A visit to Sanrio Puroland is like drinking 100% concentrated kawaii juice. If you’ve already been there before, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Upon entering, the main difference between Sanrio Puroland and the Westernized theme parks in Japan is the fact that there is no mistaking that you are entering a Sanrio world. 

This is a Hello Kitty world that has not been watered down for just a child’s enjoyment.  Unlike Disney or other parks where you are “a princess for a day” or “one of **insert random character’s best, best friends”, this IS the world of Sanrio, and you are simply the visitor.

If you’ve visited a larger Sanrio store in Japan, then you’ll understand that this is very much an extension of the stores themselves. 

In this comprehensive article, I will explain all about:

• How to get Sanrio Puroland tickets and how to get there;
• Opening hours, including the best time to visit and how long to spend there;
• What to expect upon entering Sanrio Puroland, including the floor layout;
• Attractions including rides, theatres and carnival/arcade games;
• Where and how to meet Sanrio characters as well as the parades and shows;
• Sanrio Puroland food and restaurant options; and
• Shops and Merchandise.

The article finishes with a detailed Frequently Asked Questions section.

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Sanrio Puroland

There are Hello Kitty Amusement Parks and attractions in other countries, but there are two major Hello Kitty Theme Parks in Japan. In addition to Puroland, the other Sanrio theme park is Harmony Land, located in Oita Prefecture in Kyushu, which is an outdoor park.

Sanrio Puroland is completely indoors – fabulous for visitors at all times of the year. The visitors tend to be pretty much split down the middle – 50% young families and 50% adult super Sanrio fans.   

International visitors are not as common as the other major Japanese theme parks.  While it is completely possible to enjoy Sanrio Puroland without speaking or understanding Japanese, this is a park that certainly doesn’t have an English version of everything.  Shows, parades and a considerable portion of signage are kept to Japanese – but… it just kind of adds to the “kawaii world of wonder” vibes, really.  

How to Get Sanrio Puroland Tickets?

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What is the Sanrio Puroland Ticket Price?

For Sanrio Puroland tickets, the price varies depending on the way you purchase the tickets.

If you buy direct, the Sanrio Puroland entrance fee is as follows:

• Children under three years old are free. 
• A child’s ticket is for 3 – 17 year olds. Weekend: 2,700 yen.  Weekday: 2,500 yen
• An adult ticket is for 18 years and older.  Weekend: 3,800 yen.  Weekday: 3,300 yen.

Through Klook and Rakuten Travel Experiences, the Sanrio Puroland tickets cost a discounted price of 2,800 yen per person, however, there are no child ticket options available. Check out the numbers, as you may find that the overall price for a family is still cheaper through either Klook or Rakuten Travel Experiences!

You can show your ticket on your smartphone or print out a physical copy. Non-Japanese residents will be asked to fill out a short survey upon entry (which takes approximately 2 minutes.)

If you decide to buy tickets on the day, the ticket booth is open 30 minutes prior to opening time at Sanrio Puraland, and ticket sales finish 90 minutes before the park closes. 

*Extra tip: if you are lining up for tickets in the morning, there are toilets for guests to use (75 mins prior to the park opening) just to the right of the main entrance or down at the group tour bus stop on the ground floor.

Where is Sanrio Puroland?

Tokyo Sanrio Puroland is located at 1-31 Ochiai, Tama. Sanrio Land feels a bit more of a “secret” than other theme parks in Japan, mostly because of the location, as Tama is a suburban area in Tokyo.

You get off the train, follow some Hello Kitty / My Melody signage (even on the train platform – which adds to the excitement), and walk past some Japanese grannies doing their supermarket shopping on the very sleepy high street. After that, there are rows and rows of gatchapon vending machines before “bam!” …there is the sparkly,  decorated within-an-inch of its life grand entrance to… Sanrio Puroland. 

It’s like a little slice of Hello Kitty-style Vegas nestled between Japanese homes and parkland greenery.

How to Get to Sanrio Puroland

I personally adore google maps for finding the best ways to get to places in Japan. Especially as you can adjust the time of day and calculate from your exact location.  Google Maps will even tell you which carriage on a train is closest to the exit for lining up with your next connection and then tell you which station exit will bring you closest to your destination.

