Awajishima Hello Kitty Smile

I had seen an NHK video a while ago about this Hello Kitty resort on north Awajishima in Hyogo Prefecture. Recently I saw it on the map when we were talking about an outing to Awajishima during the summer. It looked completely bananas and we decided to go.

There are two locations, less than 5 minutes apart by car. First we went to Hello Kitty Smile.

Entrance includes walking freely through some rooms that have weird displays like walls filled with stuffed animals and projection mapping. The best part was a human size kalideoscope that people could go inside for triple trouble photos.

Upstairs, inside Hello Kitty's 14 meter tall head, there is a dome where they show a huge projection mapping show several times an hour. 

There is also a meet and greet with a live (costumed) Hello Kitty in her room, but this only happens a few times a day so we skipped it.

For an extra fee, there are four restaurants and an event area. It's targeted more towards kids although I was interested in trying the sand painting. There are also a couple shops which sell Hello Kitty products. Fruity drinks sold in souvenir cups are also available.

All this is in a two story building right on the water, but unfortunately there is no accessable beach nearby. 

Visually overstimulating and not only for children.

We hopped over to the Hello Kitty Show Box on the shuttle bus next. They opened the Apple House this year, which is just a huge apple with a nice view on the top. You might get splashed with a water sprayer while looking at the rooftop of the Show Box (top photo). 

Entrance to this space is sold as a set if you go to Hello Kitty Smile also. Entrance includes either lunch or cafe time with a short live show (mostly cheesy summer festival music). All the food served in the restaurant is vegan! Other than eating while enjoying the show there are just shops and the outdoor area. Everyone is allowed a greeting and photo time with the costumed Kitty, at a distance.

As expected, it was super weird.

We did everything in about four hours while taking our time. It was just a day trip for us, although there are a bunch of other interesting tourist spots in this part of the island.

A couple notes:

We went by highway bus from Kobe and free shuttle as we don't drive and Awajishima doesn't have trains. The shuttle bus was confusing even for Japanese natives as it is not clearly labeled or clear which direction to head in. It's recommended to go by car, but even that might be confusing.

The website is available in English and other languages, but nothing at the attractions was available in English, other than the restaurant menus.

https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittysmile/