Japan

There’s A Sanrio-Themed Indoor Park Near Tokyo With Hello Kitty’s Home & Exclusive Merch

Sanrio Puroland


For all my Sanrio-obsessed fans, Sanrio paradise is less than an hour away from Tokyo. If you prefer to live another day, rather than fight the hoards at Tokyo Disneyland, Sanrio Puroland is an excellent alternative for a fun day trip from the Japanese capital.

Sanrio Puroland definitely puts the “theme” in theme park, with photo spots designed around beloved characters like Cinnamoroll and My Melody, and even a tour around Hello Kitty’s home.

The current exchange rate is ¥10 = ~S$0.09 as of 21st March 2025.


What is Sanrio Puroland?


Sanrio Puroland (2)Sanrio Puroland (2)Image credit: @Sheila Mate Bareng via Facebook

An all-weather indoor park, Sanrio Puroland is season-proof, so you can include it in your itinerary no matter when you visit Tokyo.

True to its name, the park is an homage to iconic Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty, Gudetama, Pompompurin, and more. Visitors can expect to see spectacular parades, shop exclusive merchandise, and take a boat ride to visit the Sanrio friends.


How do I get to Sanrio Puroland?


The park is located at  1-chōme-31 Ochiai, Tama, Tokyo 206-8588, Japan, and can be reached via 2 nearby train stations.

You can take the Odakyu Line and alight at Odakyu Tama Centre. From there, take the South exit and walk up the Sanrio mural staircase. Follow the raised walkway and turn left after Okanoue Plaza. The park entrance is at the end of the street.


Image credit: batang_igat via Flickr

Alternatively, you can start at Shinjuku Station and take the Keio Line at the South Exit. Follow the signs to platform 4 and take the Semi Rapid Express or Express trains bound for Hashimoto. You can take the Rapid train as well, but the journey takes a longer time. Alight at Keio Tama Center.


Image credit: Eriko via Flickr

Turn left at the ticket barriers, and you’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the impossible-to-miss, stained glass Sanrio ceiling. Go up the stairs and take a left at the crossroads, the park entrance is just down the street.


How do I get tickets to Sanrio Puroland?


There are 2 ways to get passport tickets to Sanrio Puroland. You can buy them at the park counter, or book your ticket through various ticketing partners.

There are 3 types of tickets: Passport tickets, Annual Passes, and Puroland tickets.

Passport tickets are available in Day and Afternoon options. Day tickets allow you to enter the park at opening, while Afternoon tickets only grant you access from 2pm. Annual Passes come with year-long access to the park. Puroland tickets are basically fast passes, but these can only be purchased at vending machines near each ride, with prices varying according to rides (¥500-¥2,000).

Type of Ticket Day Passport Afternoon Passport Annual (Digital) Annual (Card)
Adult

(>18 years old) 

¥3,900- ¥5,900 ¥2,500-¥3,800 ¥20,000 ¥22,000
Child

(3-17 years old)

¥2,800-¥4,800 ¥2,200-¥3,500 ¥10,000 ¥12,000

It is highly recommended that you book your ticket online since it’s much cheaper. You can either purchase a 1-day passport (S$28.80) and present a QR code on arrival, or get the Klook Pass for Greater Tokyo (from S$59.89), which bundles Puroland tickets with other attraction entries for greater discounts. Make sure to book your visit early since each passport is day-specific.

Get a 1-day passport or a Klook Pass for Greater Tokyo.

You can purchase your Day Passport or Afternoon Passport through the Puroland website, which will cost less than if you get them at the entrance of the park. Prices vary by day, so check the website before you make a trip.


Tips for your visit to Puroland


Collect a guide map and daily schedule, with character meeting times, upon arrival so it’s easier to plan your route. There are restrooms on each floor, so you don’t have to worry about toilet breaks.

If meeting a Sanrio character is top on your itinerary, head to the Character Greeting Residence near the entrance and scan the QR code to book a timeslot. Check the online schedule beforehand to get first dibs on the character line-up for the day.

