What other travelers are saying about Hello Kitty Smile, Awaji
So cute! I wish I had more time to explore, but the bit that I did see was so cute! Meeting hello kitty was also fun! She was so kind and expressive! Our service was also exemplary! We ate at the cafe there and our waiter was so kind and helpful. They even helped us and made sure we got at the bus safely. I would definitely come back again.
Hello Kitty Smile is a Hello Kitty themed cruise ship restaurant and attraction operated by Sanrio, located in Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The ship is permanently docked at Awaji Island and offers Hello Kitty themed dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences for visitors.
Hello Kitty Smile ticket prices vary by experience type. Restaurant reservations typically range from 3,000-8,000 yen per person depending on the meal plan. Some areas may require separate admission fees. It's recommended to check the official Sanrio website for current pricing and make advance reservations.
Hello Kitty Smile offers multiple themed restaurants with Hello Kitty cuisine, interactive dining experiences, Hello Kitty character meet and greets, exclusive merchandise shopping, photo opportunities throughout the ship, and seasonal Hello Kitty themed events and entertainment shows.
To reach Hello Kitty Smile on Awaji Island, take a bus from JR Maiko Station or Sanyo Maiko Park Station to Awaji IC, then transfer to local transport. Alternatively, drive across the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The journey from Osaka takes approximately 1.5-2 hours by public transportation.
Yes, advance reservations are highly recommended for Hello Kitty Smile restaurants, especially during peak seasons, weekends, and holidays. Reservations can be made through the official Sanrio website or by phone. Walk-ins may be accommodated but availability is not guaranteed due to the attraction's popularity.
We did the Hello Kitty Smile and Apple House experiences because the wife is a huge Sanrio fan. Buying tickets in advance, we thought we would breeze though - proved not to be the case. Plenty of parking, but you may have to walk (8 min for us). There were no separate cues for those who prepaid versus those still requiring payment which was honestly annoying and opposite of every other site/activity we took part in during our stay in Kansai. Inside was pretty awesome, but again the queuing was pretty bad and was quite stuffy. The unfortunate part was due to this, we were unable to take pictures with the hime Hello Kitty. Moving on to the Apple House, it seemed more coordinated and quick overall. Honestly, it's the epitome of a tourist trap and something to do if you want to burn time.
Interesting park to visit if you fancy Hello Kitty.
Many photo spots to take photos with various Hello Kitty props.
Kids will be interested in completing the quiz and puzzles in the handbook provided when entering the park.
The ticket pricing is high, considering what you are paying for. The only offerings inside are rhinestones displays, kitty wall art, mirrors, and digital art. Hello Kitty does make an appearance, which is a plus! As an adult and a fan, I was underwhelmed. However, my 5 year old daughter was thrilled by the experience. You can get a parent and child ticket for 3,000.
I personally feel that it’s a money trap! It’s a place to buy overly priced food and ridiculously priced Hello Kitty merchandise.
Our family had an amazing time at Hello Kitty Smile, Awaji Island! My wife, our two kids, and I truly enjoyed the variety of activities available—everything was fun, interactive, and perfectly suited for children. Parents can also participate and help their kids complete tasks, making it a great bonding experience.
The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, always ensuring that visitors had the best experience. The place itself is beautifully designed, making it a dream destination for Hello Kitty fans!
The only thing that could be improved is the food options to better cater to Muslim visitors. It would be great to see more halal-friendly choices in the future.
Overall, it was a fantastic visit, and we highly recommend it to families looking for a fun and memorable experience!
