10 Places Every Hello Kitty Fan Needs to Visit (2024)

In 1974, the Japanese company Sanrio introduced the world to a cuteness icon: a wide-eyed white cat with a big red bow; one who lives in London with her parents and her twin sister, Mimmy. Hello Kitty, as you likely know her, became a global star, with more than $1 billion of licensed Hello Kitty products sold annually.

The outpouring of love for this cartoon character goes beyond mere merchandise. In addition to a Hello Kitty convention in 2014 and a 45th anniversary tour in 2019, there have been numerous travel partnerships in Japan and other worldwide destinations — from spas and hotel rooms to theme parks and restaurants — for fans to fully immerse themselves in the world of Hello Kitty. Ahead, find 10 places every Hello Kitty fan should visit at some point.

Sanrio Puroland — Tokyo, Japan

10 Places Every Hello Kitty Fan Needs to Visit (1)

Visitors to Tokyo can visit Sanrio Puroland, the pinnacle of all things Hello Kitty. At this indoor theme park located in the western Tokyo suburb of Tama, Sanrio favorites including Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars, My Melody, and Badtz-Maru meet and greet visitors daily. Start the visit with a relaxing Sanrio Character Boat Ride or have a bite to eat in the Character Food Court. Attractions also include full-scale musicals and audience participation shows, restaurants, and of course, gift shops.

Hello Kitty Cafe Trucks — United States

10 Places Every Hello Kitty Fan Needs to Visit (2)

In October 2014, to celebrate 40 years of Hello Kitty, Sanrio launched its first food venture in North America with the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck. Since then, a second truck has been introduced, and they've traveled throughout the United States serving delicious baked goods to thousands of fans. The trucks offer macarons, madeleines, and more, all emblazoned with Hello Kitty's signature details. Check the trucks' website or Instagram for upcoming locations and latest news.

Hello Kitty Beauty Spa — Dubai

10 Places Every Hello Kitty Fan Needs to Visit (3)

Hello Kitty beauty fanatics in Dubai can get pampered at the Hello Kitty Beauty Spa. This American-style spa specializes in hair and nail treatments, for both "princesses" (visitors age 11 and younger) and "queens" (kids and adults age 12 and up). The hardest part? Picking what type of Hello Kitty nail art you want.

Dubai Travel Guide

Hello Kitty Shop at Universal Studios Florida — Orlando

10 Places Every Hello Kitty Fan Needs to Visit (4)

Most people head to Orlando's Universal Studios for Harry Potter World, but don't skip the Hello Kitty shop. It's the first Hello Kitty retail store in a theme park in North America, with most of the products exclusive to the park. Signature items include a movie mash-up collection with Hello Kitty in iconic scenes from some of Universal Studios' best films, including "Jaws," "Back to the Future," and "E.T." Other fun merchandise ranges from stationery and home goods to sportswear, with new designs and products released regularly.

30 Universal Orlando Rides, Ranked from Best to Worst

Hello Kitty Grand Cafe — Irvine, California

10 Places Every Hello Kitty Fan Needs to Visit (5)

The Hello Kitty Grand Cafe serves freshly baked cookies, cakes, donuts, seasonal goodies, and hot and iced drinks at its sit-down location at the Irvine Spectrum Center in Southern California. You can order afternoon tea accompanied by savory finger sandwiches and sweets. co*cktails are offered Wednesday through Saturday evenings. There's also a selection of Hello Kitty merchandise for sale.

Hello Kitty Cafe at the Park MGM Las Vegas — Nevada

10 Places Every Hello Kitty Fan Needs to Visit (6)

This Hello Kitty Cafe in Las Vegas offers take-out counter service with outdoor seating at the Park MGM. The menu includes colorful donuts, mini-cakes, cookies, pastries, and more. Hello Kitty merchandise is also sold here, along with hot and cold drinks.

Hello Kitty Cafe at Fashion Show Las Vegas — Nevada

10 Places Every Hello Kitty Fan Needs to Visit (7)

This Hello Kitty Cafe debuted in July 2022 at Fashion Show Las Vegas, an indoor shopping mall on the Strip across from the Wynn Las Vegas. Here, sip on drinks like flavored lemonade and iced tea. Sweet treats include donuts, mini-cakes, cookies, and pastries. Hello Kitty merchandise — such as clothing, tote bags, and water bottles — is also for sale.

Grand Chariot — Awaji Island, Japan

At Grand Chariot, an upscale property set on a hill on Awaji Island, Japan — about 20 miles southwest of Kobe — three rooms (also called "cocoons") are tricked out in Hello Kitty decor. First, there's Hello Kitty Star Cocoon, which flaunts a pastel star mural above the bed and similar designs on throw pillows in the spacious living area. The Hello Kitty '70s room, meanwhile, is decorated with simple, primary-color drawings, and the Hello Kitty Natural Forest room features the main character drawn amid watercolor illustrations of forest animals.

Hello Kitty Apple Land — Awaji Island, Japan

Just a short drive from Awaji Island's Grand Chariot hotel, with its Hello Kitty-themed rooms, is Hello Kitty Apple Land, which comprises three different attractions — the ultimate one-stop shop for Hello Kitty fans. Hello Kitty Show Box is a theater where you watch a live show and dine on vegan food. Within walking distance is Hello Kitty Apple House — a giant apple-shaped attraction with an observatory and cafe. And slightly further afield is Hello Kitty Smile, which has multiple restaurants, opportunities to purchase limited-edition merchandise, and a digital art show featuring Hello Kitty (of course).

Harmonyland — Hiji, Japan

Harmonyland is an outdoor theme park in Japan's Oita Prefecture, about 70 miles southeast of Kitakyushu. Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters make appearances here at live shows. But you can be sure to meet up with Hello Kitty, who will pose for a photo with you, at Kitty Castle. There are several rides and attractions at Harmonyland, including a Hello Kitty coaster and a giant ferris wheel, where the passenger cars are embellished with the faces of different beloved Sanrio characters.