What is Hello Kitty Smile and where is it located?

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.

How much does Hello Kitty Smile cost and what are the ticket prices?

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.

What can you do on Hello Kitty Smile ship?

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.

How do I get to Hello Kitty Smile from Osaka or Kobe?

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.

Do I need reservations for Hello Kitty Smile restaurant?

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.

Awaji Island

Hello Kitty Smile, Awaji

3.6 (2313)Amusement CenterAmusement ParkTourist AttractionStoreRestaurantPoint Of InterestFoodEstablishment

Last updated Jul 5, 2026

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.

Hours

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Phone

+81 799-70-9037

Website

awaji-resort.com

Overview

Address

985-1 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji, Hyogo 656-1721, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Traveler reviews

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.

Hannah

Oct 7, 2025

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.

Sam Waterman

Jul 25, 2025

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.

Eric Barrie

Mar 21, 2022

One of the places for girls and women alike... If you are a huge hello kitty fan. Do visit, there are things to see and photos to be taken. One of the best thing here is the photo taking session with the hello kitty which wasn't that long queue. About 5 minutes or so. The only bad part is the shuttle busses and public bus are limited here. There is also a restaurant at the side of the museum. I find the food 7/10 for my taste.. not the best but it's fine

Soh Xuan Yi

Mar 11, 2024

-Visited on a Monday and it was not crowded -Drove from Osaka and it was a little far but it was worth it. Carpark space was a little limited. -Bought tickets in advance through KKday. -Staff was friendly and helpful. -Quite a number of cute hello kitty to take photo with and the view of the sea was great.