Sanrio Puroland

Puroland opened in 1990 in the Tama new town, about forty minutes from central Tokyo, and its distinguishing feature is that it is entirely indoors - several levels around a central atrium, so weather is irrelevant and the whole thing works in rain or in August heat. The content is Sanrio's characters: Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin and the rest, in meet-and-greet houses, a boat ride, a small number of gentle attractions, and several stage shows and a parade that are the actual draw - the musical productions are polished and run to a schedule that a visit should be planned around. The audience is a mix of families with small children and adult fans, the latter often in coordinated outfits. Merchandise is extensive and much of it is exclusive to the park.

What you actually see

• An indoor park - several levels round an atrium, unaffected by weather.
• The stage shows - polished musical productions and a parade on a fixed schedule.
• Character houses - meet-and-greet sets for Kitty and the rest of the Sanrio cast.
• Exclusive merchandise - much of the shop range sold only here.

When to go

All year; weekdays in term time for the shortest queues. A day.

Honest expectations

There are few rides - this is shows and characters, not a coaster park. Queues for character greetings and shows are long and start early. Weekends and holidays are extremely busy. It is forty minutes out of central Tokyo.

Nearby

Tama Center station is beside it; central Tokyo is east.