Hello Kitty Smile

Hello Kitty Smile is a unique media art and restaurant attraction located on Awaji Island in western Japan's Hyogo Prefecture, opened in 2018. This is the only attraction where visitors can meet Princess Hello Kitty as Otohime, a princess from a popular Japanese folktale, and explore her undersea home of Ryugu Castle. The facility features an eye-catching giant Hello Kitty head structure on the coast of Awaji Island.

The attraction draws its cultural significance from the traditional Japanese folktale of Otohime, reimagined through the beloved Hello Kitty character. Visitors experience the mysterious underwater world of Hello Kitty at the "Otohime Dragon Palace" through immersive media art presentations. The venue combines modern projection mapping technology with Japan's most recognizable character to create a unique cultural experience that appeals to both domestic and international visitors.

The main experience centers around meeting Hello Kitty in her role as the sea princess and exploring the digitally recreated underwater palace. Entry to the "Otohime Dragon Palace" is included in the admission fee, where guests can enjoy interactive media art displays and take commemorative photos with the character. The facility also houses multiple restaurant options serving dishes made with local Awaji Island ingredients, allowing visitors to dine while overlooking the sea.

Admission costs 1,500 yen for adults (ages 13 and over), 800 yen for children (4-12 years old), and is free for infants (3 years and under). A premium "Gold Ticket" option is available for 30,000 yen (adults) or 10,000 yen (children), which includes admission plus original Hello Kitty merchandise and a special photo opportunity.

Access to Awaji Island typically begins with travel to Sannomiya Station in Kobe, from where visitors can take direct buses to the attraction with round-trip tickets from Sannomiya or Kosoku-Maiko stations costing 3,490 yen for adults. Free shuttle bus service operates between Hello Kitty Smile and other Hello Kitty attractions on the island's west coast, departing at 2:22 PM on weekdays and 2:32 PM on weekends. The island is also accessible by car via the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, with parking available at the facility.