Is this Hello Kitty hotel room in Tokyo good enough to impress an 8-year-old girl?
Our reporter P.K. Sanjun loves his daughter Rei, encouraging all her interests which, over her eight years, have ranged from Anpanman to Precure, Pokémon, Conan, Doraemon, and Crayon Shin-chan.
In between, Rei has had a soft spot for Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty, so P.K. has travelled to Sanrio Puroland with her, and even bought up stacks of Happy Meals when they came with little Hello Kitty plushies, all to put a smile on her face.
So when he heard about a new Hello Kitty-themed room at Asakusa's Tobu Hotel in Tokyo, his daughter immediately sprang to mind. However, he hadn't heard her mention Hello Kitty in a while so he wasn't sure if that was a phase that had passed, but when he asked her if she wanted to stay there, her eyes widened as she told him, 'I want to go! I definitely want to go! I absolutely want to stay there!!'
▼ So off they went.
Though there are a few hotels around Japan with Hello Kitty-themed hotel rooms, this is the only one in Tokyo's 23 wards, and there are actually two rooms to choose from: the 'Sakura Celestial Maiden Room' and the 'Wa-Modern Room'.
▼ At his daughter's request, they stayed in the Sakura Celestial Maiden Room.
Just as the name suggests, Hello Kitty, or 'Kitty-chan' as she's known in Japanese, was dressed as a celestial maiden, welcoming P.K. and Rei to their night's stay with an array of traditional motifs, and swirls of cherry blossoms in full bloom.
There were two large murals of Kitty-chan on the walls, and although the sweet cat was in costume for this event, Kitty-chan's signature bow was still evident, appearing on the beds, in the form of pillows…
▼…and as handles on the bedside drawers.
With four beds inside, there wasn't a lot of room to move around, but there was a beautiful Japanese-style space in the corner, with a low table and chairs, pink tatami mats with Hello Kitty bows on the edges, and a large plushie of Kitty-chan, as celestial maiden, sitting on the floor like a hostess at a traditional Japanese inn.
Rei-chan squealed in delight upon seeing Kitty-chan, giving her a huge hug that showed P.K. just how strong the Sanrio bonds still were in his daughter.
Hello Kitty was like a magnet for Rei, giving her a burst of excited energy that saw her jumping around the room. P.K. was so delighted to see her so hyped that he let her run wild for a little while, figuring she would eventually wear herself out from all the excitement.
However, P.K. didn't quite realise the extent of his daughter's love for the cat, and the themed room, because at 10 p.m., after they'd had dinner and their nightly baths, Rei, who would normally be dozing off at this time, was as excited as ever.
▼ In fact, her voltage just kept rising.
With her eyes wide open, Rei didn't look sleepy at all, and although P.K. couldn't match her excitement at being inside a pink Hello Kitty-themed room, he was happy to indulge her, allowing her to leap and squeal until she eventually wore herself out, by which time it was past 11:30 p.m.
▼ Rei fell fast asleep as if her battery had run out, hugging Kitty-chan instead of her dad.
They both slept like logs in Hello Kitty's celestial paradise, and the next day, before checking out, Rei gave Kitty-chan one last hug while whispering, 'I'll definitely come and stay again.'
Although P.K. couldn't see Kitty-chan respond to Rei's whispers, he had a feeling his daughter and Hello Kitty were on a different wavelength to him, communicating in secret ways he wasn't able to understand.
After their night in the themed room, P.K. learned that a girl's love for Hello Kitty has the power to outlast all other character obsessions, and he also learned that if you stay in this room with a Kitty-obsessed child you may not get a lot of sleep, but you will get a ton of brownie points as a parent.
