Calling All Sanrio Fans! The Cutest Airport in Japan 🛫 Oita Hello Kitty Airport 🛬 Lands April 13th
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Sanrio lovers, it’s time to visit Japan! If you’ve ever dreamed of being welcomed by Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and My Melody the moment you step off a plane, now’s your chance. Starting April 13, 2025, Oita Airport in Japan is getting an adorable makeover and will temporarily be known as Oita Hello Kitty Airport. (Yes, it’s all real, and it’s as cute as it sounds.)
CONTENTS
Welcome to Oita Hello Kitty Airport
This April surprise is no joke! In a special collaboration between Oita Prefecture and Sanrio Entertainment (the team behind Sanrio’s theme parks), Oita Airport is officially (if temporarily) rebranding itself as Oita Hello Kitty Airport” in a special initiative inspired by EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai. This unique airport transformation is part of a larger tourism campaign hoping to provide the many foreign travelers arriving in Japan for this major international event with a particularly warm welcome, but only Oita Airport will be transfigured into a kawaii wonderland from April 13 to October 13, 2025!
Oita Prefecture is a little off the radar for most foreign visitors coming to Japan despite its popularity among domestic travelers, and the airport is using this opportunity to offer what they’re calling the warmest welcome in the world. Travelers willing to go a little off the beaten path and fly into Oita will now be greeted by a cast of Sanrio’s most beloved characters, including Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, My Melody, and Kuromi!
Hot Springs Meets Kawaii Culture
What’s Oita famous for? Hot springs! And it looks like even Sanrio characters can’t resist a good soak. Oita Hello Kitty Airport will offer adorable photo spots with Sanrio characters relaxing in the region’s famous onsen, the perfect backdrop for snapping cute pictures as soon as your trip to Oita begins. Each spot offers the perfect fusion of Japan’s renowned onsen culture and Sanrio’s unbeatable cuteness.
Hello Kitty Takes the Stage
Hello Kitty herself made a special appearance at the press conference announcing the airport makeover, adding even more sparkle to the event. The fact that Hello Kitty is not a cat (but, in fact, a little girl) may have taken the internet by storm in recent years, but did you know she’s also a talented PR spokesperson as well? According to Kitty-chan (as she’s known in Japan), this initiative aims to showcase the best of Oita’s hospitality and the many charms of the area, from hot springs to theme parks and much, much more, all starting from the moment you land at the airport.
From Oita to the World: Harmonyland’s 35th Anniversary
Fans of Hello Kitty and all her Sanrio friends might be left wondering, “why Oita?” But the answer is actually quite simple: Oita Prefecture is home to Harmonyland, one of only two official Sanrio theme parks in Japan! (The other being Tokyo’s Sanrio Puroland.) Next year, Harmonyland is celebrating its 35th anniversary, and between all the EXPO festivities and the anniversary celebration preparations, everyone involved decided that this is the perfect time to spotlight the region – including all of its Sanrio charms.
Sanrio Entertainment CEO Aya Komaki shared her hopes at the press conference, explaining that the EXPO 2025 event will be a platform to “say hello from Oita to the world,” helping more international travelers discover the magic of Harmonyland and the greater Oita Prefecture.
A Whole Sanrio Travel Experience (More Than Just an Airport!)
The Hello Kitty-themed fun won’t stop at the walls of Oita Hello Kitty Airport! From August through October 2025, a special shuttle bus service will run between Oita Hello Kitty Airport and Harmonyland, ensuring that the Sanrio magic continues from runway to rollercoaster. In September, Oita Prefecture will also be opening a dedicated Harmonyland exhibition area at the EXPO 2025 in Osaka! So even if you’re just visiting the EXPO, you’ll get a little peek into the cuteness and excitement of Oita’s Sanrio-themed amusement park.
Plan Your Kawaii Getaway to Oita Now!
If you’re a die-hard Sanrio fan, it’s time to start planning your trip to Oita. From soothing hot springs and mouthwatering local cuisine to adorable Hello Kitty attractions of all kinds, Oita Prefecture, Oita Hello Kitty Airport, and Harmonyland are ready to welcome you with open arms (and paws).
For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don’t forget to follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook!
Original Article in Chinese by Sen Iku
English Edition by Sophia Appelbaum
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Akita Prefecture is on the Sea of Japan, in the northern reaches of Japan's northern Tohoku region. Akita has more officially registered important intangible culture assets than anywhere else in Japan, and to this day visitors can experience traditional culture throughout the prefecture, from the Oga Peninsula's Namahage (registered with UNESCO as a part of Japan's intangible cultural heritage), to the Tohoku top 3 Kanto Festival. Mysterious little spots like the Oyu Stone Circle Site and Ryu no Atama (Dragon's Head) are also worth a visit!
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CHUGOKU
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The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.
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HIROSHIMA
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SHIKOKU
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KAGAWA
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Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
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KYUSHU
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Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
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FUKUOKA
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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KAGOSHIMA
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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OKINAWA
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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