Sanrio Puroland is the Asian version of Disneyland.
Disclaimer: As of this writing, Sanrio Puroland is temporarily closed to comply with Japan’s mandate of social distancing, and self-isolation to combat the COVID-19 virus. Rest assured that when we come back to a normal state, we can visit Sanrio Puroland once again.
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If the USA and the rest of the western world have their magical and towering Disneyland with all the blonde Princesses and their dashing Princes, here in faraway Land of the Rising Sun there is one kingdom dominated by a cute white British girl named Kitty White (hence, Hello Kitty) who was born in England in the 70s and decided to moved to Japan with her friends and built this kingdom called Sanrio Puroland.
We love a good children’s story, and Hello Kitty has been part of my childhood. I always thought Hello Kitty is a cat, and later I discovered her back story only lately told by her fairy godmother Yuko Shimizu.
I still got fresh memory of my toddler-self holding my first Hello Kitty stuff toy that was a gift to me by my father. She was wearing a Victorian-inspired dress with white lace on it and donning her huge pink bow. At that time, it was like my greatest joy. She became my best friend and companion. And even though I lost my original Hello Kitty doll, she still stays in my heart.
And that’s why I insist on visiting Sanrio Puroland, to complete my childhood experience!
It sounds very childish, but I don’t care what others think.
We all have childhood happiness, and mine keeps that memory glow like a spark of joy!
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Months have passed and the memory of our visit at Sanrio Puroland still gives me absolute joy, and a yes consumed a few sheets of tissue paper to wipe my tears of joy (you’ll know later why).
Now that Sanrio Puroland is in a temporary hiatus, it is a perfect time to finally share my travel story and maybe some few Hello Kitty fans could relate.
It was July 2019 when we decided to visit Sanrio Puroland, after our 3-days excursion in Tokyo Disneyland. Located at Tama New Town, Tokyo Japan this indoor theme park also known as Hello Kitty Land attracts over 1.5million visitors per year.
Although Disneyland is also part of my childhood, however, I got a different feeling of happiness when it comes to Sanrio characters.
Maybe because Sanrio characters are more adorable and huggable, unlike Disney characters. Sanrio characters are illustrated as cute animals that you can be played with. These characters made me feel comfortable and calm as a child.
Tickets and Admissions
I booked our admission ticket online using my KLOOK app, which turns out to be a great idea. Actually, it is the SMARTEST IDEA. Turns out buying the admission ticket as a walk-in guest is waaaayyy more expensive! Here’s the proof:
OMG, that is a huge saving!
And having an online reservation makes it more easily and fuzz-free. We don’t have to wait for coz there is a special entrance for all those who have tickets via KLOOK.
I am so thrilled that this app saves me a lot of money during our Japan trip.
Inside Sanrio Puroland
Unlike Disneyland, Sanrio Puroland attraction is located indoors in a small scale of 45,900 square meter area. Though this place is nothing to compared to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea in terms of landmass, Sanrio Puroland still the best attraction that is worth visiting for all ages (and yes including our old age grandma in their wheelchairs!).
Sanrio characters are not just your kawaii merchandise that most Asian Aunties bought for the toddlers. Sanrio is a huge enterprise in Japan that has been for many decades giving us wholesome happiness and amazing memories.
You will see tons of massive attractions, and if you are a person who loves cute things for your Instagram, and voila this place is for you. You might need to bring an extra memory card and a portable battery to capture all these fun kinds of stuff.
Watch our vlog here!
I couldn’t believe that these Australian kids never know anything about Hello Kitty or any Sanrio characters. I was like “… what are these kids been watching???!!!” During the whole tour, I ended up like a Sanrio tour guide, introducing to the name of each character, and their stories. The kids realized I am more of a Sanrio-girl than a Disney-girl, LOL.
I was in a state of bliss, feeling like a 3-year old girl in her tower surrounded by flora and fauna. While I am editing my photos for this blog, I realized that I was wearing my Mickey Mouse shirt!
OMG, that is so humiliating, lol. Where is my Hello Kitty outfit?!
Did you see what I mean about cuteness?! All corners will make you smile! This place also gave me tons of ideas for my next DIY projects, and prop designs for my blog photography.
Sanrio Puroland receives over 1.5 million visitors per year and we are so lucky that even though this is one of the famous attractions in Japan, it wasn’t that super crowded during the day of our visit. If you are born in the 90s era, Sanrio Puroland will give you more nostalgic of your kindergarten days, when you used to share your lunchbox with your schoolmates.
The Wisdom Tree
Sanrio Puroland has 4 floors, with most of the attractions being on 1F and 2F. In the center of these two floors, there’s a large atrium with the Wisdom Tree serving as the focal point. The rides weave through these two floors, and most of the entertainment occurs in theaters located from wings of 1F, or in the large atrium around the Wisdom Tree.
