Jihan EstrellaWhose heart hasn’t melted for Hello Kitty, the cutest feline Japanese character ever? Even if Sanrio, the Japanese company that created Hello Kitty, announced that she is not really a cat but a cartoon character, she is still known for being that wide-eyed kitty with a red bow. Because of the wave of affection for her, dozens of establishments have opened up around the globe to feed every fan’s insatiable diet for everything Hello Kitty. Here are ten places that a Hello Kitty fan should have on his/her bucket list:
1. Harmonyland, Sanrio Character Park, Japan
Image credit: Welcome Kyushu
There are two large Sanrio character-themed parks in Japan: Puroland and Harmonyland. The difference between the two is that the former is an indoor park while the latter is an outdoor park with 12 attractions which showcase Hello Kitty and friends. The most popular meet-and-greet area in Harmonyland is the Kitty Castle because guests can take photos with Hello Kitty and see her change her outfit based on the weather.
Address: 〒879-1598 Oita Prefecture, Hayami District, Hiji, Fujiwara 5933
2. Hello Kitty House, Bangkok
Image credit: Sanrio Hello Kitty House Bangkok
Image credit: Sanrio Hello Kitty House Bangkok
If you love sweet treats and everything cute, you might want to visit the Hello Kitty House in Bangkok. Visitors have reported that you will never miss this place as it looks like a pink bomb exploded inside. Guests can dine on the ground floor while the second floor can be used for photos and private functions. The décor is amazingly cute and the food art is Insta-worthy.
Address: Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
3. Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour Hello Kitty-themed rooms, Malaysia
Image credit: Hotel Jen
Image credit: Hotel Jen
Being in close proximity to the Hello Kitty Town and Thomas Town and Legoland Malaysia Resort, a Hello Kitty fan should think it best to stay at one of the 12 Hello Kitty-themed rooms at Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour. Everything about the rooms are exciting to a Hello Kitty fan: from the pink carpet, the decorated key card, and the “Sailor Hello Kitty” to the “Hello Kitty in Oz” themes of the rooms.
Address: Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour, Iskandar Puteri, 79000 Johor Darul Takzim, 79000
4. Hello Kitty Park, China
Image credit: The Daily Mail UK
Promoted as the “home-away-from-home for Hello Kitty and her friends,” the Hello Kitty Park in Anji county, China is the first large-scale amusement park in the country. This small outdoor theme park first opened on New Year’s Day in 2015 and is still receiving a steady stream of visitors until now. Travellers reviewed the “playland” as a good place to take children for a day of fun.
Address: 500 Meters of Hangchang Highway Zhejiang Anji North Exit, Anji County, China
5. Hello Kitty Secret Garden, Hong Kong
Image credit: Hello Kitty Secret Garden Facebook Fan Page
Image credit: Hello Kitty Secret Garden Facebook Fan Page
This café is as enchanting as it sounds, from the rustic appeal of the English-styled Hello Kitty by the door to the classy latte art. Visitors have raved about the good quality of the drinks here and the service that they received from the staff. Definitely a must-visit for some serious food photography and Hello Kitty souvenirs.
Address: 19 Ormsby Street, Hong Kong
6. Hello Kitty Café, Philippines
Image credit: Hello Kitty Café Philippines
Image credit: Hello Kitty Café Philippines
The first Hello Kitty Café in the Philippines recently opened in Manila and the picturesque kawaii-ness of the place is just to die for. The savoury meals are not only plated perfectly, they also received glowing reviews with regards to the taste. The menu is a mix of continental and French cuisine and every dish is just a foodstagrammer’s dream. Expect to not only have a ton of food photos but a lot of adorable feels too.
Address: 3F Uptown Mall BGC, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
7. Hello Kitty Bus, Tai Tai Mountain Park, China
Image credit: CNN Travel
The developers of Tai Tai Mountain Park in Taiyuan city in Shanxi Province, China, have transformed 30 abandoned buses into mini-hotels designed with popular cartoon characters in mind. Of course, it’s only apt that one of them should be adorned with Hello Kitty. This resort not only offers a one-of-a-kind accommodation, it also makes great reuse of waste. It’s pretty difficult to book a room online for this accommodation so it’s highly recommended to get a travel agent to help you secure one.
8. Hello Kitty Café Pop Up Container, California
Image credit: Hello Kitty Cafe
Image credit: Hello Kitty Cafe
Every Hello Kitty fan should try to follow where the Hello Kitty Café Pop Up Container will turn up next. Fans have travelled to experience it at Irvine, California and Westfield Santa Anita, California. If you’d like to know where it’s setting camp next, follow its Facebook Fan Page and schedule a Hello Kitty road trip.
9. Sanrioworld, Japan
Image credit: Fast Japan
Famous for carrying the most collection of Hello Kitty and friends’ merchandise, Sanrioworld in Ginza, Japan is the biggest Sanrio store in the world. Its two floors are fully stocked with Sanrio goodness which means you not only get Hello Kitty stuff, but there’s a huge collection of other Sanrio characters as well. This massive store has a nail salon and a Swarovski Shop “Bling me!” where you could get decked out with some serious Hello Kitty bling. Prepare yourself, and your wallet, for a Hello Kitty overload when you visit this place.
Address: 1st & 2nd Floor, Nishi Ginza Department Store, 4-1 Saki, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
10. Sanrio Expo, Japan
Image credit: Sanrio’s Hello Kitty Global
This annual expo in Tokyo put up by Sanrio showcases what the company has to offer to its fans in the future. As expected, the whole venue is bejewelled with everything crazy cute and there’s a whole lot more of anime and Sanrio collaborations displayed. Each character has its own booth and there are new merchandise for viewing only and not for purchasing. The most interesting ones are the Hello Kitty grocery items which include Wagyu beef and cat food. Though not open to the public, it will be quite an experience to visit this expo especially since participants get to take home limited and customized Sanrio souvenirs.
