When Hello Kitty Meets Doraemon: A New Travel Experience in Hokkaido

By Li Xinyi, Interview & Report

Ever since EVA Air launched its Hello Kitty livery plane last year, visitors to Taoyuan Airport can now find a dedicated Hello Kitty zone where people can take photos with the character. Those flying on the Hello Kitty livery plane will encounter Hello Kitty-themed products throughout their journey—from boarding to arrival. Japan’s New Chitose Airport also uses celebrity likenesses to shape the airport experience—it features a Doraemon Sky Park with various themed amusement facilities. Doraemon fans can enjoy Doraemon-themed meals, paint their own Doraemon characters, and ride attractions, breaking away from the usual serious or luxury airport image and replacing it with an ultra-cute flying experience.

EVA Air’s Hello Kitty livery planes fly to destinations including Sapporo, Fukuoka, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Guam. In addition to the Hello Kitty zones at the airports, passengers on these flights can receive a “Hello Kitty Jet Passport” booklet in the lounge before boarding at Taoyuan Airport. Onboard, the seat cushions come in various colors of Hello Kitty designs, the meals are served in cute Kitty shapes, and passengers are even treated to Hello Kitty ice cream after the meal. Even the hand soap and lotion in the lavatories are part of the Hello Kitty product line. Since the pillowcases are take-home items, by the time passengers disembark, nearly all the pillowcases in the cabin have been taken—some even took more than one just to collect different colors.

New Chitose Airport features the Doraemon Sky Park, a Doraemon-themed airport amusement space. The park includes a Doraemon café, free amusement rides, a wide variety of souvenir shops, and displays of Doraemon manga from around the world. The family DIY area offers activities such as painting 3D Doraemon figures, providing kids with fun ways to pass the time while waiting for their flights. EVA Air’s livery planes now also operate flights to Sapporo, so passengers can now fly to New Chitose Airport and its Doraemon park on a Hello Kitty plane.

It’s recommended to set aside extra time to explore New Chitose Airport. Inside, there’s a factory tour of “Royce,” one of Hokkaido’s most popular chocolate brands, where visitors can see the chocolate-making process. There’s also a display on the history and culture of chocolate. The Royce store at the airport offers a wide range of chocolates in various shapes. Additionally, the airport features hot spring facilities and Steiff Natural World. Steiff is a renowned German doll manufacturer, and along its German-style street, you’ll find moving dolls, large rideable figures, and teddy bear exhibits.