The entrance to Puroland is on 3F, which is also where you’ll find most of the gift shops and some character meet & greets. On 4F, there’s a slew of restaurants plus more gift shops and other character and photo ops. You’ll spend the bulk of your time on the lower levels.
Sanrio Puroland is typically open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., although 6 p.m. closures are also common on weekdays, with 8 p.m. closures on Saturdays. Note that in the off-season, Sanrio Puroland can be closed completely some weekdays. It’s best to consult their official calendar before planning a visit.
How’s the toilet?
For those who are very cautious about their toilet moments, don’t freak out. Sanrio Puroland just like any attractions and theme parks in Japan has one of the cleanest toilets you’ve ever seen. They have a modern toilet seat fit for the Queen, all the cleaning staff is so friendly and accommodating.
These toilet rooms are well decorated, and oh boy serenades you as well!
Childhood dream room!
This perfect reminds me of my childhood dream to have this all-pink room full of Sanrio characters. However, I’ve already moved on and gained a different taste. But this could be a dream room for my future daughter!
Meet and Greet with Hello Kitty White!
I think of all the activities we had, this is something that made me so excited and didn’t care if I have to wait for the next 15-minutes just to have a meet-and-greet plus photo op with Kitty White. Mind you, I felt it was a great childhood achievement that I unlocked, and now that photo is proudly displayed in my Manila home.
Things to Remember Before You Go to Sanrio Puroland
Check the online calendar before you go. Unlike Disneyland or some other theme parks, Sanrio Puroland isn't open every single day. They are typically closed on Thursdays, but there are occasionally other days where they are closed for maintenance or other reasons. Check their online calendar here.
Check the online schedule before you go for parades and shows. Like Disneyland and Disney Sea, Sanrio Puroland has regularly scheduled performances and shows, such as the Kawaii Kabuki show or Memory Boys musical. Some of these are held daily, and some are only held on special occasions. If you're keen on seeing any of these, it's worth checking their website so that you can time your visit accordingly.
They do special things for birthdays and anniversaries. If you're visiting Puroland on your birthday or an anniversary of any kind, head to the information counter on the third floor. You'll get a card, but also fun, secret, special things. Go and be surprised.
You can actually buy a 'Fastpass' at Puroland. This JPY500 pass gives you priority access to rides and attractions. However, if you're here on a weekday, you will almost never have to wait for a ride other than the Sanrio Character Boat Ride. Unless you're really pressed for time, don't bother.
How to Get There
From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line to Tama Center Station to access Sanrio Puroland. You’ll know you’ve arrived at the right station because it’s adorned with Hello Kitty decor, including a fun, faux stained-glass ceiling.
It’s about a 7-minute walk from Tama Center Station along an elevated walkway. (We accidentally walked on lower-level sidewalks going there–same time to get there, but the elevated walkway is much nicer.)
Another option is to rent a car in Tokyo (just like what we did) especially if you have a valid international driver’s license. In this option, we find driving more practical and convenient.
Here are a few other random tips when visiting Sanrio Puroland:
* Purchase discounted tickets in advance for significant savings.
* Sanrio Puroland has free WiFi, and it actually works!
* There are lockers inside the park (with larger sizes available at the train station).
* Cover visible tattoos before entering (this rule exists throughout Japan and is seldom enforced on non-Japanese guests).
* Gift shops at Sanrio Puroland are tax-free if you meet minimum purchase requirements and present a foreign passport.
* Smoking is not allowed indoors, except for in the designated location.
* Don’t miss the famous Miracle Light Parade! It is something that is truly memorable
* We recommend that you book your tickets from KLOOK for a more discounted price!
Have you been to Sanrio Puroland? Do you like it or not? Who is your favorite Sanrio character?
Sanrio Puroland is my kind of theme park! I used to collect Hello Kitty when I was a kid so it’s too adorable to see this. I’d definitely go for that Fastpass, it sounds like a good deal.
ReplyDeleteI still couldn't believe that Hello Kitty is now 46-years old!
DeleteAww! I love Hello Kitty and this is so cute! And those toilets! Sweet place!
ReplyDeleteThey place music why you do your private business :)
DeleteWe did not visit the Sanrio Puroland when we were in Tokyo. In fact, I am not sure if we even knew it was a spot to visit. Although we did see lots of “Hello Kitty” memorabilia in many of the stores. It looks like quite an extensive spot to visit. And fun that you get a chance to meet and greet!
