Did you know that there is a Hello Kitty theme park just across the bridge from Kobe? And not just one facility, but three facilities!
Not only can you enjoy Hello Kitty songs and dance shows, but you can also take photos and interact with Hello Kitty up close, and even purchase the currently popular “tanned Hello Kitty” stuffed toy!
On Awaji Island, where all your wishes come true at once, you can experience a dream-like day surrounded by Hello Kitty. If you’re a Hello Kitty fan, this is an absolute must-visit spot during your trip to Japan!
Awaji Island located in the Seto Inland Sea is a resort island known for its beautiful nature, gourmet local food, interesting culture and Japanese mystical history as the birthplace of Japan. The island is only one hour from Osaka by car/public transportation, perfect for a day trip while you are visiting Osaka, Kyoto or other destinations in the Kansai area.
Table of Contents
- 10:30 a.m.- Enjoy the View of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Cruise from Kobe (Sannomiya) and Osaka to Awaji Island
- 11:00 a.m. – Visit Hello Kitty Apple House + Show Box. Be Sure to Buy the Limited Edition Suntanned Hello Kitty.
- 12:00 Noon – Enjoy a Delicious Lunch, Music, and Dance at HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX
- 1:40 p.m. – At HELLO KITTY SMILE, Let’s Take Lots of Beautiful Photos and Try a Handmade Experience Activity
- 4:45 p.m. – Nojima Scuola is a One-stop Shopping Destination for Awaji Island Specialties
- 6:00 p.m. – Return to Osaka/Sannomiya (Kobe) from Awaji Island by Express Bus
- Closing
10:30 a.m.- Enjoy the View of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Cruise from Kobe (Sannomiya) and Osaka to Awaji Island
10:30 a.m. -10:45 a.m. [Boat] Akashi Port → Iwaya Port
10:45 a.m. -10:50 a.m. [Walk] Iwaya Port → Iwaya Port Bus Stop
10:50 a.m. -11:06 a.m. [Free Shuttle] Iwaya Port Bus Stop→ HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX Bus Stop
Instead of the express bus to Awaji Island, why not take a ferry to enjoy the beauty of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge? From Osaka/Kobe (Sannomiya), take the JR train to Akashi Station, then walk about 10 minutes to Akashi Port. Along the way, you can pass through Akashi’s famous shopping street, “Uonotana Shopping Street,” and try the local specialty, “Akashi-yaki*,” so make sure to fill your stomach before setting off on your journey. *Akashiyaki looks similar to Takoyaki (octopus balls) but uses more eggs and you eat them by dipping in a dashi broth made with seaweed and fish.
Taking the ferry from Akashi Port, you’ll arrive at Iwaya Port on Awaji Island in less than 15 minutes. Once on the ferry, choose a seat on the left side for the best view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
When you leave the port, there is a free shuttle bus stop right in front of you, so wait a moment and take the shuttle bus bound for HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX. Taking the bus is very easy; just tell the driver the name of the bus stop, “HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX.”
*Timetables are subject to change, so please check the latest information.
11:00 a.m. – Visit Hello Kitty Apple House + Show Box. Be Sure to Buy the Limited Edition Suntanned Hello Kitty.
This huge, eye-catching red building is HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE! It is recognized by Guinness World Records as the “largest apple-shaped building.” When you enter the apple, cute Hello Kitty projection animations are displayed on the walls. Hello Kitty appears in various styles, and she is so cute that you won’t be able to stop taking pictures.
Follow Hello Kitty’s footsteps to the rooftop observation deck, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Awaji Island’s beautiful mountains and sea, as well as take a close-up photo of Hello Kitty on the roof of the adjacent HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX. This is recognized by Guinness World Records as the “largest roof in the shape of a character.” When flying out of Japan, look out the window for Hello Kitty!
| Location | HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE |
|---|---|
| Address | 177-5 Nojimahirabayashi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1724 |
| Access | Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway: 10 minutes by car from Awaji Interchange and 15 minutes from Hokudan Interchange. |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9022 |
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Business hours | LUNCH TIME 11:00-13:30 CAFE TIME 14:00-17:00 |
| Website | https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittyshowbox/applehouse/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/hellokittyshowbox/reserve |
| Review | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022838-d17793182-Reviews-Hello_Kitty_Show_Box-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE
Take the elevator back to the first floor and head to the HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX next door. The elevator is filled with Hello Kitty elements and is the perfect spot for taking photos!
The HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX is selling limited edition apple-themed merchandise and the hugely popular “Suntanned Hello Kitty.” With swimsuits, leopard print, black dresses, and long-legged Hello Kitty, they’re all cute and sure to catch your eye. It’s as if they’re calling out, “Take me home with you!”
12:00 Noon – Enjoy a Delicious Lunch, Music, and Dance at HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX
The song and dance show at HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX is not to be missed! Professional dancers and a band perform live, and Hello Kitty herself sings and dances to Japanese nursery rhymes and famous English songs. It’s a luxurious visual and auditory experience that will captivate both adults and children alike.
The meals are also authentic. The curry rice and apple omelet rice, which recreate Hello Kitty’s adorable appearance, are satisfying in both appearance and taste. There are also main dishes and desserts that do not use animal ingredients, so vegans and those who are lactose intolerant can enjoy them with peace of mind!
