Hello Kitty Theme Park Guide: Shows, Food & Rides at Sanrio Harmony Land
Hello Kitty at Nagashima: What to Actually Expect
If you are searching for a Hello Kitty theme park in Mie Prefecture, here is the important context: there is no dedicated Hello Kitty park at Nagashima Resort. According to the official Nagashima Spa Land site, Hello Kitty's presence at Nagashima is limited to character-themed kiddy rides within the larger Nagashima Spa Land amusement park. These are coin-operated mini rides designed for toddlers and young children — enjoyable for small Sanrio fans, but not comparable to a full Sanrio experience.
Japan's dedicated Sanrio parks are Sanrio Puroland in Tama (western Tokyo) and Sanrio Harmony Land in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu. Both offer full character shows, themed dining, and immersive Hello Kitty attractions. If you are specifically seeking a comprehensive Hello Kitty park experience, those are your destinations.
That said, Nagashima Spa Land is one of the Chubu region's best family theme parks, and the Hello Kitty kiddy rides are a worthwhile addition to a broader Nagashima visit — especially if you are traveling with young children. For a full overview of what the park offers, see our Nagashima Spa Land overview. For all Mie theme park guides, see our hub page.
Kiddy Rides and Character Areas
Nagashima Spa Land's Hello Kitty kiddy rides are clustered in the family area of the park, alongside other character-themed coin-operated rides. According to Tiny Tot in Tokyo, these include Hello Kitty-themed car rides and similar attractions designed for children under 5.
Each kiddy ride costs ¥100 (~$0.70) and accepts coins only — bring ¥100 coins or exchange at the park. These rides are not included in the park's unlimited ride passport, which is an important distinction from how unlimited passes work at Western theme parks.
Nearby, the Peter Rabbit area offers additional gentle rides and photo spots for young children. Families with toddlers often combine both character areas — the Hello Kitty rides and Peter Rabbit zone — for a morning of low-intensity fun before exploring the rest of the park.
For families with older children or thrill-seekers in the group, Nagashima Spa Land's main attractions include major roller coasters like the Steel Dragon 2000. The park successfully mixes gentle family zones with adrenaline-heavy rides, making it workable for groups with mixed ages.
Planning a Family Day at Nagashima Spa Land
Tickets and Pricing
| Ticket Type | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Passport (Adult) | ¥6,500 (~$44) | Park entry + unlimited major rides |
| 1-Day Passport (Elementary) | ¥4,700 (~$32) | Park entry + unlimited major rides |
| Kiddy rides | ¥100 (~$0.70) each | Coin-operated; not in passport |
| Parking | ¥1,000 (~$7) per day | Lots A and B |
Tickets are available at the gate or online. No advance reservation is required. The passport covers all major rides but does not include the coin-operated kiddy rides — budget extra ¥100 coins if you have small children.
Best Times to Visit with Kids
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most comfortable seasons for families. Summer brings a water park (open June-August) but also intense heat and larger crowds — arrive early if visiting in summer and head to the kiddy areas first, before the main crowds fill the thrill rides.
The park typically opens at 10:00 and closes at 17:00, with extended hours in summer. Check the official site for current seasonal hours, as Nagashima has irregular maintenance closures throughout the year.
Combining the Park with Onsen and Outlet Shopping
Nagashima Resort is more than an amusement park. The adjacent facilities make it possible to fill an entire day without leaving the complex.
Yuami no Shima Hot Springs
Yuami no Shima (湯あみの島) is the resort's hot spring complex, located next to Spa Land. It features both indoor and outdoor baths with a variety of water temperatures and styles. The facility is family-friendly, with bathing areas suitable for children.
For families, the onsen provides a natural wind-down after a day of rides. Japanese onsen culture involves bathing nude, which may be unfamiliar to some international visitors — research onsen etiquette before your visit.
Mitsui Outlet Park
Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima is one of Japan's largest outlet malls, located within the resort complex. International and Japanese brands offer discounted goods. The outlet is particularly useful for families — children can browse while adults shop, and several restaurants provide lunch or dinner options.
Getting to Nagashima Resort
Nagashima Resort sits in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, near the border with Aichi Prefecture. The most convenient access is by bus from Nagoya.
| Route | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nagoya Station → Nagashima (express bus) | 30-40 min | ¥1,100 (~$7) one-way |
| Osaka → Nagashima (Meitetsu bus) | ~1.5 hours | Varies |
| By car (Nagashima IC) | N/A | Parking ¥1,000/day |
Express buses from Nagoya Station run frequently and are the standard approach for visitors without a car. The bus drops you directly at the resort entrance.
By car, take the Higashi-Meihan Expressway to Nagashima IC. Parking lots A and B are adjacent to the park entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a full Hello Kitty theme park at Nagashima?
No. Hello Kitty at Nagashima is limited to character-themed kiddy rides within Nagashima Spa Land — small coin-operated rides designed for toddlers. Japan's dedicated Sanrio parks are Sanrio Puroland in Tama (western Tokyo) and Sanrio Harmony Land in Oita Prefecture. Both offer full character shows, themed dining, and immersive Hello Kitty attractions.
How much do the Hello Kitty kiddy rides cost?
Each kiddy ride costs ¥100 (~$0.70) and accepts coins only. These rides are not included in the 1-Day Passport (¥6,500 adults, ¥4,700 elementary school children), which covers the park's larger rides. Bring a supply of ¥100 coins if visiting with young children.
Is Nagashima Spa Land good for toddlers and young children?
Yes. Beyond the Hello Kitty kiddy rides, the Peter Rabbit character area offers additional gentle rides and photo spots. The park mixes family zones with thrill rides, making it suitable for groups with mixed ages. The adjacent Yuami no Shima onsen has family-friendly bathing facilities for post-park relaxation.
How do I get to Nagashima Resort from Nagoya?
Express buses run frequently from Nagoya Station to Nagashima Resort, taking 30-40 minutes at a cost of ¥1,100 (~$7) one way. From Osaka, Meitetsu buses take approximately 1.5 hours. By car, take the Higashi-Meihan Expressway to Nagashima IC; parking costs ¥1,000 (~$7) per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a full Hello Kitty theme park at Nagashima?
- No. Hello Kitty at Nagashima is limited to character-themed kiddy rides within Nagashima Spa Land — small coin-operated rides designed for toddlers. Japan's dedicated Sanrio parks are Sanrio Puroland in Tama (western Tokyo) and Sanrio Harmony Land in Oita Prefecture. Both offer full character shows, themed dining, and immersive Hello Kitty attractions.
- How much do the Hello Kitty kiddy rides cost?
- Each kiddy ride costs ¥100 (~$0.70) and accepts coins only. These rides are not included in the 1-Day Passport (¥6,500 adults, ¥4,700 elementary school children), which covers the park's larger rides. Bring a supply of ¥100 coins if visiting with young children.
- Is Nagashima Spa Land good for toddlers and young children?
- Yes. Beyond the Hello Kitty kiddy rides, the Peter Rabbit character area offers additional gentle rides and photo spots. The park mixes family zones with thrill rides, making it suitable for groups with mixed ages. The adjacent Yuami no Shima onsen has family-friendly bathing facilities for post-park relaxation.
- How do I get to Nagashima Resort from Nagoya?
- Express buses run frequently from Nagoya Station to Nagashima Resort, taking 30-40 minutes at a cost of ¥1,100 (~$7) one way. From Osaka, Meitetsu buses take approximately 1.5 hours. By car, take the Higashi-Meihan Expressway to Nagashima IC; parking costs ¥1,000 (~$7) per day.