Hello Kitty digital-art complex and themed restaurant on Awaji Island, near Kobe, with an interactive underwater exhibition; from around 3.000 ¥.
Hello Kitty Smile is an original digital-art complex and themed restaurant dedicated to Hello Kitty, located on Awaji Island, opposite Kobe and linked to it by the great Akashi Kaikyo bridge. The building, crowned by an enormous dome shaped like the character's head, houses the Otohime exhibition, the dragon's palace, in which you immerse yourself in a digital underwater world where you can interact with turtles, fish and other projected characters. The visit is rounded off with restaurants serving dishes made with local Awaji ingredients, an island famous for its fresh produce. The set-type ticket, which combines art and a dining experience, starts at around 3.000 ¥. Awaji is reached by bus crossing the bridge from Kobe or from Osaka. It is a very special plan for fans of the Sanrio universe and for families, and a perfect excuse to discover Awaji Island, an unusual getaway among international travellers. It is advisable to book in advance and to check the opening hours before going.