After the show, all attendees can interact with Hello Kitty on stage! The energetic Hello Kitty will greet you with flying hearts, and after taking photos, she will give you a big hug. Who can resist such a cute Hello Kitty?
| Location | HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX |
|---|---|
| Address | 177-5 Nojimahirabayashi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1724 |
| Access | 10 minutes by car from Awaji IC and 15 minutes from Hokudan Interchange on Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9022 |
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Operating Hours | 11:00-17:00 |
| Show Time | 12:10-13:30(Open at 11:00, Last In at 12:00) |
| Café and Greetings by HELLO KITTY | 14:00-17:00 Greeting at 14:30-/16:00- Café Show and Greetings by HELLO KITTY: 14:30~ / 16:00~ |
| Website | https://awajiresort.com/hellokittyshowbox/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022838-d17793182-Reviews-Hello_Kitty_Show_Box-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Review | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/hellokittyshowbox/reserve |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX
1:40 p.m. – At HELLO KITTY SMILE, Let’s Take Lots of Beautiful Photos and Try a Handmade Experience Activity
1:36 p.m.~1:41 p.m. [Shuttle Bus] HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX → HELLO KITTY SMILE
A five-minute shuttle bus ride from HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX takes you to HELLO KITTY SMILE, the third Hello Kitty spot on the west coast of Awaji Island!
HELLO KITTY SMILE is a facility based on the Japanese folktale “Urashima Taro,” where Hello Kitty transforms into the princess of the dragon palace from the story and invites guests to the dragon palace in a gorgeous, dreamlike dress. Inside the facility, visitors can enjoy a meticulously curated collection of Hello Kitty-related items and photo spots. A massive kaleidoscope emits an irresistible charm, making it hard to leave once you enter. Limited-edition merchandise featuring Hello Kitty as the princess of the dragon palace or as a mermaid is also not to be missed!
The most popular activity at HELLO KITTY SMILE is the “unfired pottery painting” experience. Paint the pure white unfired Hello Kitty pottery however you like and take home your own original Hello Kitty.
Next, take a break at the Ryugu Restaurant Tamatebako on the second floor. Tamatebako is modeled after the treasure chest that Princess Otohime gave to Urashima Taro in the story, and you can enjoy a treasure-like moment prepared by Hello Kitty dressed in Princess Otohime’s costume. The latte is made with Awaji Island milk, and you can choose your favorite pattern from 10 adorable latte art designs, which are very popular. They are all so cute that it’s hard to choose.
Hello Kitty appears at a set time every day to greet visitors. Dressed in a princess costume, Hello Kitty is so cute that you can’t help but exclaim, “How cute!” If you wear Hello Kitty-related clothes or accessories, you may be able to enjoy a special interaction with her. The adorable Hello Kitty is waiting for you at HELLO KITTY SMILE on Awaji Island!
| 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. |
| 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 |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY SMILE
4:45 p.m. – Nojima Scuola is a One-stop Shopping Destination for Awaji Island Specialties
4:41 p.m. -4:43 p.m. [Shuttle Bus] HELLO KITTY SMILE → Nojima Scuola
Take the shuttle bus to Nojima Scuola, a renovated former school. Nojima Marche on the first floor, you can purchase specialties from Awaji Island. The most popular item is the “onion soup pack,” which makes the most of the sweetness of Awaji Island onions. It is delicious as is or as a soup for ramen noodles.
At Nojima Bakery next door, you’ll find a wide selection of freshly baked bread. Made without preservatives or coloring, you can enjoy the natural flavor of the ingredients. Don’t miss the limited edition breads made with local ingredients and cute animal-shaped breads!
| Name | Nojima Scuola |
|---|---|
| Adress | 843 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Website | https://www.nojima-scuola.com/ |
| Reservations | 2F Ristorante Scuola https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022838-d12135206-Reviews-Nojima_Scoula-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Tel | 0799-82-1820 |
| Operation Hours | 1F Marché /Bakery: Weekdays 10:30~19:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays 10:00~19:00 1F Café Scuola: Weekdays Lunch 11:00~14:00/ café 14:00~18:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays breakfast 10:00~11:00 Lunch 11:00~15:00 Café 15:00~18:00 2F Ristorante Scuola: 11:30~15:30 (in by 14:00) / 18:00~21:30 (in by 19:30) Outdoor Zoo: Weekdays 11:00~16:00 Sat., Sun. & Public Holidays 10:00~16:00 (13:00~14:00 animals in recess) Closed: Wednesdays (Open on Public Holidays) |
Click here for details of Nojima Scuola
6:00 p.m. – Return to Osaka/Sannomiya (Kobe) from Awaji Island by Express Bus
6:05 p.m. -6:25 p.m. [Shuttle Bus] Nojima Scuola → Awaji IC
6:40 p.m. -7:15 p.m. [Express Bus] Awaji IC → Sannomiya Bus Terminal
At the end of the trip, take the shuttle bus from Nojima Scuola to Awaji IC, then take the express bus to Sannomiya. To go to Osaka, transfer to the JR line at Sannomiya.
Closing
It is such a happy moment to be surrounded by Hello Kitty all day long while enjoying the spectacular views and delicious food of Awaji Island! Again, If you’re a Hello Kitty fan, this is an absolute must-visit spot during your trip to Japan! Even if you aren’t a Hello Kitty fan, if you like “kawaii” things of Japan, you won’t regret visiting these places.
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