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.

History

In 1985 Sanrio began a project for a theme park to open in 1990 for the company's 30th anniversary; during planning it was called Sanrio Communication World, Sanrio Heart Park and Sanrio Piero Land, and its first theme was to be "communication" rather than the company's characters (Wikipedia, Sanrio Puroland).

Highlights

• 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.

What to expect

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.

Key facts