However, to break down the basics, this is how long it takes to get to Hello Kitty Land from each of these locations:

• Shinjuku to Keio Tama Center Station near Sanrio Puroland – 30 mins (using the Keio Line Limited Express in the direction of Hashimoto). 
• Yokohama to Keio Tama Center Station near Sanrio Puroland – 60 mins (using the Yokohama line travelling via Hashimoto and changing for the Keio Line).
• Shin-Yurigaoka to Odakyu Tama Center Station near Sanrio Puroland – 12 mins (using the Odakyu Line)
• Tachikawa to Tama Monorail Tama Center Station near Sanrio Puroland – 23 mins (using the Tama Monorail)

Which Station Exits to Use to Get to Sanrio Puroland

From the closest train stations, “Keio Tama Center” and “Odakyu Tama Center”, take the south exit. Walk up the Sanrio mural staircase and follow the raised walkway for 1-2 mins and TURN LEFT after the Okanoue Plaza on your left and the Keio Plaza Hotel on your right.  Don’t worry. Once you turn that corner, you can see the Sanrio Puroland entrance at the end of the street. 

Sanrio Puroland Opening Hours

Please be aware that Sanrio Puroland is not open every day of the week. The park is often closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. See the Sanrio Puroland Operation Calendar here.

Sanrio Puroland is typically open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Park hours can vary, so please check before planning your visit. 

Best Time to Visit Hello Kitty Sanrio Puroland

Sanrio Puroland is all indoors, which means it is an option for any type of weather and any season of the year.

As with most tourist attractions in Japan, it is best to visit on a weekday, if your schedule allows, as you will miss the school-aged guests, and that will help keep wait times down. 

While weekdays are definitely less busy, if you are the kind of person who likes to try all of the restaurants and cafes, you’d be best to try on a weekend when every single stand and stall is open (but you will wait longer for everything.)

How long to spend at Sanrio Puroland?

With small children, I would expect to spend about three hours at Sanrio Puroland. For Sanrio-loving adults, you should allow more like four hours.  On busy days you might need more time.

What to Expect Upon Entering Sanrio Puroland

Staff will check your bag before you enter Sanrio Puroland. They are checking to make sure you have not brought in pre-prepared meals such as a bento from home and a store or fast food. This also includes bakery goods or donuts. The staff don’t mind if you have a few small snacks or a bottle of water or juice, but meal-like items are a no-no.

You are allowed to bring in baby food and also meals if you have a particular allergy and won’t be able to eat the on-site food.

They will also be asking you not to bring in any alcohol, dangerous and/or flammable items or toxic substances. 

Sanrio Puroland Floor Layout

Sanrio Puroland is spread across four floors:

• The first floor consists mostly of show stages/theatres (Märchen Theater, Entertainment Hall, Fairyland Theatre) and attractions (My Me-Road, Candy Factory, Mini Photo Plant, Ice Cream Factory, Bread Factory, Juice Factory and Chocolate Factory). There is also silhouette art, raffle and carnival games on this floor. The Village Shop, the Character Food Court, and the Sweet Parlor are also on the first floor.
• The second floor has attractions (Sanrio Character Boat Ride, Lady Kitty House, Kiki and Lala Twinkling Studio), shops (Boat Ride Photo Corner, Lady Kitty House Shop), as well as a game corner and photo corner.
• The third floor consists mostly of shops and services. The Entrance Shop is the largest shop/merchandise area at Sanrio Puroland. Gudetama Shop is also on the third floor. Services on the third floor include coin lockers, umbrella holders, a postal area, a smoking area, ATMs, a recharge area and an information desk.
• The fourth floor has a number of restaurants and shops. The restaurants include Restaurant Yakata, Sanrio Rainbow World Restaurant, and Dream Cafe. Also on the fourth floor are My Melody Shop and Mell Mell Shop.

There are restrooms on each floor. 

Make sure you collect a Guide Map to help you plan your day at Sanrio Puroland.

Later on in the article, I talk about the attractions, food and restaurants and shops in a lot more detail.

Where Is It Best to Go First Once You Enter Sanrio Puroland? 

After entering the park, be sure to grab the daily schedule and choose which shows you would like to see.  You may then like to head down to the photo booth area at “Character Greeting Residence” and get a QR code for a set time for a photo with your favourite Sanrio character. 

If you are keen on dining at the buffet restaurant Restaurant Yakata, then you will need to go to collect a numbered ticket from 9:30 am (1 hour before the restaurant opens.) 

Then it’s best to start with the ride-on attractions and then suss out the snack options.

If you’re all about the merch, then I recommend buying early and putting it in a locker as the shops get busy 1 hour prior to closing time. 

What Are the Main Sanrio Puroland Attractions?

In this section, I explain more about the ride-on attractions, the theatres as well as the arcade and carnival games.

What are the Ride-on Attractions at Sanrio Puroland?

There are two main Sanrio Puroland rides – the Sanrio Character Boat Ride and the My Melody Road (My Mero Road) Drive Ride.

