The only place in the world
HELLO KITTY SMILE is the only place where you can meet Hello Kitty in an Otohime outfit.
HELLO KITTY SMILE:
a Magical Experience of Multimedia Art and Meet-and-Greets
Explore immersive fantasy spaces, meet Hello Kitty, enjoy themed dining, and capture unforgettable moments inside a peaceful oceanfront entertainment complex on Awaji Island.
Reserve a magical Hello Kitty dining experience with themed cuisine, greetings from Hello Kitty, and sweeping ocean views.
HELLO KITTY SMILE:
A Magical Escape Filled With Art, Ocean Views & Hello Kitty
Explore immersive fantasy spaces, meet Hello Kitty, enjoy themed dining, and capture unforgettable moments inside a peaceful oceanfront attraction on Awaji Island.
Reserve a magical Hello Kitty dining experience with themed cuisine, greetings from Hello Kitty, and oceanfront views.
Here, Hello Kitty Meets You in an Otohime Costume
Hello Kitty dresses up as Otohime, a well-known character in Japanese mythology and folklore. Otohime is recognised as the beautiful daughter of the sea god Ryūjin and as the princess of the undersea dragon palace, Ryugu Castle.
In this one-of-a-kind Hello Kitty-themed facility, marvel at the
latest multimedia art shows and Hello Kitty-related exhibitions across eight areas, including an omnidirectional theatre.
In both the galleries and restaurants, Hello Kitty also comes out to say “Hi!” Don’t miss your chance to meet the beloved character in person!
Beyond the exhibits and experiences, visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of delicious dishes and afternoon tea at two restaurants. Afterwards, browse an extensive selection of original Hello Kitty-themed products at two shops.
In both the gallery and restaurants, Hello Kitty also comes out to say “Hi!” Don’t miss this chance to meet the beloved character in “person!”
In this one-of-a-kind Hello Kitty-themed facility, marvel at the latest multimedia art shows and Hello Kitty-related exhibitions across eight areas, including an omnidirectional theatre.
As if that weren’t enough, a wide variety of delicious dishes and afternoon tea are served in two restaurants/cafés. Afterwards, shop till you drop with all kinds of original Hello Kitty themed products in two shops.
In this one-of-a-kind Hello Kitty-themed facility, marvel at the latest multimedia art shows and Hello Kitty-related exhibitions across eight areas, including an omnidirectional theatre.
In both the gallery and restaurants, Hello Kitty also comes out to say “Hi!” Don’t miss this chance to meet the beloved character in “person!”
As if that weren’t enough, a wide variety of delicious dishes and afternoon tea are served in two restaurants/cafés. Afterwards, shop till you drop with all kinds of original Hello Kitty themed products in two shops.
Opened in April 2018
HELLO KITTY SMILE opened on Awaji Island on April 27, 2018, as an immersive Hello Kitty attraction with media art and restaurants.
Renewed in 2026
The facility reopened with expanded photo spots and immersive experiences revolving around the concept:
“Everyone becomes the star of a magical Ryugu Castle.”
Play and Meet Hello Kitty at Otohime's Dragon Palace
- Step inside, and suddenly… you’re underwater.
- Not in a scary way—but in a glittering, pastel, luxurious fantasy style. Welcome to Ryugu Castle, where Hello Kitty dressed in the original Otohime costume, rules the sea in style.
- Wander through glowing caves, past neon jellyfish, mirror mazes, and dreamlike projection rooms. Every corner is designed for photos you’ll want to post later.
Head over to the palace! One moment you’re laughing at hidden Hello Kitty surprises, the next, you’re dancing at an underwater party with Hello Kitty herself dressed in the Otohime costume. Very elegant. Very fun.
Explore spaces filled with kaleidoscopic lights, glowing treasure boxes, and infinity mirrors, with Hello Kitty waiting around every corner.
- And finally, Hello Kitty’s personal room. Hello Kitty will stop by at scheduled times! While you wait for her next visit, enjoy taking photos with memorable Hello Kitty figurines you’ve painted yourself at the craft area or relaxing on the soft sofa.
The room is filled with cute details, and an interior design makes you think, “Maybe my room could use some pearly pink underwater glamour, too.“
Say “Hi" and Take a Photo with Hello Kitty
Create unforgettable memories with exclusive greeting experiences, themed stages, and beautiful photo moments only available at HELLO KITTY SMILE.
What is the Greeting Experience Like?
Step 1
Arrive at HELLO KITTY SMILE
and purchase a ticket at the facility.
There is a free shuttle bus on Awaji Island from Iwaya Port or Awaji IC.
