and senior citizens (65+), as well as parent-child specials.
Book Online â–¶ Media Art and Restaurant “Hello Kitty Smile” Ticket in Awaji Island
You don’t have to understand Japanese to enjoy Hello Kitty! The hall staff will be happy to assist with any questions you m…