The majority of merchandise is park-exclusive, so it’s recommended that you snag your merchandise first in order to avoid the crowds near closing time. If shopping isn’t on the agenda, hit the Sanrio Character Boat Ride first, since this ride attracts the longest queues.

If it’s your birthday month, you’re in luck. Head to the information counter to get your free lanyard with a celebratory card.

You may be tempted to layer up during colder seasons, but the indoor park is well-heated so you needn’t worry about getting chilly.

As a general rule, you can’t bring prepared meals, but snacks are permitted. However, if you have specific dietary requirements, or have a baby with you, exceptions can be made.


Attractions at Sarnio Puroland


Parades & shows


The first floor of the park houses the show stages and theatres, like the Wisdom Tree Stage, where parades are usually held, and the Fairyland Theatre.

Image credit: @Cheah Kangwei via Facebook 

The park offers more than your standard run-of-the-mill rides and photospots. Their parades are a highlight, which you’re recommended to get a Puropass for. Even if you don’t have a Puropass, you can still head to viewing spots around the park, albeit with less-than-ideal photo angles.


Image credit: Yousra hana via Google Maps 

The park’s most popular parade is the Miracle Gift Parade, a stunning set featuring light shows, acrobatic acts, and beloved characters like Dear Daniel and Hello Kitty. A recommended viewing spot is the balcony above the stage, outside the Sanrio Character Boat Ride exit.

Catch the Kawaii Kabuki show, presented by the Hello Kitty Troupe at the Fairy Tale Theatre. The show features characters dressed in traditional costumes reenacting the story of Momotaro, a popular Japanese folktale about a boy born from a peach who fights monsters and saves the land from evil.

Image credit: @chiper_p via Instagram 

For a full list of parades and shows, check out the official Puroland website.


Rides



Image credit: Sanrio Puroland 

Cinnamaroll’s Little Big Adventure, which opened just last year, is one of Puroland’s latest rides. The 5-minute competitive shooting ride at the Discovery Theatre features Japan’s first dual-screen shooting system, and motion-based seating like Shrek’s Castle in Universal Studios.

Skipping Mymerroaddrive is definitely not an option for My Melody fans. This adorable 3-minute ride invites visitors to step into a little car that takes them through diorama stops introducing My Melody and her friends.

 

The ride isn’t your typical track ride, as you’ll get pictures taken at every other stop. Don’t forget to collect your photo receipt at the exit, and stop by the photo kiosks where you can purchase photos (¥1,000) and even decorate them with stickers and glitter.


Image credit: Sanrio Puroland 

Then, there’s Sanrio Character Boat Ride, where guests embark on a boat journey for a Hello Kitty park trip.


Image credit: Sanrio Puroland 

The ride stars almost the entire ensemble of Sanrio characters, so there’s no favouritism here. Expect longer queues as the boat ride is one of the most popular attractions at the park.

Puropasses are available at vending machines near the attractions, so if you consider yourself above waiting, go ahead and skip the line – for a fee.


Photo spots


You can also visit the iconic Hello Kitty herself at her residence in Puroland. Lady Kitty House invites guests on a tour around the lavish European-style building.


Image credit: w-8-g (馬込のパパ) via Google Maps 

Fun fact: the house was gifted to Hello Kitty’s grandmother, Rose White, and now functions as a family home to Hello Kitty.

The house definitely gives atas vibes, featuring a Japanese tea room, a decadent bedroom filled with sweet treats, and even a rose garden.

The attraction is filled with interactive elements too, in particular an AR screen that allows visitors to try on Hello Kitty’s dress.

Image credit: @sm_puro via Instagram 

The attraction ends with a bang in the final room, where visitors can meet and take pictures with Hello Kitty herself.

If visitors are hoping to increase aura points, they can purchase a rose before seeing Hello Kitty. Present her with the rose to be rewarded with a small tiara.