Hotel information
Asakusa Tobu Hotel /浅草東武ホテル Address: Tokyo-to, Taito-ku, Asakusa 1-1-15 東京都台東区浅草1-1-15
Website
Photos©SoraNews24
● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
[ Read in Japanese ]
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tokyo Weekender
an hour ago
- Tokyo Weekender
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Smashes Japanese Box Office Records
The latest Demon Slayer film, Infinity Castle , is off to a historic start, shattering multiple box office records in Japan. In just its first three days of release (July 18–20), the film pulled in approximately ¥5.5 billion in revenue, drawing over 3.84 million moviegoers. Including the national holiday on Monday, the four-day total (July 18–21) soared to ¥7.3 billion, making it the biggest opening in Japanese film history. These numbers surpass the opening performance of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train (2022), the previous record-holder that went on to gross over ¥40 billion. According to distributor Aniplex, the new movie's unprecedented turnout marks the strongest theatrical debut ever for a Japanese film. List of Contents: Kickstarting the Infinity Castle Arc Related Posts Kickstarting the Infinity Castle Arc Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and animated by ufotable, Infinity Castle launches a three-part cinematic finale to the globally acclaimed anime story picks up where the 'Hashira Training Arc' left off, as Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps storm the demon stronghold for their final battles against the terrifying Upper Rank demons — with Akaza being the primary antagonist of part 1 — culminating in a confrontation with the Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji. According to the official website, the film also features two theme songs performed by Aimer and LiSA. The Demon Slayer franchise, based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, has become a cultural juggernaut since its anime debut in 2019. With over 220 million manga volumes sold, the series continues to draw massive audiences with its mix of high-stakes action, emotional storytelling and striking visuals. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle is now playing in theaters across Japan. Related Posts How Kagura Dance Influenced the Story of Demon Slayer The Legends of Watanabe no Tsuna: The Original Demon Slayer New Demon Slayer Villain Offers Valuable Lessons About Japanese Culture
Tokyo Weekender
an hour ago
- Tokyo Weekender
Everything You Need To Know About the 2025 Pokemon Stamp Rally
Pokemon Stamp Rally season is officially back. This annual tradition — a summer-long collaboration between JR East and The Pokemon Company — invites fans to crisscross Tokyo and neighboring regions by train, collecting special stamps at participating stations. Think of it as a real-world Pokedex adventure: pick up a booklet, travel to train stations and collect custom Pokemon stamps. Complete the course, and you'll earn exclusive Pokemon-themed rewards. The 2025 edition of the JR East Pokemon Mega Stamp Rally spans 36 stations across the Tokyo metropolitan area. Like the games, where you build your team one Pokemon at a time, this rally challenges you to collect stamps while exploring new neighborhoods and leveling up your travel experience. From July 18 to August 31, aspiring trainers can gather stamps and earn tiered rewards, from limited-edition merchandise to trading cards and toys. With dozens of stations, stamps, Pokemon and prizes to keep track of, the sheer scale of the rally can be a little overwhelming. Here's your definitive guide to navigating this year's Mega Stamp Rally like a pro. List of Contents: Rally Station Map Stage 1: The Starter Course Stage 2: Trainer Tier Stage 3: Pokemon Master Challenge Extra Stage Merchandise and Extra Campaign Activities Related Posts Rally Station Map This year, 36 Pokemon character stamps are scattered across JR East stations in and around Tokyo. Below is a full list of participating stations and where to find each stamp. We also included both the characters' official English names and their official Japanese names for your reference. Be warned that most stamps are located outside the ticket gates, meaning that you must tap your IC card to officially exit and collect the stamp. Your card will be charged even if you