Sanrio Puroland, also known as Hello Kitty Land, is one of Japan’s most famous theme parks. Nestled in the bustling region of Tama New Town in Tokyo, Puroland offers an unforgettable experience for fans of Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, Gudetama, and other beloved Sanrio characters.
When was Puroland inaugurated?
With its doors open since December 7, 1990, this indoor facility houses attractions, live shows, themed restaurants, and, of course, stores with exclusive products from the Hello Kitty universe.
Sanrio Puroland receives more than 1.5 million visitors annually and has established itself as one of the most visited theme parks in Japan, alongside iconic places such as Tokyo Disney Resort and Fuji-Q Highland.
Where is the Hello Kitty theme park?
It is located in the Tama New Town area, in the city of Tama, Tokyo. The nearest station is Tama Center, served by the Keio Line, the Odakyu Line, and the Tama Monorail. From this station, you only need to walk five minutes to find yourself in front of the wonderful, colorful, and magical world of Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters.
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How many theme parks does Sanrio have?
Two. The company, creator of famous characters such as Keroppi, Hello Kitty, Kuromi, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and Gudetama, operates Puroland and Harmonyland, which is an outdoor park with a different entertainment approach.
The day Sanrio challenged Disney
The history of Sanrio Puroland dates back to the mid-1980s when the company Sanrio launched a project called “Sanrio Science Culture Communication Center” (SSCCC) with the goal of opening a theme park for its 30th anniversary in 1990. Although construction costs and competition with major parks like Disney posed a risk, the company spared no effort.
The park opened its doors on December 7, 1990, and in its early years, it did not generate the expected revenue. However, over time, Puroland gained recognition and positioning among the Japanese population and foreign tourists, driven by the popularity of Hello Kitty and the growing global interest in the kawaii aesthetic.
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What attractions are there in Puroland?
Inside Sanrio Puroland, visitors can enjoy various attractions and shows where the main characters are Sanrio icons. The entire setting is meticulously decorated with vibrant colors, music, and lights that enhance the magical atmosphere.
- Sanrio Characters Boat Ride: A classic attraction where a boat navigates through a river filled with scenes featuring characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, and many more, all preparing for the grand party organized by Kitty.
- Mymeroad Drive: Located in the SANRIOTOWN area (opened in 2013), this attraction allows visitors to ride a rental car designed by Kuromi (My Melody’s eternal rival) to explore Mariland, where My Melody lives.
- Lady Kitty House: A tour through a luxurious house inspired by Hello Kitty, featuring exhibits and objects with her image. At the end, guests can take a photo with Kitty.
- Kiki & Lala Twinklingtour: Dedicated to Kiki and Lala (Little Twin Stars), this attraction recreates their origin with astral elements and a dreamy atmosphere perfect for kawaii aesthetic lovers.
Events and live shows
One of Puroland’s biggest attractions is its parades and live shows. In the area known as “Puro Village,” around the Tree of Wisdom, the main parades take place. Currently, the most notable one is Miracle Gift Parade, a show filled with music, choreography, and lighting effects.
Additionally, various musical performances take place in the indoor theaters, such as Märchen Theater and Fairyland Theater, featuring productions that blend classic stories (Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, etc.) with the aesthetics and values of Sanrio.
Restaurants in Puroland
Besides attractions, Sanrio Puroland features several themed restaurants and cafés:
- Restaurant Yakata: Buffet-style (though it has undergone several format changes). Offers opportunities to meet and greet characters like Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, Pompompurin, and Wish me mell.
- Sanrio Rainbow World Restaurant: Located on the fourth floor, it is a food court-style restaurant decorated with a rainbow theme and menus inspired by different characters.
- Character Food Court: On the first floor, an informal dining area offering quick meals, curries, and sweets featuring designs of Hello Kitty, My Melody, and other Sanrio characters.
- Dream Cafe: A café on the fourth floor that changes its theme according to the season (My Melody Dream Cafe, Cinnamoroll Dream Cafe, etc.).
How much does the entrance to Sanrio Puroland cost?
The entrance fee to Puroland varies depending on the day and season. On average, tickets range from 2,800 yen (approximately 348 MXN) to 4,800 yen (659 MXN) per person. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, and in some cases, reservations are required for entry on high-demand dates.
It is also essential to check availability, as the park may require prior online reservations, especially during peak seasons or special events.
Who owns Sanrio?
The company was founded by Shintaro Tsuji in 1960. Originally called Yamanashi Silk, the company started by selling silk products. Over time, Tsuji transformed the business into what we now know as Sanrio.
Currently, the company remains family-owned, and in 2020, Shintaro’s grandson, Tomokuni Tsuji, took over as CEO.
What does Sanrio mean in Japanese?
The name “Sanrio” is a combination of two Japanese words:
- “San” (山): meaning “mountain.”
- “Rio” (リオ): an adaptation of the Spanish word “river.”
Why is Hello Kitty’s brand called Sanrio?
The choice of the name “Sanrio” reflects the company’s philosophy of connecting people like a river flowing from the mountains to the sea. Shintaro Tsuji, Sanrio’s founder, believed in the power of communication and friendship, aiming to create a company that would bridge people through products that convey positive emotions.
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