Say Hello to Kitty and Friends at Tokyo’s Cutest Train Station!
- Written by: Holly Neslusan
You won’t find a train station more adorable than this one! The Keio railway company recently unveiled a new look for Keio Tama-Center Station, featuring some of Sanrio’s most popular characters, including none other than Hello Kitty.
From the ticket gates to the station platform, and even a special limited train, I found some of Japan’s cutest characters in the most unexpected places!
Station Master Hello Kitty: A Collaboration with the Keio Railway Corporation
Since 1990, Tama-Center has been the go-to place for Hello Kitty fans, with the opening of Sanrio Puroland, an indoor theme park dedicated to the many characters from what may be considered the most kawaii (cute) brand in the world.
This summer, Keio Railway’s Tama-Center Station underwent a makeover to become completely decorated with Sanrio characters! Images of five of the company’s top characters dressed smartly in official Keio Corporation uniforms can be found both within the ticket gates, as well in the main area of the station.
In addition to ‘Kitty-chan’ (as Hello Kitty is known in Japan), the station features classic Sanrio characters such as Cinnamoroll, MyMelody, and LittleTwinStars, as well as the recent number one ranked character, Pompompurin. You’ll also find plenty of appearances by newcomer Gudetama, the melancholy egg character that quickly caught the hearts of fans after his introduction in 2013.
Stained-Glass Style
The most prominent part of the new decorations is without a doubt, the stained-glass style ceiling display in the center of the station, just outside of the ticket gates. The large and colorful piece serves as a bright welcome to all who visit.
It’s quite a change from the usual muted design typically found in train stations. There is also something a little amusing about using modern cartoon characters in a medium that was once popular in the Medieval era.
Going Up? Take a Colorful Elevator!
Once I passed through the ticket gates, the Hello Kitty-hunt was on! I made it my mission to search every corner of Tama-Center Station to find every character appearance. The wine-red and blue elevators stood out, not only for their striking color, but for the many characters covering them.
Sanrio Here, There, and Everywhere!
Even if you’re only a casual fan, it’s still great fun to search for all the places that the characters can be found. You’ll want to check the from the ceilings all the way down to the floors! Make sure to take a look at the cute clock on the platform.
On the Platform
Don’t forget to check below your feet! The waiting room also is decorated with a cute kitty motif.
From Up Above
Check your train departure time to see one of the biggest Hello Kittys in the station.
Say Hello for Yourself!
You can say hello to the Sanrio characters the next time you’re in the Tokyo area by visiting Tama-Center Station on the Keio Sagamihara Line. Can you find all the characters?
Access: About 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station on the Keio line Semi Special Express. It is a short walk from Odakyu line and Tama Monorail line at Tama-Center Station.
-
Keio-Tama-Center Station京王多摩センター駅
- Address 〒206-0033 Tōkyō-to, Tama-shi, Ochiai, 1 Chome−10−2
After growing up in Massachusetts, Holly headed to Japan in search of new adventures and green tea. She ultimately made her way to Tokyo, where she enjoyed exploring and writing.
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Kappabashi Street
Old Towns (Shitamachi)
Asakusa
-
The Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building
Landmarks
Tokyo Station
-
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Landmarks
Shinjuku
-
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
Temples
Narita
-
Tsukiji Outer Market
Old Towns (Shitamachi)
Tsukiji
-
Ameyoko Shopping Street
Old Towns (Shitamachi)
Ueno
-
Experience the Magic of 'The Nutcracker' in Tokyo This Winter
-
2024 Japan Autumn Color Report
-
Visiting Japan in November: The Best Things to Do and Reasons to Visit
by: James Davies
-
Experience the Vibrant Autumn Blooms at Hitachi Seaside Park: Kochia and Cosmos Now in Full Color
-
From Plant-Based and Gluten-Free to Meat and Cheese, bills Omotesando is The Tokyo Hotspot for ALL Diets
by: Cassandra Lord
-
Take Home the Essence of Japan with YUBUNE Fragrances from Tokyo
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Top Ranked Hakone Hotels with Mt. Fuji View: Enjoy Stunning Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Tokyo Hotels with Airport Shuttle: Ideal for Families and Heavy Luggage
-
Stunning Tokyo Tower View Hotels: Enjoy Spectacular Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Family-Friendly Hotels with Free Shuttle to Disneyland: Convenient Access for a Magical Stay
-
Convenient Asakusa Hotels with Kitchens: Ideal for Extended Family Visits
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves! Top Hotels Near the Popular Autumn Leaves Corridor
-
Experience Hakone Fall Foliage from Your Room with Stunning Views
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji from the Comfort of Your Room! Recommended Ryokan with Mt. Fuji View
-
Experience Luxury at Mt. Fuji Resort Hotels! Best Extended Stay Options for Families
-
Staying Steady in an Ever-Evolving Tokyo: Rockabilly & Rock and Roll Culture in Harajuku/Urahara
-
Get a Glimpse at Real Idols in Akihabara
-
KISS and Astro Boy Collaboration: Classic Rock Meets Classic Anime in Harajuku
-
Atami 1-Day Itinerary: Exploring Japan's Castle & Hot Springs Resort Town Near Tokyo!
-
Top Japanese Souvenirs from Tokyo’s Hottest Toy Stores
-
Essential Tokyo: The Complete Guide to Ikebukuro Station
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks