The Traveller's Magazine
What two things do you love most in life? If you answered travel and Hello Kitty, then you’re in luck. We’re amazed at the obsession some have for this character. She’s a celebrity world-wide and the queen of a huge merchandising empire from theme parks to restaurants. If you’ve got a soft spot for Hello Kitty, then here’s how to travel in true Kitty White colours.
Transportation
Your Hello Kitty holiday starts with flying in a Hello Kitty airplane! Taiwanese airline Eva Airways have re-branded three aircraft from their fleet in different Hello Kitty designs. They’ve thought of everything! Boarding passes, check-in kiosks, cutlery, soap dishes… even the in-flight food is shaped like her. Eva Airways Hello Kitty flights operate between Taipei, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Incheon, Narita, Hong Kong and Guam.
Destinations
Sanrio Puroland – Tokyo, Japan
Think indoor theme park. This place attracts a whopping 1.5 million visitors a year and hosts a number of restaurants, theatres, rides and attractions featuring the characters from Hello Kitty as well as Sanrio’s other endeavours like My Melody and Cinnamon. Visit during summer to see the daily fireworks show.
Sanrio Harmonyland – Oita Prefecture in Kyushu
This outdoor theme park with live-shows featuring the Sanrio characters and twelve rides and attractions including solving a mystery in Black Wonder Castle, riding a rhythmic coaster and the Harmony Train, taking a Sanrio characters boat ride and getting amazing views from the top of the ferris wheel.
Hello Kitty Sweets – Taipei, Taiwan
Finally something edible. This is the only official Hello Kitty-themed restaurant. You can let your imagine run wild at all the foodie creations they’ve developed featuring the face of the world’s most famous cat. Burgers and chips, beef stew, clam pasta with a white wine sauce… and then there are the desserts!
- Address: Taipei Da An Road, no. 90
- Open: Monday to Sunday 11:30-22:00
- Transport: MRT Bannan line, Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, Exit 3
Accommodation
Grand Hi-Lai Hotel in the Chienchin District of Taiwan is where every Hello Kitty-lover should head to put their feet up and relax after a long day of sightseeing. There are two different Hello Kitty themed rooms available. If you’re ready to lay down the big bucks, go for the suite at this Taiwan hotel. If not, there’s always a simpler room available as well. What can you expect? Hello Kitty-shaped headboard, stationary, tea set and shower accessories.
Accessories
Of course if you’re going to travel in Hello Kitty style then you must be outfitted with the complete line of accessories. Here are just a few of the must-haves: luggage + tags, neck pillow for those long-haul flights to Japan and travel-sized toiletries. If you can imagine it, the Sanrio store probably has it!
How far does your Hello Kitty obsession go?
