Hello Kitty Airport Remodeling in Oita Airport!
James Lau
Japan is known for blending tradition with creativity in its airport design. Some of Japan’s airports are now themed around popular characters from anime, manga, or regional culture. These character-themed airports offer unique experiences that reflect local pride and history. From Hello Kitty lounges to Detective Conan trick art, these airports turn ordinary travel into fun and memorable experiences!
Oita Hello Kitty Airport
Oita Airport, located in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island, was officially renamed Oita Hello Kitty Airport. This change was part of a partnership with Sanrio to help promote tourism ahead of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Inside the airport, travelers are greeted by colorful Hello Kitty decorations and themed seating areas. A Hello Kitty photo zone and special signs make the entire airport feel like the home of one of Japan’s most beloved characters.
The redesign aims to attract Hello Kitty fans and introduce visitors to the beauty of Oita. Known for its hot springs, peaceful countryside, and traditional culture, Oita hopes this new character-themed airport will boost regional interest. The airport also features soft background music from Hello Kitty’s theme and playful designs along the walkways. It’s a welcoming and cheerful way to start or end any trip to Kyushu.
Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport
In 2015, Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport in Tottori Prefecture was renamed. The new name honors Gosho Aoyama, creator of the famous manga series Detective Conan. Inside, travelers will see Detective Conan artwork on the walls. There are also Conan-themed signs and information desks. A small reading area called the Conan Library features manga books and displays about the series.
The airport is only a short drive from the famous Tottori Sand Dunes and the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory, making it the perfect entry point for Conan fans and tourists. The airport also has a special Conan bronze statue, a themed photo booth, and mystery-style decorations meant to look like clues in a case. Tottori Prefecture uses this theme to attract visitors drawn by the manga culture and beautiful natural scenery.
Yonago Kitaro Airport
Yonago Airport, officially renamed Yonago Kitaro Airport in 2010, celebrates the world of GeGeGe no Kitaro, a manga created by Shigeru Mizuki. This manga series focuses on traditional Japanese spirits called yokai and supernatural stories from Japanese culture. The airport terminal includes statues of the characters, murals of ghostly scenes, and even spooky announcements referencing characters from the manga.
The airport is the gateway to Sakaiminato, Mizuki’s hometown, which is also home to Mizuki Shigeru Road—a street filled with over 150 bronze yokai statues. Travelers can find character-themed souvenirs at the airport gift shop, including yokai snacks and postcards. The departure gates and restrooms are decorated with yokai-inspired art, and a display near the baggage area features Kitaro and his friends welcoming arriving travelers.
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New Chitose Airport – Hello Kitty Happy Flight
New Chitose Airport, located in Hokkaido, is one of Japan’s most modern regional airports and also houses the Hello Kitty Happy Flight attraction. This indoor mini theme park inside the terminal includes interactive zones, themed rooms, a character café, and Hello Kitty decorations. Visitors can take part in a pretend world tour with Hello Kitty as their guide, exploring rooms based on different countries—all in Sanrio’s cute style.
In addition to Hello Kitty Happy Flight, New Chitose Airport has other character attractions. These include the Doraemon Waku Waku Sky Park and Royce Chocolate World, which make the airport feel more like a theme park than a place to catch a flight. The airport also offers many entertainment options, restaurants, and local Hokkaido specialties. New Chitose Airport is an excellent example of how an airport can become a tourist destination.
Sapporo Okadama Airport – Proposed Hatsune Miku Airport
Fans and officials have proposed renaming Sapporo’s Okadama Airport in honor of Hatsune Miku, a Vocaloid software program that sings and performs. They want to promote the connection between the character and her birthplace. While officials are still discussing the name change, the airport and city already use Miku in promotions and local events.
Even without an official renaming, Hatsune Miku has a strong presence in Sapporo. The city hosts Snow Miku each winter, where Miku appears in seasonal costumes during the Sapporo Snow Festival. Posters, merchandise, and music featuring Hatsune Miku are standard at stations and local businesses. If the airport is renamed, it would likely include themed lounges, interactive displays, and even announcements voiced by the virtual idol.
Why should I visit these character-themed airports?
These character-themed airports offer fun, culture, and creativity from arrival. Each airport tells a story about the region it serves, using characters to highlight local culture. Whether flying into a Hello Kitty-themed gate or walking past a statue of Detective Conan, the experience is far more interesting than an ordinary airport. These spaces give visitors something to remember and lead to sightseeing in the local area.
Visiting these airports also supports tourism in smaller cities and prefectures that international travelers might overlook. By turning the airport into a themed attraction, regions like Tottori and Yonago can welcome visitors with something truly unique.
These airports are must-see stops for anime, manga, or Japanese pop culture fans. The creative designs and warm welcomes leave a lasting impression even for casual travelers. Have you ever been to one of these airports? Which one did you fly to? Let us know in the comments below!
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