exit and re-enter the station to move on to the next location. If you are planning on catching all of the Pokemon, it might be a good idea to invest in a JR Tokyo Free Ticket to access unlimited JR East lines throughout the day. Stations marked with * are Stage 2 locations. Akabane Station (Mega Venusaur/ Mega Fushigibana ): Outside the north exit ticket gate Ageo Station (Scream Tail/ Sakebushippo ): Outside the ticket gate, on the left side inside the Midori no Madoguchi ticket office Asagaya Station (Mega Kangaskhan/ Megagarura ): Outside the ticket gates, near the north exit Ikebukuro Station * (Meowscarada/ Masukanya ): Outside the south ticket gate Itabashi Station (Mega Gengar/ Megagenga ): Outside the ticket gate Ueno Station * (Quaxwell/ Uerukamo ): Outside Iriya ticket gate Urawa Station (Mega Absol/ Megaabusoru ): Outside the central ticket gate, near the Midori no Madoguchi ticket office Ebisu Station * (Gimmighoul/ Korekure ): Outside the west ticket gate Osaki Station (Ceruledge/ Soubureizu ): Outside the north ticket gate Ofuna Station (Mega Steelix/ Megahaganeru ): On the left side after exiting the south ticket gate Omiya Station * (Dot's Tinkatuff/ Dottononakanukyan ): Near the central ticket gate, outside the police station Omori Station * (Charcadet/ Karubou ): Outside the central ticket gate Kashiwa Station (Mega Gardevoir/ Megasanaito ): Outside the central ticket gate Kanda Station (Rhyhorn & Golduck/ Saidon & Gorudakku ): outside the south exit ticket gate Kita-Senju Station * (Hattena/ Teburimu ): Outside the south ticket gate Koshigaya-Laketown Station (Maushold/ Ikkanezumi ): On the left side after exiting the ticket gate Sakuragicho Station * (Terapagos/ Terapagosu ): Outside the south ticket gate Shinagawa Station * (Kilowattrel/ Taikaiden ): Outside the central ticket gate, near the Midori no Madoguchi ticket office Shin-Urayasu Station (Mega Gyarados/ Megagyaradosu ): On the life side after exiting the central ticket gate Shinjuku Station * (Yellow Mega Lucario/ Kiiroimegarukario ): On the right side after exiting the east ticket gate Shinmatsudo Station (Mega Slowbro/ Megayadoran ): Outside of the ticket gate Takanawa Gateway Station (Mega Charizard X/ Megarizadon X ): Outside of the north ticket gate Tachikawa Station (Medicham/ Charemu ): Outside of the west ticket gate Chiba Station (Tasugiri/ Sharitatsu ): On the right side after exiting the central ticket gate Tokyo Station * (Captain Pikachu/ Kyaputenpikachu ): Outside the Marunouchi south exit ticket gate Nippori Station (Pawmi/ Pamo ): Outside the north ticket gate Hasuda Station (Mega Altaria/ Megachirutarisu ): On the right side after exiting the ticket gate Haneda Airport (Mega Charizard Y/ Megarizadon Y ): Inside the ticket gate of Terminal 3 Station, inside the Platform 2 waiting room Funabashi Station (Mega Blastoise/ Megakamokkusu ): Outside the central ticket gate, in front of the Midori no Madoguchi ticket office Machida Station (Garganacl/ Kyojion ): Outside of the central ticket gate, in front of the Midori no Madoguchi ticket office Mitaka Station * (Mega Sableye/ Megayamirami ): Outside of the ticket gate, in front of the Midori no Madoguchi ticket office Musashi-Urawa Station (Umbreon/ Burakki ): On the right side after exiting the ticket gate Yokohama Station (Mega Tyranitar/ Megabangirasu ): Outside the central north ticket gate Yotsuya Station * (Crocalor/ Achigeta ): On the left side after exiting the Yotsuya exit ticket gate Yoyogi Station (Mega Ampharos/ Megadenryu ): On the right side after exiting the west exit ticket gate Ryugasakishi Station (White Zygarde/ Shiroijigarude ): Outside the ticket gate The Pokemon stamp rally consists of various stages of participation — you can pick your own level of commitment, from collecting just a few stamps for fun to catching all 36 characters. Each stage has its own unique prizes. Stage 1: The Starter Course To complete Stage 1, collect any six character stamps. Once you have them, head to one of the nine designated NewDays 'Goal Shops' (locations listed below) and exchange your booklet for your first reward. Conveniently, most of these stores are inside the stations, usually near the stamp area. By completing Stage 1, you can receive a jumbo Pokemon Trading Card Game promo card featuring Pikachu EX as well as booklets for Stage 2 and Stage 3. Prize redemption