Guide to Awaji for Hello Kitty Fans🎀🍎
Where is Awaji?
Awaji (淡路島) is an island in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. It is about 90 minutes by car from the bustling city center of Osaka. There are plenty of ways to get to Awaji, but the easiest way we recommend based on our personal experience, is to take the direct bus. From Osaka/Kobe, you may take the direct Highway Bus (i) to Awaji Highway Oasis. From Awaji Highway Oasis, you may walk to the Awaji Interchange (Awaji IC), where there is a Awaji West Coast Free Shuttle Bus (ii) to all three Hello Kitty attractions. Ultimately, we want to get to Awaji Interchange (Awaji IC) in order to reach other destinations in Awaji.
💡Pro tips:
(i) Highway Bus schedules may vary depending on different seasons. Please reconfirm the bus schedule before boarding as there are only limited buses per day! Below is the booking link for your reference:
(ii) Getting around Awaji Island is not actually that confusing as Google Map suggests, thanks to the help from the Awaji West Coast Free Shuttle Bus! Please refer to the official link below for the timetable and service route of the Free Shuttle Bus:
Hello Kitty Attractions
There are three Hello Kitty attractions on Awaji Island: "HELLO KITTY SMILE," "HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX," and "HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE."
1) HELLO KITTY SMILE
A Hello Kitty theme park with lots of photo opportunities, where you may tour around the underwater-themed media art area featuring Otohime's Hello Kitty at Ryugu Castle created by projection mapping, in addition to meet and greet with Hello Kitty in her Otohime costume! There are also plenty of events that the whole family can enjoy, including experience corners and limited-time events! You may also have a memorable dining experience at the Hello Kitty-themed restaurants, and enjoy delicious dishes made from the fresh ingredients of Awaji Island whilst overlooking the ocean! Last but not least, don't forget to check out the 1F Smile Shop and 2F Smile Boutique for limited goods that can only be purchased at HELLO KITTY SMILE!
Map:
To get here, get off the Awaji West Coast Free Shuttle Bus at the HELLO KITTY SMILE stop.
💡Pro tips:
✿ HELLO KITTY SMILE is closed on Tuesdays (Please check the official website for the latest announcements)
✿ Please check the daily greeting schedule on the official website linked below:
✿ You may get your tickets in the link below and enter directly with the QR code:
✿ Special Events: Easter events like Hello Kitty Easter Egg Hunt and Easter event limited photo spot runs from March to May! Stay tuned!
2) HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX
A Hello Kitty themed vegan dining experience featuring a series of performances, including songs and dance performances by Hello Kitty herself! Each table will also get a chance to greet Hello Kitty on stage during the commemorative photo-taking session! Don't forget to shop for exclusive merchandises only available here before you leave!
Below features character mug parfaits we ordered during the Café Time Show:
To get here, get off the Awaji West Coast Free Shuttle Bus at the HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX stop.
💡Pro tips:
✿ HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX is closed on Wednesdays (Please check the official website for the latest announcements)
✿ Booking is required to enjoy the Lunch or Café Time Show. You may do so in the link below. Seats are limited so be sure to book in advance!
✿ Special Events: As part of the Easter events, you may get an Easter limited sticker by ordering a character mug parfait! Stay tuned for different exciting events every year!
3) HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE
HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE is located right next to HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, offering a huge projection mapping, an observation deck, and even an atelier experience! From the observation deck, you can see the large Hello Kitty face painted on the roof of HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX and the sea of Harimanada, which has been selected as one of the 100 best sunsets.
Below features the roof of HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX seen from the HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE observation deck:
💡Pro tips:
✿ HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE is closed on Wednesdays (Please check the official website for the latest announcements)
What's fun nearby:
Pizza with a view at Craft Circus:
Hello Kitty Themed Rooms
For the complete Hello Kitty experience, stay at the Hello Kitty Star Cocoon (Size: 75㎡) at Grand Chariot! It also comes with Hello Kitty Star Cocoon original goods!
Excited to see the kawaii world of Hello Kitty for yourself? Don't forget to check out the booking links for guaranteed admission! We hope you will enjoy Hello Kitty at Awaji as much as we do! Until next time!
Find us on:
✿ Instagram: @kawaiifanatictravels
✿ Youtube: @kawaiifanatictravels
✿ Email: kawaiifanatictravels@gmail.com [for business inquiries]
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