It’s no surprise that this attraction frequently sees one of the longest waiting times in Puroland. Skip the line with a Puropass, which you can purchase near the entrance of Lady Kitty House

Otherwise, head to the  Character Greeting Residence for meet-and-greet sessions with My Melody, Pompompurin, Cinnamaroll, Badtz-Maru, and Pochacco.


Image credit: Sanrio Puroland

The residence features an entrance hall and 5 themed rooms – one for each character. However, note that you have to make an advance booking for the meet-and-greet sessions, so make sure to do so via  the QR code at the entrance as early as you can.


Food at Sanrio Puroland


Food court


The Character Food Court is one of the many F&B outlets in Puroland, and is one of the more wallet-friendly options. However, reviewers suggest going to the restaurants instead if you value quality over affordability.

Get themed sets such as  character curries and ramen (¥800-¥1,600), and kawaii desserts (from ¥600) here.

Sanrio Rainbow World Restaurant is another food court-like dining option here, with 7 seating zones each themed around a Sanrio character. Food items here include Hamburg steak, curry, and pasta, though you’ll want to save space for the crepes.

Image credit: @jona_marasigan via Instagram 


Restaurants


Restaurant Yakata is a buffet restaurant located on the fourth floor. Reservations aren’t allowed, but you can collect a numbered ticket at the entrance from 9:30am. Buffet tickets for adults are priced at ¥3,400, while tickets for kids aged 6-12 are priced at ¥1,800. There’s also a ticket price of ¥1,200 for younger kids aged 3-6.

Image credit: Y Arai via Google Maps 

The restaurant’s buffet has a huge selection of delicious foods, including  Hello Kitty Inari Zushi, Tiny Chum Cream Pudding and more. 

Random characters may appear while you’re dining, so make sure your camera is always on hand.

Finally, we have Cinnamoroll Dream Cafe, an entire eatery dedicated to the adorable white puppy.


Image credit: Sanrio Puroland

True to its name, the place offers more cafe-esque foods rather than heavier meals. If you’re craving something more substantial, we’d advise you to dine somewhere else.

The menu is themed around Cinnamoroll, with choices including the Small Milk Cheesecake And Banana Milk (¥850), Cinnamoroll’s Blue Lychee Soda (¥880), and Hello Kitty Chocolate Gateau (¥600).


Gift shops



Image credit: Sanrio Puroland

The third floor of Puroland is merch paradise  Entrance Shop, which is the largest merchandise shop in the park. Get park-exclusive souvenirs such as keychains (¥1,870), sweets (from ¥700) and stationery here.

Image credit: Sanrio Puroland

Also located on the third floor is the Fairy Tale Workshop. Here, you’ll be able to customise items like nametags (around ¥990) with a variety of Sanrio accessories.

View the full list of shops on the official Puroland website.


Visit Sanrio Puroland on your next trip to Japan


Sanrio Puroland may not appeal to adrenaline junkies, but it’s definitely a park that’s a feast for the eyes and senses. Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of Sanrio, its cultural significance can’t be denied. And if you’re looking to immerse yourself  in Japan’s kawaii landscape, what better way to participate than to pay a visit to the face of kawaii herself, Hello Kitty?

More attractions in Japan:


Cover image adapted from:  @Sheila Mate Bareng via Facebook & Sanrio Puroland
A portion of this content may contain referral links where The Smart Local may collect a commission. Our opinions remain our own.

shannonchow

Recent Posts

10 April Fools’ Pranks By Brands In SG, From Singlish Cabin Crew to Fake Ariana Grande Performance

April Fools’ campaigns by brands in Singapore In case you’ve not noticed, March has already…

April 1, 2025

Pulau Hantu: SG’s Own Tioman Island With Fun, Non-Ghostly Activities Like Diving & Snorkelling

TIL that despite being named "Island of Ghosts", Pulau Hantu isn't actually all that ghostly.

April 1, 2025