Inbound Tourism Returns! U.S. Tour Group Visits HELLO KITTY SMILE

A group of 10 guests, mainly Chinese-Americans, visited Japan and enjoyed photo shoots in the gallery, souvenir shopping, and dining on the party terrace at HELLO KITTY SMILE.

Relaxation of Entry Restrictions for Inbound Tourism

On October 11, 2022, Japan significantly eased its COVID-19 border measures for foreign visitors. Amid expectations for a revival in inbound demand due to the weak yen and strong dollar, a group of 10 Chinese-American guests visited Japan on a tour. Among them were newlyweds who are not only fans of Japan but also big fans of HELLO KITTY, choosing HELLO KITTY SMILE as part of their honeymoon.

Ending the Journey with a Final Memory

The group enjoyed an 11-day tour, mainly around the Kansai and Shikoku regions. In Shikoku, they explored highlights such as the Otsuka Museum of Art, the Iyo-Nada Monogatari train, Konpira Shrine, and Dogo Onsen. On the 11th day, before departing from Kansai International Airport, they visited HELLO KITTY SMILE on Awaji Island to create a final memory of their trip.

Arrival at HELLO KITTY SMILE (11:20)

The group departed from Grand Nikko Awaji (hotel) and arrived at HELLO KITTY SMILE, a popular destination on Awaji Island, in about 20 minutes. Their chartered bus stopped at the designated drop-off area near the entrance, ensuring safe disembarkation for the guests before proceeding to the parking area.

Otohime Ryugu Castle (Media Art Gallery)

Finally, it's time to enter the facility through the entrance!

As the doors open, you're instantly surrounded by the blue ocean.

The interior, designed to resemble Otohime Ryugu Castle, offers numerous photo spots.

It's a magical area that excites both HELLO KITTY fans and non-fans alike.

Enjoy the enchanting and beautiful HELLO KITTY Otohime Ryugu Castle brought to life by projection mapping.

Shopping (11:40)

One of the highlights of HELLO KITTY SMILE is the exclusive HELLO KITTY SMILE Original Goods Corner.

It features a wide selection of merchandise, including Hello Kitty and other popular Sanrio character items, available only here.

A customer, looking for the perfect souvenir for their grandchildren in the U.S., browsed through the appealing items with a satisfied expression while carefully selecting the right gift.

Meanwhile, a newlywed couple, who are big Hello Kitty fans, excitedly picked up exclusive items and made their purchases with great enthusiasm.

Dining on the Party Terrace* (12:00)

(*Currently operating as miele the DINER. )

After enjoying the Media Art Gallery and shopping, the group dined on Italian cuisine at seaside seating.

They savored fresh salads and pasta made with Awaji Island's local vegetables, reflecting on their 11-day journey while enjoying the stunning views during their final moments of the trip.

The dining photos are for illustrative purposes only.

Group Plan

Introducing special admission and dining plans for group visitors.

We offer great value group plans to fully enjoy HELLO KITTY APPLE LAND.

With a variety of restaurants and menu options available, we can tailor a plan to meet your preferences.

HELLO KITTY SMILE

Media Art & Restaurant

Located on the west coast of Awaji Island, HELLO KITTY SMILE is a media art and restaurant complex themed around the Ryugu Castle and Hello Kitty.

The facility features four cafes and restaurants, an event area, and a shop, offering exciting experiences like meet-and-greets with Hello Kitty. It's packed with content that delights both children and adults.

HELLO KITTY SHOWBOX

For an enhanced experience, we also recommend the theater restaurant HELLO KITTY SHOWBOX, which can be enjoyed together with HELLO KITTY SMILE.