Oita Hello Kitty Airport In Japan: Themed Interiors, Things To Do & How To Get There

By Zoe Zeng on 28 May 2025

Sanrio enthusiasts, save this for your next trip to Japan! As part of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, Hello Kitty has temporarily taken over Oita Airport — now rebranded as Oita Hello Kitty Airport — with super cute interiors, charming photo spots, limited-edition merchandise and more.

Read on to find out what there is to see, attractions around the area, and how you can get there!

Themed interiors & photo spots

Photo from Oita Airport

Say hello (kitty) to a pastel-drenched, kawaii-filled travel hub that's been rebranded top to toe in true Sanrio style. Yes, even the jetbridge.

This limited-time transformation, which runs until 13 October 2025, is part of a wider effort to spread Expo joy beyond the Osaka region, and frankly, we’ve never been so eager to hang out at an airport.

Photo from Oita Airport

From the moment your plane wheels down, it’s kawaii chaos in the best way. Your first glimpse? Hello Kitty waving from the boarding bridge, painted larger-than-life to greet you before you even hit customs.

Photo from Oita Airport

Inside, the decor is pure serotonin. Picture Hello Kitty dragging a suitcase by the baggage claim, Pompompurin soaking in a traditional hot spring, My Melody on the stairs, and pastel photo walls featuring Kuromi, Little Twin Stars, and Cinnamoroll.

Photo from Oita Airport

There’s even a massive photo zone where you can 'take a dip' with your fave characters in an onsen-style bath bucket, because Oita is, after all, known for its amazing onsen culture.

Photo from Oita Airport

Of course, there's exclusive merch to be collected, and you might ned an extra suitcase to haul all this goodness home! Sanrio has rolled out a capsule collection exclusively for this collab, including adorable Hello Kitty figurines riding miniature airplanes, T-shirts, cookies, keychains, luggage tags, and more.

Photo from Oita Airport

If you’re a collector or even just a casual fan, you’ll want to snag these airport-only finds before they disappear. Pro tip: travelers flying out of the airport get custom Sanrio luggage tags as souvenirs. Brb, we're booking a return flight just for that.

Things to see around Oita Hello Kitty Airport

Photo from Google Maps

Where exactly is Oita, you ask? Located on the island of Kyushu, this charming area is known for its unspoiled nature and proximity to iconic onsen towns like Beppu and Yufuin. Beppu (also known as the onsen capital of Japan) alone is home to a whopping eight hot springs, all of which have been popular for ages!

Photo from Agoda.com

Not only is the area an absolute haven for some well-earned R&R, Sanrio lovers can get more of their favourite characters at Harmonyland, an outdoor theme park located just 25 minutes by car from Oita Airport.

Photo from Google Maps

A themed shuttle bus is launching from late July, linking Oita Hello Kitty Airport with Kitsuki Station and Harmonyland, making it extra easy to make your way there!

Photo from Harmonyland Japan

This sprawling park includes a Kitty Castle, Harmony Train, Sanrio Ninja Trial obstacle course, a bunch of outdoor roller coasters and thrill rides, dreamy Kitty Carousel, Sanrio Character Boat Ride, a huge Ferris Wheel, plenty of game booths, and even a themed restaurant! Of course, visitors also get to enjoy parades, live shows, and character meet-and-greets starring Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll and all their friends.

Photo from Harmonyland Japan

Due to its more remote location, you can also expect Harmonyland to be less crowded than its sister park, the wildly popular (but smaller) Puroland in Tokyo. Tickets are priced at 3,200 yen (~S$29) each.

Photo from Google Maps

Those who are willing to plan a longer trip can venture further westward to see Kumamoto (home of the adorably derpy Kumamon) and scenic Fukuoka (with some of the prettiest castles, seaside parks and tonkotsu ramen in Japan).

Photo from Japan Rail & Travel

Alternatively, the stunning landscapes of Okayama, Hiroshima, and Matsuyama (where you can experience the iconic 'train on the sea' from Spirited Away in real life!) are also worth including in your itinerary. It’s all a great way to escape the tourist-packed Tokyo-Kyoto route and discover a lesser-known, equally stunning part of Japan.

How to get there?

Photo from Oita Airport

By Air:
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Oita is by flying. This usually sleepy airport (though it may be a little busier now, thanks to the influx of Sanrio-loving travellers) is directly connected to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, with flights runing daily via ANA and Japan Airlines, with a flight time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

By Train:
Prefer to travel by rail? You can take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Oita, which takes approximately four hours with transfers. While it's a longer journey, the scenic views of Kyushu countryside and the relaxing pace might be exactly what you need before diving into full-on Sanrio cuteness.