Do you want to make memories and have a fun adventure?
You're not alone. I want to make such good commemorative memories that I can capture them on film and look back on it for a lifetime. First, my question was if I'm planning my vacations-- where would I go first? Let me help you with that problem.
Here is a bucket list to the very best Sanrio places to visit in the world. Here are the rankings of most desired destinations to plan your vacation around.
The places that I chose are geared toward adult fans. Places for just children are excluded (e.g. China's Hello Kitty Park (no real giant kittified sculpture), Malaysia's Hello Kitty Town, Dubai's Hello Kitty Spa, and Korea's Hello Kitty Island). Excluded are exhibitions, events, themed room hotels, themed karaokes, themed dentist/hospitals/markets/etc, and expos. Basically, I have chosen spots that are useful and fun for a Sanrio Collector.
1. Sanrio Puroland
Tokyo, Japan
Where is the best Sanrio vacation spot in the whole world? It's in the country where Sanrio was originally founded in Japan. It is Sanrio Puroland, a small indoor theme park attraction. It is the #1 spot on our list because of how spectacular it has been presented over the years. All fans around the world come to visit and witness all the cuteness overload that you can imagine in your lifetime.
In this magical place, you can meet the majority of their Sanrio character mascots dressed up all in costumes. This is the perfect place for many great photo-ops and exciting staged photo areas of Sanriofied scenery to explore. One of the must-see areas is the "Lady Kitty House." There are many rooms in this Hello Kitty themed house that are set up for taking photos and such.
Much like Disneyland's It's A Small World ride, Puroland boasts of a similar boat ride through the wonderful world of Sanrio. A fantasy world of cuteness that invites you into this imaginative colorful world. A ride that every Sanrio fan needs to take in his or her journey of collecting.
And, it wouldn't be an indoor theme park without the live stage musical performances and a mini parade. It's such an over the top presentation that it will leave you fascinated with every little detail. You will not want to miss out on these performances as it is a diehard fan's ritual to partake.
Lastly, it wouldn't be the perfect theme park attraction without the Sanriofied character themed foods and the many souvenir shopping sprees. The largest gift shop in Puroland is called the Entrance Shop in the Rainbow Hall. Everything you can imagine that is adorably cute must be in this store full of merchandise.
Address
1-31 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo
Located near the Tama Centre Station; Estimated 5 mins walking
OPENING HOURS: 10am-5pm (or 8pm depending on days*)
Phone: 042-339-1111
Source: Sanrio Puroland
Japan
Cr: Welcome Kyushu
Cr: Web
While Puroland was an indoor entertainment theme park, this next one is an outdoor park with a large ferris wheel and rides like the decorated spinning teacups. It is a small park that most people would go only once to cross of his or her bucket list. There isn't much to do at this park after you rode the carousel, small roller coaster, and a few more attractions that total to twelve. What most fans come here is for the photo-op opportunities presented. You have a big ferris wheel with a Hello Kitty image at the center of the ride. You can take photos with Hello Kitty in a meet-and-greet area, Kitty Castle. Hello Kitty is usually in a different outfit based on the weather.
Source: Harmonyland
Address
879-1598 Oita Prefecture, Hayami District, Hiji, Fujiwara 5933
3. Hello Kitty Smile
Awaji island, Japan
Hello Kitty Smile on Awaji Island
TYPE: Oriental Gourmet Restaurant
Cuisine: Japanese and Chinese
Specialties: Souvenirs shop, Gallery; Theater, Giant 36 foot tall HK shaped head sculpture
Debut: June 2018
Address: 985-1, Nojima Hikinoura, Awaji, Hyogo
More Info here and here.
"It comes complete with a gourmet restaurant, high tea annex, outdoor terrace, theater, shop, and more. The main dining area serves creative dishes influenced by both Japanese and Chinese cuisines prepared by award-winning chefs – restaurant goers can expect high-quality ingredients such as locally sourced shark fin and abalone. In an annex area, high tea is served daily, where more than 50 types of tea can be enjoyed with Hello Kitty-inspired pastries and treats. There is even an immersive theater where projection-mapping, spherical color-changing LED lights, and other design details are used to bring Hello Kitty's world to life. Before heading out, guests can visit the Hello Kitty shop to pick up gifts and souvenirs. If this isn't enticing enough, the exterior of the new space boasts a 36-foot tall Hello Kitty sculpture that looks right out onto the water."
Source: Popsugar4. Sanrioworld Ginza
Ginza, Japan
Cr: Fast Japan
Next on our list is the famous Sanrioworld in Ginza, the largest Sanrio store in the world. It has 2 floors full of Sanrio merchandise, which gives all Collectors a reason to do some major shopping spree. You will leave verrrrrry happy, while your enabler looks at his or her empty wallet.
After getting yourself some retail therapy in the store, you can get your nails done because the store has a nail salon. Lovely perk, isn't it? Also, while you're spending everything-- why not go for the fabulous bling? There is a Swarovski shop at your heart's desire. This is the place to go and get yourself a Sanriofied home and lifestyle!
Address
1st & 2nd Floor, Nishi Ginza Department Store, 4-1 Saki, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Located near the JR Yurakucho Station / Tokyo Metro Ginza Station; Estimated 3 mins walking
Opening Hours:
11am-8:30pm (M/T/Sat)
11am-9pm (W/Th/F)
11am-8pm Sun/National Holidays
Phone: 03-3566-4060
Source: Sanrio World Ginza
5. Sanrio Gift Gate Asakusa
Asakusa, Japan
Imagine coming here and getting a photo of yourself right outside the building? It would make my day-- heck, it would make my life feel complete because I have achieved my goal to see this cute Hello Kitty landmark.
