Hello Kitty Town

Overview

As fans of a certain fictional cat-like Japanese character should already know, Hello Kitty Land is a real place that exists in Tokyo, and it's probably a bucket-list destination for your next Japan trip. But Sydneysiders don't need to hop on a plane to celebrate the bow-wearing, feline-resembling animated favourite for the next three months, with Darling Square hosting a huge Hello Kitty-themed street festival.

Running now until Friday, April 29, this Hello Kitty fest is actually a Hello Kitty Town — so expect the precinct to be positively purring with all things Hello Kitty. Created in partnership with Sanrio, the Japanese company behind the super-popular character, the set up includes exhibitions, inflatable installations and Hello Kitty-themed food and drinks. Who doesn't want to eat a sandwich shaped like the perpetual third-grade student, or drink Hello Kitty rose mocktails?

On the art side of the setup, Hello Kitty Town is home to Australia's largest Sanrio art exhibitions, spanning pieces from top graphic designers, illustrators and street artists such as UK cartoonist, writer and illustrator Gemma Correll, Berlin-based artist and illustrator DXTR, Melbourne large-scale mural painter Justine McAllister, and Aussie artist Travis Price, who is the featured artist for the festival — with their wares all displayed in an outdoor gallery. And, there's also a five-metre Hello Kitty inflatable that, yes, is as adorable as it sounds.

Food- and drink-wise, the menu currently includes Kurtosh's apple pie (Hello Kitty's favourite meal) covered in pink coconut sprinkles, and themed ramen from IIKO Mazesoba. The two brothless ramen bowls on offer are a spicy tuna option with Hello Kitty nori; or a chicken karaage bowl packed with togarashi, sriracha mayo, homemade sesame chilli oil, onsen egg and the same themed nori.

You can also feed your four-legged pals with a pup-friendly menu and activities on offer. Take your furry friend to the Hachi Dog Boutique and Spa or order them a Hello Kitty-shaped dog cake and a bento box filled with natural Australian-made dog treats.

There'll be more additions to the program — and to the menu — announced over the event's three-month run, tempting you to indulge your Hello Kitty love multiple times.

Obviously, Hello Kitty merchandise is on sale, because a festival like this wouldn't be complete without it.

And, also to the surprise of no-one, this is firmly a family-friendly affair. No one ever really outgrows Hello Kitty, though, do they?

Updated: Wednesday, April 6