Sanrio has shared an ambitious new direction for Harmonyland in Oita Prefecture. The company is working with Sanrio Entertainment, Oita Prefecture, and Hiji Town to reimagine Harmonyland into a full entertainment resort blending local nature, hospitality, and hot-spring culture with Sanrio’s storytelling.
A location announcement ceremony was held at the Oita Prefectural Office on December 8, 2025, with Governor Juichiro Sato, Hiji Town Mayor Tetsuya Abe, and Sanrio Entertainment President Aya Komaki.
The event also marked the public debut of the “Park in the Sky” concept, a new vision that uses the park’s steep terrain to create a breezy, open resort space with sweeping views of the surrounding region. The idea is to create an airy, open resort space where guests can wander through elevated walkways, sheltered areas, and lookout points that highlight the surrounding nature.
Because the park sits across sloped terrain, Sanrio is considering new mobility systems, including ropeways and electric mobility options, to help guests move easily between areas, making the entire park accessible without taking away from its natural character.
Other newly revealed concept images showcase the direction of the future resort, including a look at a large roof structure, similar to those found at Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disneyland, that will allow guests to relax year-round without worrying about rain or intense weather.
Sanrio is also considering a new hotel just outside the park, positioned to take in sweeping views of the landscape, the park itself, and Beppu Bay. This would make longer stays far easier and more appealing, transforming Harmonyland from a day trip destination into a multi-day getaway.
The Park in the Sky is still in the planning stage, but it represents one of the most ambitious evolutions in Harmonyland’s history. We’ll keep you updated as more is announced!
Sanrio
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2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.
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