Inside has 2 floors to explore and go crazy with more hoarding. Enjoy!
Address
1-17-5 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Located near the Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station; Estimated 3 mins walk
Business Hours: 9am-7pm
Phone: 080-9432-7505
6. Sanrio Arcadia
Westfield Santa Anita Mall in CA, USA
Are you looking for the recent and popular merchandise? This location always guarantees to bring you the latest Sanrio merch. It is my favorite destination to shop and get my temporary Sanrio fix. The only thing that would make life complete is if they started selling those Hello Kitty shaped or Sanrio character shaped marshmallow or candy treats that you see in Japan stores.
7. Hello Kitty Grand Cafe
Irvine Spectrum Center in CA, USA
Cr: Sanrio
You have reached the pinnacle top of your Sanrio journey if you have done both the tea and bar service at the Grand Cafe. You have gone and experienced what most fans have wished to do since the Grand Cafe debuted. It completes one of my checklists for finding kittified food -- well, sugary treats if we're going to be accurate here.
8. Universal Studios Hollywood
Los Angeles in CA, USA
Cr: Web
To promote their brand, Sanrio made a smart move in getting their most popular character into a studio network giant like Universal. We all know the longer that Sanrio is out of the public eye (i.e. closed retail stores), Americans will forget about the feline kitty and it's parent brand.
What I like about this store in the parks is that it has it's own Hello Kitty bow door when coming from a different section of the building that sells non-Sanrio souvenirs. It's an actual door way to exit or enter than the bow door in Florida's version.
Another plus, I love the decor of where it's set up to look like a mini Sanrio theater walk-up entrance to buy tickets. The Hollywood glamour style is all there and I'm loving it.
9. Sanrio Japanese Village
Los Angeles in CA, USA
When you walk in, you will see that big wall mural at the back of the room and you know you are in another world. This is why I put this boutique at #9 because of how unique the store has become to fans. It's the first flagship store in Los Angeles and is at the center of Little Tokyo downtown. The boutique is special to the way Sanrio spent a lot of time to transform it from a cute store to a hot trend boutique. The first makeover store took place here. This place is definitely somewhere you want to be visiting.
10. Hello Kitty Hollywood
Hollywood in CA, USA
Cr: Web
We all know why Sanrio chose Hollywood to open up another flagship store in California. Hollywood is one of the top tourist spots in the world to plan your vacation around. I've chosen this next on our list because it's the first ever boutique that showcases a more modern take of having more Sanrio clothing options. One of the big reasons that this boutique is a hot spot is because of the exclusive fashion line that they had going for the American apparel a few months ago. Another reason that I love going here is because that this store is not all about toys and plushes -- it's about the modern times of what's cool about Hello Kitty. Yes, targeting more for the older crowd. There are still plushes and toys here and there, but that is not the central part of the store. The clothes are the focus and that's what I love about this store. We're stepping up from the old ways into the new way of thinking on kawaii shopping. It's not all about the children. This store was made for us.
11. Hello Kitty House
Bangkok, Thailand
Cr: Hello Kitty House, Thailand
Cr: Hello Kitty House, Thailand
The Grand Cafe in Irvine will always have a special place in my heart because of the tea and bar service, but this next Cafe had to be a showstopper to be on this list. It's the only two Cafes outside of America that I would like to one day visit. The Cafe is known most for the extravagant and stunning glass rooftop that showcases a beautiful Hello Kitty artwork. And, there are a few things that I would like to try off their menu. It looks like they tried to put some kittified creations on there.
Address
Panthum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
12. HK Red Carpet
New Taipei, Taiwan
Similar to Universal Studios Hollywood's style, this Cafe uses old Hollywood glamour. It re-imagines Hello Kitty into a retro American feel of classic Hollywood.
The gimmick is well formed and alive in this Cafe. This Cafe is definitely not known for it's food or even attempt to create any art food, but only of it's beautiful decor. More than likely, I will want to go here only once.
Address
3F, No. 356, Sec. 1, Wenhua 3rd Rd., Linkou Dist | Outlet Linkou, New Taipei, Taiwan
Business Hours: 11am-9:30pm Sun-Sat
Source: HK Red Carpet
13. Universal Studios
Florida, USA
Cr: Web
Cr: Web
This colorful array of Hello Kitty store is another recommended visit to Universal Studios Florida. While this store's interior decor feels like the target audience is mainly for kids-- there are some uses that an adult Collector would want: exclusive stuff!
A lot of exclusive items come up from the Movie Mash-Up collection, which we can see Hello Kitty in iconic scenes from a few of Universal Studio's films like E.T. and Back to the Future.
One important note that this store debuted in 2016, making it the first Sanrio official retail store inside a theme park in North America.
14. Tama-Center Station
Tokyo, Japan
There are no words to describe this stunning ceiling artwork. It's something that every Sanrio fan has to take time and come see in person when going to Puroland. It is located at the Tama Center station.
15. EVA Air Terminal
Taipei Taoyuan Airport, Taiwan
Cr: Web
Cr: HK Travel Blog
Cr: Web
What you least expect when you come into an International Airport: Hello Kitty! Too bad, Sanrio has yet to invade LAX with some cuteness.
16. HK Wall Mural
Los Angeles in CA, USA
The perfect time to stop at Downtown, Los Angeles is on the weekend mornings. You can do a mini photo session with this Hello Kitty mural to show everyone that you were there. Live and representing the kitty fandom. The mural is located on Hill Street, just before 24th Street on your left side if you're coming from Downtown.
This completes my World Tour bucket list for now. I'm looking to add more special memories in my future scrapbook and documenting everything! Have a wonderful time when you do get to visit these places. I know I will.
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