Sanrio’s beloved theme park in Oita, Japan, is on the brink of a significant renovation that promises to elevate the site into a luxurious resort, brimming with the charm of Hello Kitty and her iconic companions.

Since her inception in the mid-1970s, Hello Kitty has transcended generations, enjoying a surge in popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This fame has resulted in a vast collection of merchandise, animated series, and even the establishment of two unique theme parks dedicated to her character and associates.

Fan favorites will recognize Puroland in Tokyo, an indoor theme park devoted to Sanrio’s delightful mascots. Additionally, in Oita Prefecture, visitors can enjoy Harmonyland, an outdoor theme park offering a variety of family-oriented attractions, including a Ferris wheel, carousel, and several small roller coasters.

However, a major transformation is on the horizon for Harmonyland, promising to elevate it from a traditional amusement park to a serene “resort in the sky.”

A photo of HarmonyLand.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons: yuki5287

Above is a glimpse of Harmonyland as it currently stands, poised for a luxurious makeover in the upcoming years.

The Transformation of Hello Kitty’s Playground into a Luxury Destination

According to recent reports, Harmonyland will soon adopt a new identity—Park in the Sky—following its announcement on December 8, 2025. This innovative concept aims to encapsulate the experience of a resort nestled among the clouds, leveraging the park’s mountainous surroundings.

The redevelopment will not only enhance existing attractions but also introduce new facilities and experiences. Plans include a vast canopy to shield guests from inclement weather, improved ropeways, and electric transportation systems to facilitate travel between the high-altitude mountains and the park below, along with hotels offering stunning vistas of the natural landscape.

A sketch of Harmonyland's 'Park in the Sky' plans.
Conceptual Design Credit: Sanrio Entertainment / IT Media

Preliminary sketches for the anticipated ‘Park in the Sky’ provide a fascinating glimpse into the resort’s promising future.

During the announcement event, held on December 8, it was emphasized that the vision for this resort aims to fuse the endearing character of Sanrio with Oita’s renowned hot springs and breathtaking views.

“Our goal is to establish the ‘friendliest place in the world, ’ placing ‘heaven’ at the forefront of our concept. We will actively consider feedback from individuals globally to create a destination everyone can cherish, ” stated Aya Komaki, President of Sanrio Entertainment.

Concept art of Harmonyland's expansive canopy.
Design Vision Credit: Sanrio Entertainment

Plans for a significant canopy highlight a commitment to ensuring year-round comfort and enjoyment.

While an official opening date for “Park in the Sky” has not yet been disclosed, the project is among a wave of thrilling new theme park ventures emerging in Japan.

For example, the upcoming PokePark Kanto, themed around Pokémon, is set to debut in spring 2026, featuring not only quaint shops and exciting rides but also a nature trail where visitors can engage in Pokémon-catching adventures in a wild setting. Participants will face a fitness challenge that includes navigating grassy areas, varying elevations, and tunnels.

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