Both are slow-paced rides through the colourful world of Sanrio.  My Melody Road Drive has several photo stops throughout the ride, and at the end, you can choose your favourites and print your photographs for 1000 yen.

There is also another ride that is currently under construction called the Kiki & Lala Twinkling Tour. 

What is Lady Kitty House?

Lady Kitty House is another attraction – a walk-through style ride.  It is designed to be a tour of Hello Kitty’s house.  Many spaces in the rooms are interactive, and there are lots of photo opportunities along the way. In the final room, you can meet and take a photo with Hello Kitty. Lady Kitty House is open from 10 am – 4:15 pm.

Is There a Play Area for Kids

Yes, there is a play area for kids. There is a small soft play area called Bouncy Land ( Fuwa Fuwa Kids Land in Japanese). It is located on the 3rd floor to the left of the giant staircase.    

Is it Possible to Buy a Fast Pass or an Express Pass at Sanrio Puroland?

Yes, it’s possible to buy fast passes. Most of the ride-on attractions have a vending machine close by for something called a “Puropass” – it is a one-time ticket to take the express (shorter) line.

It is also possible to purchase a Puropass for the theatre shows – although ticket numbers are, of course, limited. 

Puropass prices vary depending on the attraction/show, from 500 yen – 2000 yen per person. For example, the Boat Ride Puropass for a Family of 4 is 2000 yen. 

Can One Person in my Group Line-up for a Ride or Experience and Have Everyone Else Join Later?

Unfortunately, it’s not possible for one person to line up with other people joining later. This isn’t allowed. 

What Is a “Theatre Attraction” at Sanrio Puroland? 

There are three mini-theatres inside the park: the Marchen Theatre, Fairyland Theatre, and Discovery Theatre. Marchen is the most popular as Hello Kitty performs Kawaii Kabuki. 

No filming or photography is allowed during the shows.

The shows are on several times per day but can fill up quickly, so it’s best to line up ahead of time. 

These shows are not in English, but the random kawaii Japanese words really add to the experience.

Are there any Movies at Sanrio Puroland?

The movie changes occasionally, but yes, there is a short film theatre.  Currently, the short film is Gudetama: The Movie.  The film is approximately 12 minutes long and is entirely in Japanese.

Is there Anything Inside the Wisdom Tree in the Middle of the park?

There is something inside the Wisdom Tree! There is a small decorated section with a bell called “The Hello Kitty’s Wishing Bell of Happiness” – a giant bell in a little decorated room.  

For those at Sanrio Puroland on a date, there is also a game where you can each hold your hand to a button, and the machine will tell you how compatible you are. 

Note: this section is only accessible by stairs – and there are quite a few of them. 

Are the Carnival Games and Arcade Games Free to Play?

The carnival and arcade games are not free to play. They are an additional cost – cash only. This area is called Sanrio Town.

Some of the arcade games are games, and others are toy claw games and coin-operated small rides.

Where Can You Meet and Take Photos with Sanrio Characters?

There are several different spots to meet and take photos throughout the park, but the best place to take photos with the Sanrio characters is at a new section (opened mid-2022) called “Character Greeting Residence.” There are five rooms within the “residence.” 

• Room 101 is the first room, and it is the Gamer Modern Room, followed by 
• Room 102 is a Vintage Pop room with 70s decor.  
• Next is the Room 201 Workout style room, followed by the 
• Music Base room called Room 202, decorated like a music studio.  
• The final room is the Cutie Strawberry room – Room 301.

Characters to meet are Pom Pom Purin, Bad Badtz-Maru, Cinnamoroll, My Melody and Pochacco. 

Is it Possible to Meet the Sanrio Characters?

It certainly is possible to meet Sanrio characters. To meet the characters, you can use your phone to take a picture of an allocated timeslot (best done early in the day.) 

When it comes to taking pictures, you are allowed to take a single photograph with your own phone or camera. 

As of May 8, 2023, guests are now able to hug and hi-5 characters they meet too!

Sanrio Puroland Parades and Shows

Under the Wisdom Tree at the Wisdom Tree Stage – there is a giant tree in the middle of the main park area, so you can’t miss it.  Check the daily schedule for the show times of the day. 

A great viewing spot is from the balcony above the stage, just near the exit for the boat ride. You are allowed to take photos and videos of this show. 

Can I Save a Parade/Show Spot for my Group at Sanrio Puroland?

I guess you could kind of hover over a good spot for a bit, but you’re not allowed to hold a place with a bag or a picnic sheet ahead of time.

Sanrio Puroland Food and Restaurants

There are plenty of options to eat at Sanrio Puroland. These include Restaurant Yakata, Character Food Court, Sweet Parlor, Sanrio Rainbow World Restaurant and Cinnomoroll’s Dream Cafe.