ReplyDeleteIt is something that is worth visiting coz Hello Kitty is the Japanese version of Disneyland :)
Deletehi
ReplyDeleteSanrio Puroland does seem so warm and inviting. Great to read about how you could relive the childhood memories and desires to visit this place. The wisdom tree looks vast and it is such a cool idea to have such an educative theme. Nice to know that they have all the attractions within one roof itself. Loved the fact that the washrooms are so clean. The pointers given to be checked before planning a trip to Sanrio would definitely be helpful.
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DeleteLooks like a dream come true if you are a Hello Kitty fan ! Agree Klook offers great deals ! I always check Klook before making any purchases ! I didn't know until now that Hello Kitty is not a cat ! So, she's human ?
ReplyDeleteThough I'm not yet a super fan coz I don't have crazy Hello Kitty collection, but visiting Sanrio Puroland made a lot of different.
DeleteYeah, apparently Hello Kitty is a human! Who would have thought :)
I can imagine you felt like a kid again, it looks so cute and adorable! What a fun and different themepark. I love that there are so many different ones around the world, not just Disney. I felt similarly when I visited the Harry Potter Studios in London and Harry Potter Village at Universal Studios in Osaka, it was like being transported back into my childhood.
ReplyDeleteWhen we got a chance to travel back to Japan, my next target is visiting Harry Potter themed park!
DeleteDisneyland of course is special in its own way and I have now read so much about it. I am yet to visit though. But this is the first time I am hearing about Sanrio Puroland. This place looks pure bliss. It seems to have a magical charm about it. Would keep in my plans when we go to Japan.
ReplyDeleteVery much! Even the Aussie kids are amazed and I am happy to share this experience with them.
DeleteThis looks quite colorful Place. The atmosphere and the park looks my kind of Place! I am not much of theme Park fans but this one looks quite colorful and would love to visit it when in Tokyo.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best theme park! I miss Japan even more.
DeleteOh that looks so much fun. Love how pastel the colors are.
ReplyDeleteThat's true! Hello Kitty is for all ages :)
DeleteI am older and did not know the story of Hello Kitty, I also thought she was a cat. I do not think your insisting to visit Sanrio Puroland is childish at all. One of the best things about getting older is being able to do all the things we haven’t throughout our lives. Great tip watch the Miracle Light Parade and to use the KLOOK app, I love saving money.
ReplyDeleteI've seen many old people in wheelchair still visiting Sanrio Puroland, and even had their annual pass!
DeleteOh, how amazing is Sanrio Puroland. We crave for Theme Park holidays and my girls will love to meet and greet Hello Kitty. This will be a must do for us when we visit Japan.
ReplyDeleteOhh you will enjoy it!
DeleteWe did not go there when we visited Japan, but my wife has a friend how is crazy for Hello Kitty and I am sure she would have spent a whole day there. I am glad you liked it and the photos look wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI bet your friend also own a cat :)
DeleteWell, Hello Kitty had been a part of my childhood, but I always thought her to be a cat! I also did not know that she had a huge kingdom in Japan. Sanrio Puroland would be a dream visit for me, or any kid. The place looks simply lovable. Well, the pink room is something that almost all little girls dream of. In my case, however, I dreamt in blue!
ReplyDeleteHello Kitty in blue is also cool!
DeleteA few years back my daughter would have loved it . It would have been fun to see her use those washrooms and the meet and greet at Sanrio Puroland. However, will recommend it to people heading to Tokyo - especially the little girls who love Hello Kitty
ReplyDeleteHope we can visit Japan after a year when Japan opens it's border again internationally.
DeleteI’m not a hello kitty fan pero gusto ko tong puntahan. Aside from the colorful facilities, ang girly-girly pa ng mga designs. Perfect to for kids and young at hearts.
ReplyDeleteEven a non Hello Kitty fan will enjoy here!
DeleteI used to collect Sanrio items when I was in high school. I am a big fan of Hello Kitty! I will add this on my travel list to visit once the pandemic is over. My daugther will enjoy this trip for sure!
ReplyDeleteOhh I miss Sanrio too! I want to visit them again for their winter season!
DeleteEye catchy yung ganda at Isa din ako Sa mahilig ng Sanrio characters at kung mapuntahan ko ito someday ,pagpasok palang mapatulala ako sa sobrang ganda !!
ReplyDeleteOmg super ganda naman po dyan lalo na sa loob talagang nakakaenjoy and best experience po kapag nagpunta dyan..and pangarap ko na din pong magpunta dyan. Thanks for sharing this po
ReplyDeleteOmg super ganda naman po dyan lalo na sa loob talagang nakakaenjoy and best experience po kapag nagpunta dyan..and pangarap ko na din pong magpunta dyan. Thanks for sharing this po.
ReplyDeleteYay ganda ng place perfect nga sa mga Hello Kitty lover lakas maka fantasy kahit yung cr nila sobrang ganda din.
ReplyDelete