Secrets of the Original Hello Kitty Store in Japan [FREE TO DO]

After 3 weeks of bedtime stories about Konichiwa Kitty and Sayonara Dog, with an accompanying song no less (that remarkably ended up sounding a lot like the tune of Keep the Commandments), it was finally time to visit the Original Hello Kitty Store in Tokyo. 

Though, an ice cream store next to a toy store does make sense. 

It proved to be a really unique and fun experience! Not only is the store adorable with tons of fun and varied merchandise, but has a lot of Japanese history and cultural influence.

Secrets of the Original
Hello Kitty Store in Japan
[FREE TO DO]

Original Hello Kitty Store
1st Floor, Korakuen adhoc Building, 3-15-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
+03-3354-3640
Mon-Fri 10:00-21:00
Sat/Sun/National Holiday 10:00-20:00
Closed on irregular days

Sanrio Store

Technically, this is a Sanrio store. It not only has Hello Kitty merchandise, but her twin sister Mimi and all her friends too including My Melody, Little Twin Stars, Chococat, Kero Kero Keroppi, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, Pekkle and Tuxedo Sam to name a few.

The Hello Kitty store in Shinjuku, Tokyo is the Sanrio flagship store and boasts the largest collection of Sanrio products.

How Do You Get There?

Shinjuku is a popular district in Tokyo. Take the JR train to the Shinjuku Station. You can’t miss it, it’s the largest subway station in the entire country.

There is also a branded Cinnamoroll restaurant in the neighborhood! 

World’s Largest Hello Kitty Statue in Tokyo 

One of the coolest things you’ll find at the Hello Kitty Store in Tokyo is the world’s largest Hello Kitty! It is just outside the front door, and is sculpted over 8 feet high!

What Can You Buy at The Hello Kitty Store in Tokyo

Everything!

Similar to Kiddyland, there is a glorious selections of pencils, pencil cases, glasses cases, phone charms, key chains, USB drives and coin purses of every single Sanrio character available.

There are plates and cups and silverware. Watches, purses, handbags and backpacks. Toiletries, stickers, hand held fans and cute knick knacks.

Jewelry and a large selection of clothing from shirts to smocks to socks! 

Blankets, pillows and throws.

There is even a Hello Kitty toaster.

And, of course, no Hello Kitty store would be complete without a full wall dedicated to differing sized Hello Kitty plushies to choose from.

We ended up buying our baby her first Hello Kitty, and I got a pair of socks (because when in Japan!).

Free Gifts with Every Purchase

Sanrio takes especially great care in packaging your items, and even includes a free gift with every purchase.

On this occasion we were gifted a cute character necklace, and it was a nice treat.

Hello Kitty Store vs Questina Store

The original Sanrio store in Shinjuku is an all age Hello Kitty Store. There are actually two types of Hello Kitty stores: one for all ages, and one strictly for adult fans.

• A gift gate Hello Kitty store actually means family friendly.
• A Questina store is specifically for adult fans of cute Hello Kitty paraphernalia.

This holds true for many different stores across Japan including Disney stores, like the Disney store in Harajuku.

Sanrio Puro Land

Tokyo is also home to Sanrio Puro Land, the indoor Hello Kitty amusement park in Tokyo. It is just 30 minutes from the Hello Kitty Store in Japan.  

It is the most rainbow colored, donut and fruit filled paradise you’ll ever see with tons of fun activities.

• Character Meet and Greets
• Shopping
• Parades & Shows
• Photo Ops
• Rides
• and More!
  

We really wish we had carved out time to visit this amusement park as it is such an integral part of the Japanese culture.

Hello Kitty Fun Facts

• Hello Kitty’s full name is actually Kitty White
• She is a gijinka (anthropomorphic human cat)
• Born in London
• She is as tall as five apples and weighs the same as three apples
• Her blood type is A

This location is just around the corner from the Kit Kat Chocolatory, so you can check out super fun flavors of Japan’s favorite candy bar. 

Be sure to check out why you need to sing karaoke in Japan, and fall down the rabbit hole at the Alice and Wonderland store. Plus, our full Toyko itinerary!