The English Guide to
SPL: A BRIEF HISTORY
Sanrio Puroland, aka Hello Kitty Land among foreign visitors, was constructed with European-inspired architecture in mind. More specifically, medieval European cities, where jesters came to be. During construction, the park was to be named "Sanrio Pierrot Land," referencing the clowns and other performers they wanted to host there. However, "Pierrot" was already trademarked by another company. As such, they decided on the name "Puro," which is a combination of the English words "pierrot" and "purity."Sanrio Puroland opened to the public on December 7, 1990 as the second indoor theme park in the world, the first being Lotte World in Seoul, South Korea.At it's opening, the park was true to it's medieval entertainer theme.
Today, the park has a brighter, more inclusive atmosphere, with more activities for teens and adults, and the clown theme slowly but surely being eliminated.
Sanrio Puroland remains one of the top tourist attractions in Tokyo.
when should i visit?
Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park, so you can visit any time of year! However, as with any popular tourist attraction, it's always a good idea to avoid visiting on weekends and Japan's national holidays.You should also know about Sanrio Puroland's seasonal offerings:
| Event | Dates | Offerings |
|---|---|---|
| New Year Celebration | January 1 ~ mid January | Depending on the zodiac animal for that year, offerings vary. For example, to celebrate the year of the dragon in 2024, guests could meet characters holding dragon puppets. |
| Sweets Puroland | Mid-January ~ Early April | Puro's Valentine/White Day event. This year, for the past three years, the theme has been set to "Puro Gakuen," or Puro School, where food items, merchandise, and character costumes are all themed to school uniforms and activities. |
| Flower Puroland (Formerly "Puro Easter") | Early April ~ Early July | Puroland's Spring/Easter event. The event was rennamed in 2023, now offering flower-themed foods and photo spots. Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi star in a stage show under the same name, wearing floral costumes and celebrating springtime. |
| Puro Summer | Early July ~ Late August | Puroland's summer event. The theme has changed yearly, from a traditional Japanese festival to a relaxing island paradise. Either way, expect to have some amazing summer-themed treats, from popsicles to summer meats. |
| Puro Halloween | Early September ~ October 31 | Puro Halloween has taken a number of turns over the years, from a child-friendly pumpkin patch to an adult-only house of horror. In recent years, the events have taken the turn of the former. Pumpkin-themed foods. photo spots, and characters sporting Halloween costumes in exclusive shows. |
| Puro Christmas | November 1 ~ December 25 | Christmas is a magical time of year at Sanrio Puroland. This is a great time to see Puroland's famous illuminations, and try foods and desserts that are sure to keep you warm. |
shows
Set on seeing a specific show? Click here to see the schedule. You can see the schedule of the day you're visiting two weeks in advance.The following shows take place year round:
attractions
character greetings
About the guide
Navigating Puroland can be a little intimidating for foreigners, and fans have reported that the language barrier has prevented them from experiencing everything Puroland has to offer.The international Sanrio Puroland websites also fail to provide foreigners with a significant amount of information in English, including but not limited to show schedules, seasonal events, and how to access character greetings.
Sanrio Explorer has created this guide to ensure that you know what to expect!If you have any questions or comments about the guide, or Sanrio in general, you're more than welcome to DM Sanrio Explorer on Twitter or Discord (sanrioexplorer).
My Special Anniversary
Visiting on your birthday? Celebrating an anniversary? First visit to Puroland?
Let the staff know at the information desk on the third floor, you can receive a birthday or anniversary card. Hang it around your neck, and the staff will congratulate you!
The service is free and no ID is required.
Once you receive your card, write your name and birthday/anniversary. You'll also receive some stickers to decorate your card with.Card translation:
*The card designs may change at the time of your visit.
what's new?
July 2023
This page will be updated monthly with new information about Puroland's attractions, policies, etc.
Puroland is currently hosting this year's summer event, "Puroland Camp," running from July 7- September 5. The event will feature camp-themed foods, paid greetings, and a new show titled "Chilling! Hot! Campfire" starring Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll and Kuromi. A new photo spot will be located in the Entertainment Hall called "Puro Campsite," which is where the new show will be held. When the show isn't running, you can hear Sanrio characters talking on a mini radio, or you may be able to find Gudetama camping!
In addition, you can play a new scavenger hunt game titled "Puroland Camp Adventure." Purchase a booklet from the Gudetama shop on the third floor, and complete the missions to recieve an exclusive badge!
All paid events usually held during characters' birthdays, such as Birthday Lives, came to an end in May. This is presumably due to the return of international tourists visiting the park. Instead, guests are encouraged to visit the character celebrating their birthday at the Greeting Residence and, if available, purchase any of the characters' exclusive birthday merchandise.
what are
paid events?
Sanrio Puroland has certain meet and greets, shows, and other events/services that they advertise on their Japanese website, but cannot be accessed without registering as a Lawson WEB member and purchasing tickets via the Lawson Electronic Ticket App.Foreigners can follow these instructions.
See Lawson's list of events at Sanrio Puroland here.
*Translation is required. If you're using Andriod or a Windows PC, it should automatically translate.The following are a list of paid shows, events and services:
Birthday Lives
Paid Greetings (In other words, meeting characters in seasonal costumes)
Advance PUROPASS purchases
Any other events listed on the Japanese website as "[Electronic Tickets Only]"
Despite having instructions, guests report that these events can be pricey and difficult to navitage for non-Japanese speakers.
See the Shows and Characters pages to find out what guests can participate in at no extra cost.
PUROPASS is Puroland's "fastpass" system, allowing you to bypass waiting times at certain shows and attractions for a fee.
You can only purchase these passes on the day of your visit, subject to availability.If you want to purchase a pass for a show or Charaguri Residence, you can go to the PUROPASS desk located on the first floor, near the entrance to Strawberry Hall.
If you want to purchase a pass for a ride, you can purchase these passes at the kiosk nearest to the ride of your choice.The fee varies per attraction.
Wish me mell の Chance for You - 1000 yen/ seat
KAWAII KABUKI - 1000 yen/ seat
Gudetama the Movie Show - 500 yen/ seat
Charaguri Residence - 1500 yen / party (multiple people can use one ticket)
Sanrio Character Boat Ride - 1000 yen/ person, 2000 yen for family pass (parties of up to 4)
Mymeroad Drive - 500 yen/ person, 1000 yen for family pass (parties of up to 4)
Lady Kitty House - 500 yen/ person, 1000 yen for family pass (parties of up to 4)
*Children 2 and under do not need a pass to see a show
puroland with young children
If you're visiting with children under two, there are a few things you should know:
The baby center is located on the first floor, next to the information desk. Changing tables, restrooms, four nursing rooms, and hot water for formula are all provided.
In addition, changing tables are available in all women's and multipurpose restrooms, as well as some men's restrooms.The Gudetama Shop on the third floor sells baby food, diapers, and other basic needs.Strollers are allowed in the park, but you must leave it in the stroller parking areas at certain attractions.The child lost-and-found center is located at the information desk on the third floor.And the best part, of course, is free admission for children two and under!
FuwaFuwa Kids Land is also available in the entertainment hall on the first floor, which features bounce houses and a baby/toddler play area.Note: Children under 1 and over elementary-school age are not permitted into FuwaFuwa Kids Land.
Pregnant? You'll receive some special benefits too!
In Japan, mother and child handbooks (MCHH) are used by almost every parent to monitor maternal health. If you have one, present it at the third floor information desk and receive an exclusive sticker.
You'll recieve 5% off at the Lady Kitty House photo counter, as well as any stores. At Lady Kitty House, Hello Kitty herself will cheer you and baby on and wish you both good health!
Where should i buy my tickets?
Sanrio Puroland does not allow foreign guests to purchase tickets directly from their website, but instead has approved third-party ticket sellers.Klook is the most popular way to purchase tickets, available in 22 countries.
Rakuten Travel Experiences & JTB Travel (Australia only) are also widely trusted sites. Tickets cost roughly $20 USD.Guests usually need to make a reservation in addition to purchasing a ticket. However, foreigners are only required to purchase a ticket via one of these sites, and fill out a short survey upon entering.