Restaurant Yakata

Restaurant Yakata is the most formal of the restaurants inside Sanrio Puroland.  The restaurant itself is designed to look like a grand European home. Characters come out onto the stage while you are dining at the restaurant dressed in restaurant uniforms.  

This restaurant is a buffet restaurant, and the meals are all very kawaii and include food options such as curries, gratin, pasta,  dim sum and mapo tofu. The menu also includes all-you-can-drink soft drinks and as many desserts as you like – cakes, puddings and apple pies.  

Buffet prices for adults are 3,200 yen and 1600 yen for elementary-age children. Children 3 – school age are 1,100 yen.  These prices include 70 minutes of all-you-can-eat access to the Restaurant Yakata buffet. There are also special limited editions to purchase at an additional charge of 600 yen. 

It is not possible to make a reservation at this restaurant, but one hour before the restaurant opens, you can collect a number (like at a doctor’s office) and then wait for your number to be called once the restaurant opens. Although it can change, the restaurant usually seats around 260 guests or 66 tables.

Restaurant Yakata is open from 10:30 am until 2 pm. However, hours can change depending on the day, so it is best to check the website once you have arrived.  

Character Food Court

On the ground floor, you’ll find the Character Food Court.  This is a food court based entirely around the love for and images of the Sanrio Characters.   The food court seats 524 people, and there is space for guests in wheelchairs.  

The food court is open from 10 am – 4:30 pm.  Most dishes range from 1500 – 2500 yen each. 

Food options include:

• “Character Curries” – Japanese curry made into the faces of Sanrio characters or a Sanrio scene. 
• “Character Ramen” – Ramen where the toppings are shaped like Sanrio characters or their accessories. 
• “Kawaii Desserts” –  Mostly sponge cakes.  
• “Children’s Menu” –  Smaller portions, bento style options, low-allergen items.
• “Limited Edition Options”- These options change with the seasons and usually involve one of the characters in a different costume on top of a cake or a curry. 

Sweet Parlor

Sweet Parlor is an Ice-cream shop selling ice cream (mostly the ice cream dots style of ice cream) and drinks. It’s accessible for guests in wheelchairs.  Most items cost 500 yen.  This ice cream stand is on the ground floor.

Sanrio Rainbow World Restaurant

This colourful food court is on the 4th floor, and each seating section is a bright colour and is lightly themed like a Sanrio character. There are seven sections in total.  

This food court seats 350 people in total.  It is wheelchair accessible. It is open from 10 am – 4:30 pm. Most dishes are between 1400-2200 yen. 

There are several mini-restaurants within the food court. Food options include: 

• Japanese style pasta
• Omurice (fried rice wrapped in an omelette served with a curry or a stew)
• Donburi dishes (donburi is a meat dish served on rice)
• Cute Sanrio-themed desserts – mostly cupcakes decorated with whipped cream and fruit.  Some of the desserts are sold in Sanrio-themed cups that guests can then keep and take home.
• Bubble tea
• Limited edition Items – these usually change with the seasons.

Cinnamoroll’s Dream Cafe

This cafe is located on the 4th floor. It sells light meals such as roll cake, decorated muffins, ice-cream sodas, cheesecake, iced coffee with jelly pieces, and bao buns.  

Some desserts are sold in Sanrio-themed cups for guests to keep and take home. 

This cafe seats 74 people, so can fill up quickly.  It is open from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm.

There is also an ice cream vending machine on the bottom floor of Sanrio Puroland.

Is it Possible to Make Reservations for the Restaurants at Sanrio Puroland?

No.  It is not possible to make reservations but see above how you can line up for an ordered entry (by number) to Restaurant Takata.

Are there Vegan Food Options at Sanrio Puroland?

There is one vegan dish at Sanrio Puroland.  It is the vegan-friendly curry on the children’s menu.

Sanrio Puroland Shops and Merchandise

There are plenty of options for buying Sanrio merchandise at Puroland. The main Sanrio Puroland shop is the Entrance Shop on the third floor. Another Sanrio shop on the third floor is the Gudetama Shop. 

In addition to the third-floor shops when you enter Sanrio Puroland, to find more Sanrio merch, there are shops on each of the other floors. On the first floor, you can find the Village Shop. On the second floor, you can find the Boat Ride Photo Corner and the Lady Kitty House Shop. Finally, on the fourth floor are My Melody Shop and Mell Mell Shop.

Is the Merchandise Sold at Sanrio Stores within Sanrio Puroland Japan Limited Edition?

Yes.  The majority of all merchandise sold at the park can only be purchased at the park. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Sanrio Puroland

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