If you're looking to start the year with a serious dose of kawaii, Oita's Harmonyland has you covered. From December 26th through January 6th, the park will be ringing in the New Year with its seasonal HARMONYLAND NEW YEAR'S PARTY, a limited-time event that leans hard into cute costumes, special shows, and that unmistakable Sanrio brand of good-luck charm energy.
This year's celebrations come with a few extra reasons to visit. Hanamaru Obake will be making his very first appearance at Harmonyland, popping up in character greetings toward the end of the year alongside familiar faces like Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll. Once January rolls around, things shift into full New Year mode with characters dressed in kimono, winter scarves, and formal outfits for greetings, high-fives, and a once-a-year stage show where Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, and Cinnamoroll welcome the year in style. There's even a traditional lion dance woven into the festivities for a bit of auspicious flair.
Fans of My Melody and Kuromi will also want to take note. Their anniversary celebrations continue right through the end of December, with special greetings, matching birthday costumes, bingo games, and paid photo sessions featuring outfits chosen by fan vote. Add in raffles, lucky charm keychains, and plenty of photo-worthy moments around the park, and Harmonyland's New Year event feels like a perfect way to wrap up the holidays on a cheerful, character-filled note.
Getting there
Harmonyland is located in Oita Prefecture, approximately a 30-minute drive from either Beppu Station or Oita Airport respectively. If you're headed to Harmonyland via public transportation, the closest stations are either Kitsuki Station or Yokoku Station on the JR Nippo Main Line. From either station, Harmonyland is approximately a 10 minute taxi ride away.
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