locations NewDays Akabane : Outside the north ticket gate NewDays Ikebukuro : Outside the central west exit ticket gate NewDays Ueno : Outside the entrance ticket gate NewDays Omiya : Second floor, central ticket gate outside of the north exit NewDays Gransta Marunouchi Tokyo : Outside the Marunouchi underground south exit ticket gate NewDays CIAL Yokohama : Outside the central north and south ticket gates, corner of the west exit NewDays Shinagawa Chuo : Second floor north ticket gate, next to the ticket machine NewDays Shinjuku : Outside the east ticket gate NewDays Tachikawa : Outside the east ticket gate concourse Stage 2: Trainer Tier Stage 2 requires you to collect all 12 stamps from a special set of stations. These 12 'Stage 2' stations are marked with an asterisk (*) in the rally station list above. Already visited some during your first stage journey? Good news: you're allowed to cut and paste previously collected stamps from Stage 1 into your Stage 2 booklet. But if you're aiming to complete all 36 eventually, it's worth collecting new ones. Once you've completed Stage 2, visit the Tokyo Station Goal Counter to claim your next rewards: a Pokemon Frienda Yellow Mega Lucario arcade game card, a clear multi-case featuring this year's Pokemon and an entry ticket for a lottery giveaway — 50 winners will receive a Yellow Mega Lucario plush toy. Stage 3: Pokemon Master Challenge To become an ultimate Pokemon Master, catch all 36 Pokemon! If you get all 36 stamps in your booklet, bring it to the Tokyo Station Goal Counter to receive an exclusive keychain. Extra Stage This extra stage of the rally ventures outside of the Tokyo metropolitan area, into the Tohoku region. You can collect stamps of the legendary Six Heroes at designated shinkansen stations. Sendai Station (Lapras/ Rapurasu ): Outside of the shinkansen ticket gate, near the Midori no Madoguchi ticket office on the third floor Morioka Station (Galarian Moltres/ Gararufaiya ): Outside of the ticket gate, near the south Midori no Madoguchi ticket office on the second floor Yamagata Station (Kleavor/ Basagiri ): Outside of the shinkansen ticket gate on the second floor Akita Station (Rayquaza/ Rekkuza ): Near the central ticket gate Niigata Station (Gouging Fire/ Ugatsuhomura ): Outside of the shinkansen east ticket gate, in front of the east Midori no Madoguchi ticket office Shin-Aomori Station (Arboliva/ Oriva ): In front of the waiting room outside of the shinkansen ticket gate You only need one stamp for the shinkansen course. Collect any of these six special stamps and present it to the Tokyo Station Goal Counter to receive an exclusive medal featuring Black Rayquaza. Merchandise and Extra Campaign Activities Limited-edition Pokemon items — including rally-themed merchandise and snacks — will be available at participating NewDays stores. A special premium edition of the stamp booklet (¥2,420) is also on sale. It includes s paces for all 36 metro and six shinkansen stamps, a stamp booklet holder and a pouch for your IC card. Please note that if you use the premium booklet, all prizes must be redeemed at Tokyo Station. The nine prize redemption locations will also have Pikachu-edition Tokyo Banana, a popular sponge cake with banana custard filling. The Pikachu version of the treat comes with four pieces inside the box and has adorable Pikachu designs on the cakes and the packaging. Additionally, the Tokyo Station Goal Counter will be distributing Captain Pikachu paper sun visors from July 18 to September 1, until supplies last. Finally, select trains will be getting a Pokemon makeover. From August 4, the Yamanote Line will be themed around Masukanya (Meowscarada), the Keihin-Tohoku Line will showcase Uerukamo (Quaxwell) and the Chuo Line will feature Achigeta (Crocalor). These trains will remain Pokemon-themed until late August. Related Posts Pokemon Green: The Game the Rest of the World Never Got What Generation I Pokémon Are You Based on Your Zodiac Sign? On this Day in Japan: Nintendo Released the First Pokemon Games
Tokyo Weekender
an hour ago
- Tokyo Weekender
Things To Love About Summer in Japan
