Well, Hello Kitty!

Nothing quite conjures up the true feel and essence of Japan like Hello Kitty.  Right up there with Fugi and sushi, Hello Kitty is a Japanese icon.  And you would be hard pressed to find a bigger Hello Kitty fan than Leyton Lee Campoamor.  For two years running, and she's gunning for a 3-peat, Leyton has been Hello Kitty for Halloween.  Then there are toys, blankets, purses, shirts, shoes, bows, books, and lots and lots of stickers of Hello Kitty that liter our home.  So though the rest of our party found Hello Kitty Land to be rather painful, Leyton LOVED it.

Hello Kitty Land, or Sanrio Puroland as it's really named, is completely indoors.  Perfect for a rainy day.  Which it was.

HK is apparently 40 years old

Poppy and Ellis on the lookout for Kitty

This smile is why adults subject themselves to places like Hello Kitty Land

Our first 'ride' was the boat ride.  Basically 'It's a Small World' but with Hello Kitty characters.  P.S. there are a LOT of characters.

My Melody!!!

This is Bon Bon Ribbon, who is a big deal here in Japan but I don't think she is elsewhere.  Not sure if Bon Bon Ribbon is the name of this whole group of rabbits or just one rabbit.  Anyway, they danced on-stage and then invited the kids out to learn a very detailed Bon Bon Ribbon dance.  I will try and post a video or find a link for the Bon Bon Ribbon song.  It's a very annoying though catchy tune.

LC is on the far right.  Ellis had long ago grown bored and ran away.

Hello Kitty's coach

One last hug as we departed

No idea who the tiger is

We visited on a weekend AND a Japanese holiday, so it was very crowded.  We didn't even get to see the parade or go inside her house.  Fortunately, HK Land is only about a 40 drive from our house.  So, though painful and expensive, we will likely be going again.

**After further research and unsuccessful attempts at loading a Bon Bon Ribbon video, I have discovered a few things.  First, Bon Bon Ribbon is new (compared to HK's 40 years) so if you've never heard of her, you just aren't that cool.  She debuted in 2012 and is indeed one rabbit, so the rest must be her friends or siblings.  Also, she wants to be a fashion designer like her mother when she grows up.  My sources include, but are not limited to, wikipedia.  You are welcome.