Step 2
Choose a Greeting type: Smile Greeting OR Restaurant Greeting at GARDEN Terrace or Restaurant Tamatebako.
A greeting participation ticket is required for a lunch greeting at GARDEN Terrace while a ticket is required for a café menu at Tamatebako.
Step 3
Take Photos together with Hello Kitty. The staff will help you with photo-taking
Step 1
Arrive at Hello Kitty Smile
and purchase a ticket at the facility.
There is a free shuttle bus on Awaji Island from Iwaya Port or Awaji IC
Step 2
Choose Greeting type: Smile Greeting, at GARDEN Terrace or Restaurant Tamatebako Greeting
If ordering from the meal menu, no greeting participation ticket is required
Step 3
Take Photos Together with Hello Kitty! The staff will help you with photo-taking
Weekdays
- 12 Noon – Restaurant Greeting;
- 1 PM – Smile Greeting;
- 3 PM – Cafe Time Greeting, Smile Greeting;
- 5 PM – Restaurant Greeting; Smile Greeting
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
- 11 AM – Smile Greeting;
- 12 Noon – Restaurant Greeting;
- 1 PM – Smile Greeting;
- 2 PM – Smile Greeting;
- 3 PM – Cafe Time Greeting, Smile Greeting;
- 5 PM – Restaurant Greeting, Smile Greeting
*Schedule may vary during seasonal events
Dine Inside Hello Kitty’s Fantasy World
Enjoy themed dining, oceanfront café moments, and exclusive Hello Kitty greetings inside beautifully designed spaces at HELLO KITTY SMILE.
GARDEN Terrace
- Enjoy colorful sweets, Chinese cuisine, ocean views, and magical café moments in a peaceful atmosphere designed for slow, memorable time together.
Perfect for:
- ♥ café breaks,
- ♥ full meals,
- ♥ desserts,
- ♥ seasonal sweets,
- ♥ relaxed conversations,
- ♥ daytime greetings by Hello Kitty.
Ryugu Restaurant Tamatebako
A more immersive themed dining experience where guests can enjoy Hello Kitty greetings while dining in a magical Dragon Palace-inspired setting.
- Perfect for:
- ♥ Special memories
- ♥ Birthdays
- ♥ Dinner dates
- ♥ Full meals
- ♥ Character interactions
Create Your Own Hello Kitty Memories
Take a break from exploring and enjoy playful hands-on experiences inspired by Hello Kitty’s colorful fantasy world. Design, decorate, and bring home one-of-a-kind souvenirs from your Awaji Island adventure.
Pottery Painting Experience
Paint Your Own Hello Kitty Artwork
Choose your favorite character design and decorate it with your own colors and style. A special handmade souvenir that becomes part of your travel memories.
Vinyl Print Experience
Create Colorful Window Art
Design vibrant Hello Kitty stickers and arrange them freely on glass surfaces to create playful artwork you can enjoy again and again.
Sand Art Experience
Design Sparkling Sand Art
Layer colorful sand to complete beautiful Hello Kitty illustrations, then take home your finished artwork inside a charming display frame.
Mascot Scooping
Try a Classic Festival-Style Challenge
Inspired by traditional Japanese festival games, scoop up as many cute mascots as you can and bring your favorite characters home.
Pottery Painting Experience
Paint Your Own Hello Kitty Artwork
Choose your favorite character design and decorate it with your own colors and style. A special handmade souvenir that becomes part of your travel memories.
Vinyl Print Experience
Create Colorful Window Art
Design vibrant Hello Kitty stickers and arrange them freely on glass surfaces to create playful artwork you can enjoy again and again.
Sand Art Experience
Design Sparkling Sand Art
Layer colorful sand to complete beautiful Hello Kitty illustrations, then take home your finished artwork inside a charming display frame.
Mascot Scooping
Try a Classic Festival-Style Challenge
Inspired by traditional Japanese festival games, scoop up as many cute mascots as you can and bring your favorite characters home.
Escape Into an Even More Magical Side of Japan
Discover immersive fantasy spaces, unforgettable photo moments, themed dining, and relaxing experiences waiting for you at HELLO KITTY SMILE on Awaji Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is HELLO KITTY SMILE?
HELLO KITTY SMILE is an indoor entertainment facility on Awaji Island that brings Sanrio’s beloved characters into a world inspired by Japanese folklore. Its theme draws on the story of Urashima Taro, a fisherman who visits a magical underwater palace. Here, Hello Kitty takes on the role of the Dragon Princess, Otohime, bringing a familiar Japanese legend to life through a playful, ocean-themed setting.
Whether you’re a longtime Hello Kitty fan or visiting with family, it’s a chance to experience a different side of Japanese pop culture on Awaji Island.
2. What Can I Do at HELLO KITTY SMILE?
Step into the Otohime Dragon Palace to experience immersive projection mapping, explore colorful photo spots, and enjoy interactive spaces inspired by Hello Kitty’s underwater world. You can also join creative workshops, including character painting and sand art, enjoy a character greeting, or browse exclusive Hello Kitty and Sanrio merchandise at the facility’s shops.
3. How Do I Get to HELLO KITTY SMILE?
HELLO KITTY SMILE is located on the west coast of Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, about 10 minutes by car from Awaji IC or Hokudan Interchange (Hokudan IC) on the Awaji-Kobe-Naruto Expressway. Free parking is available, and a free shuttle bus connects the facility with Iwaya Port and Awaji Interchange (Awaji IC). If you’re traveling by public transportation, you can take a highway bus to Awaji Island and use the shuttle bus to reach the facility.
4. Do I Need to Buy Tickets in Advance?
You can purchase admission tickets at the facility. Admission starts at ¥1,500 for adults (ages 13 and up) and ¥800 for children (ages 4–12), while children aged 3 and under enter free. Prices and ticket options may vary, so please check the official website before your visit. An admission ticket is required to access the indoor attractions and shops.
5. Can I Meet and Take Photos with Hello Kitty?
Yes! HELLO KITTY SMILE offers character greeting experiences where you can meet Hello Kitty, say hello, and take memorable photos together. You can choose from the regular Smile Greeting or restaurant greetings at GARDEN Terrace and Dragon Palace Restaurant Tamatebako. Greeting schedules and participation requirements vary, so please check the latest schedule before your visit.
6. Can I Have a Meal at HELLO KITTY SMILE?
Yes! HELLO KITTY SMILE has two restaurants with different dining experiences. GARDEN Terrace serves Chinese cuisine with views of the Harima Sea, while Dragon Palace Restaurant Tamatebako offers meals featuring ingredients from Awaji Island and elsewhere in Japan, along with café options such as latte art and afternoon tea. Restaurant hours vary, and reservations are recommended if you want to plan your visit around a meal or a restaurant greeting.
7. Is HELLO KITTY SMILE Suitable for Children?
Yes! Families can enjoy the themed attractions, interactive experiences, character greetings, and hands-on craft activities. An elevator and diaper-changing facilities are also available. Please note that there is no nursing room, so families traveling with infants should plan accordingly.
8. Is HELLO KITTY SMILE Open Every Day?
The regular operating hours are 11 AM–7 PM on weekdays and 10 AM–7 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Last admission is at 6 PM. The facility is normally closed on Tuesdays. Hours and closing days may change for seasonal events or holidays, so please check the official website before setting out.
9. Can I Visit the Shops Without Paying Admission?
The shops inside HELLO KITTY SMILE are part of the admission area, so you generally need an admission ticket to visit them. However, customers who dine at the neighboring miele the DINER may receive a ticket for access to the first-floor SMILE SHOP under the facility’s current offer. This arrangement applies only to the first-floor shop and is subject to change. Please confirm the latest conditions before visiting.
10. Can I Visit HELLO KITTY SMILE With My Pet?
No, pets are not permitted inside HELLO KITTY SMILE. Please make arrangements for your pet before visiting.
11. Are There Lockers for My Belongings?
No, HELLO KITTY SMILE does not have coin lockers, and there are no coin lockers nearby. If you’re carrying luggage or large bags, please make arrangements before your visit.
12. Is Smoking Allowed at HELLO KITTY SMILE?
No, smoking is prohibited throughout HELLO KITTY SMILE, and there is no designated smoking area on the premises. Please plan accordingly if you smoke.
13. Is HELLO KITTY SMILE Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes. HELLO KITTY SMILE has an elevator and an accessible restroom for visitors with disabilities. Baby-changing facilities are also available, although there is no nursing room. Please note that admission discounts for visitors with disabilities are not currently available.
| Location | HELLO KITTY SMILE |
|---|---|
| Address | 985-1 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Access | 10 minutes by car from Awaji IC or Hokudan IC on Awaji-Kobe-Naruto Expressway. A free shuttle bus is available. |
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays 11:00~19:00 Sat., Sun, & Public Holidays 10:00~19:00 Please note that each restaurant/café has different operating hours. |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Website | https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittysmile/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/hellokitty-smile2restaurant/reserve |
| Review | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d15190676-Reviews-Hello_Kitty_Smile_Garden_Terrace-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9037 |