It's not an exaggeration to say that I dread summer in Japan with every fiber of my being. For years, I've been telling my friends that we've all just been socially conditioned to like summer because of months-long vacations from school. As soon as I feel the first ominous droplets of humidity in late May, I know I'm in for an infinite stretch of sweaty subway rides, punishing sun rays and bad hair days (more like bad hair months ). But if there's one skill I've mastered after 20 rewatches of the movie About Time , it's romanticizing mundane and even objectively unpleasant moments and seasons of life — so here are things I actually like about summer in Japan, from quintessential experiences to nostalgic memories. Maybe this summer will finally convert me into a believer. Peaches You haven't truly relished a fruit until you've had a Japanese peach, available only in the summer months. A perfectly ripe Japanese peach will have you waxing poetic and believing in life again. The Sound of Windchimes These traditional glass decorations hanging on storefronts make a magical, soft twinkling sound at every warm breeze — a comforting reminder of summer's slow rhythm. Sunsets on the Train There's something so enchanting about seeing a sunset specifically through a train window, especially while listening to dreamy, melancholy music (think Beach House or The Marias). Bonus points if you can see the ocean, Spirited Away style. Wearing Yukata Distinct from a kimono, yukata are unlined cotton garments commonly worn at summer festivals, and often feature beautiful summery patterns. Even if you forgo wearing one, it's fun to just admire everyone's matsuri yukata. Fireworks This one is obvious, but gazing at glittering bursts of light in the sky with your loved ones at a festival is a peak Japanese summer experience. Hanabi , the Japanese word for fireworks, means 'fire flower.' Check out our roundup of fireworks festivals across Japan. Kakigori From simple syrupy shaved ice cups to elaborate and luxurious mango creations, Japan's kakigori feel decadent and light at once. Shirokuma, a classic style of kakigori from Kagoshima Prefecture, is available at most grocery and convenience stores — try it this summer! The Smell of Mosquito Coil This might be a niche experience, but the incense-like smell of a mosquito coil — a must in Japanese summers — is weirdly satisfying and a nostalgic sign of summer. Retro Electric Fans Kids these days will never know the simple joys of yelling into a spinning fan and hearing your distorted voice. Plus, they have so much more visual character than boring modern fans or air purifiers. Peak Komorebi If you read our untranslatable Japanese words article, you already know that komorebi refers to the quietly beautiful phenomenon of light filtered through swaying leaves. Although komorebi is not unique to summer, the season sees its most enchanting form — a portrait of vibrant green and gold in a dreamlike, glowing haze. Air Conditioning I know AC is not unique to Japanese summers, but its crisp coolness is so satisfying after a long day of existing in under-airconditioned spaces. Cicadas Singing Some people find them distracting when trying to fall asleep, but I find the rhythmic drone of semi (cicadas) soothing — without it, the soundscape of summer would feel empty and soulless. Morning Glory and Sunflowers Tiny trumpet-shaped morning glory flowers dot sidewalks and gardens in the summer months. Sunflowers, of course, are one of the most beloved signifiers of summer in Japan, with many parks dedicating weeks to sunflower festivals. Rice Fields If you've lived in the suburbs or countryside, you get it — Japan's rice fields are at their most verdant and beautiful during the summer, with young rice plants framed by pools of water reflecting the blue sky (which is another thing to love about summer — the sky is so blue, and the clouds are so fluffy!). Kids Catching Bugs Catching insects like dragonflies and beetles is a common wholesome activity for Japanese children in the summer, and it's heartwarming to witness kids still being curious about nature in today's technological dystopia. fukagawa hachiman festival Matsuri Japan's vibrant, exciting summer festivals are essential to enjoying the season. Although the crowds can feel a tad overwhelming at major festivals, their energy and camaraderie bring life to hot summer nights. Check out our ultimate guide to Tokyo summer festivals . Related Posts Summer Hacks To Survive Japan's Heat Where To Eat the Best Kakigori Shaved Ice in Tokyo This Summer Unmissable Fireworks Festivals in Japan for Summer 2025
