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Updated: March 16, 2023

Say hello to Hello Kitty and a legendary emperor

Hello Kitty, the cute cat with a global following, has an amusement park dedicated to her and the ever-growing cast of Sanrio characters—Sanrio Puroland. However, the Tama area is not simply about the cute and cuddly. If you take the Tama monorail, you can enjoy great panoramic views of the area as the track is several meters above ground. There are great shopping options, expansive parks, and a museum dedicated to Emperor Meiji. And after your exploration of the area, you can relax in warm onsen baths.

Tips

  • Arrive at the Hello Kitty-themed train station at Tama Center Station
  • Enjoy the various facilities around Tama Center
  • Stand before the Emperor Meiji at the Former Tama Seiseki Memorial Hall

How to Get There

The nearest station is the jointly-operated Tama Center Station, which contains Keio Tama Center Station and Odakyu Tama Center Station. It is served by the Keio Sagamihara Line, Odakyu Tama Line, and Tama Toshi Monorail Line.

From Haneda Airport: Around one hour 15 minutes by airport shuttle bus, or around one hour 30 minutes by train.
From Narita Airport: Around two hours 10 minutes by airport shuttle bus, or around three hours five minutes by train.
From Shinjuku Station: Take the Semi-Limited Express train on the Keio Line to Keio Tama Center Station. Or take the Rapid Express on the Odakyu Line to Odakyu Tama Center Station. Travel time: 35 minutes. From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Chuo Line or Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Shinjuku Station. Then take the Keio Line to Keio Tama Center Station, or the Odakyu Line to Odakyu Tama Center Station. Travel time: One hour 10 minutes.

Hello Kitty Station

You'll know you've reached the land of Hello Kitty as soon as you arrive at Tama Center Station. It is decorated from top to bottom in Sanrio characters. By the ticket gates at the main entrance of the station there is an overhead mural of Sanrio characters dressed as Keio Line station masters, including Hello Kitty and Kero Kero Keroppi. You'll see Hello Kitty inspired artwork from the ticket gates to the name tags of the station staff, just a small sample of what's to come at Sanrio Puroland.

Hello Kitty and friends are waiting to meet you

Sanrio Puroland is located a short walk east of Tama Center Station. After passing through the rainbow arch, popular Sanrio characters including Hello Kitty and My Melody are waiting for you. There are live shows and plenty of photo opportunities for both children and adults to enjoy. The entire facility is indoors, so you can play to your heart's content without worrying about the weather.

Sanrio Puroland

© 1990 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN MMP,TX

A day in Tama Center

Before or after visiting Hello Kitty Land take a moment to relax in one of Tokyo's quieter parks. Tama Central Park has large grassy fields perfect for picnics. You could also pay a visit to the nearby Tokyo Metropolitan Archeological Center, to learn about the lives of the Jomon-era people who lived in the Tama area. You can see reconstructions of thatched dwellings at the Jomon Village next door. If you're in the mood for some shopping, Cocolia Tama Center has an extensive collection of Japanese brand shops including Muji, Uniqlo, and Japanese interior design chain Nitori.
*Tama Central Park: Renovation work is scheduled from April 2023 to December 2024

Jomon Village
Cocolia Tama Center

 

A walk in the park

Take the bus from Seiseki-sakuragaoka Station and get off at the Kinenkan-mae bus stop to find Sakuragaoka Park. This wooded park is a great place to stroll, have a picnic, or just relax. In spring, the cherry blossoms are spectacular. The Former Tama Seiseki Memorial Hall is located in the park grounds. The hall was built in 1930 to commemorate Emperor Meiji’s visits to the area. It’s free to enter, and inside you can see a bronze statue of the Emperor mounted on a horse as well as Edo-period calligraphic works. There is also a cafe where you can relax.

Sakuragaoka Park
Former Tama Seiseki Memorial Hall

 

A hot bath and dinner to end the day

After a busy day, relax with a hot bath at Gokurakuyu Tama Center. The onsen features indoor and outdoor baths as well as several saunas to unwind in after a busy day. After your bath, you can book a massage, relax in a tatami room or order a traditional Japanese set meal from the large dining hall.

Family & Kids

 

Parks & Gardens

 

Art & Museums

 

Nearby Attractions