The new Japan hotel where guests can check in but not stay

One new Tokyo hotel is letting guests in, but they aren’t allowed to rest their heads (Picture: Getty Images) Japan has become synonymous with a great many things: ramen, cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, and Pokémon to name but a few. When you think of the Land of the Rising Sun, you likely also think of Hello Kitty, an adorable feline character sporting a signature red bow, created in 1974 by Yuko Shimizu. These days, you can buy pretty much anything with her little face on it, from pens and t-shirts to pillows and keychains. Until earlier this year, there was even a Shinkansen (bullet train) wrapped in a pink HK design that’d shoot across the country at 200 miles per hour. And now, a brand new Hello Kitty-themed hotel has opened in Tokyo — but it comes with a pretty major catch. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Despite featuring the typical trappings you’d expect, such as beds, dressing tables drawers, its rooms aren’t designed for resting your head. Now, we’d absolutely love to stay here, but it’s a day-only event (Picture: Floria Tokyo) In fact, guests aren’t actually allowed to stay at Sanrio Characters Exhibition Hotel Floria Tokyo at all. Right in the middle of bustling Shinjuku in the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, visitors to the ‘dream hotel’ concept start with a simulated ‘check-in’ experience. You’ll be randomly assigned your very own character-designed ‘Luc-key’ entry pass at reception, then sent on your way to explore 11 rooms, featuring a whole host of characters from the Sanrio world. @timeouttokyo A dreamy immersive Sanrio exhibition is opening in Shinjuku✨ The brainchild of South Korean digital design firm D’strict, Hotel Floria Tokyo takes you on an immersive journey through an imaginary hotel’s fairytale-like rooms, where you’ll encounter all your favourite Sanrio characters. The exhibition officially opens tomorrow (July 15) and runs until May 31, 2027, so there’s plenty of time to check it out. #TimeOutTokyo ♬ ゆったり朝のしたく – Mochi Pop As well as Hello Kitty herself, franchise favourites like My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin and Cinnamoroll all have their own tailor-made spaces to explore. The exhibit also comprises a garden, pond, art gallery, indoor beach, and a dedicated ‘Photo Zone’, with a Hotel Floria spokesperson calling it an ‘immersive experience that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.’ Win a luxurious stay for two at London hotel The Gore Stay in an opulent hotel room in London's most cultural neighbourhood (Picture: Jack Hardy) Four-poster beds, gilded mirrors and chandeliers everywhere you look... Metro has teamed up with Starhotels Collezione to give one lucky reader (and a companion) a chance to win a luxurious two-night stay worth £900 at The Gore London, a historic boutique hotel in the cultural heart of the UK capital. For your chance to win this incredible London getaway, enter your details before midnight on Sunday, 9 August 2026. Enter now Open to UK (excluding Northern Ireland) residents aged 18 or over. Promotion opens at 00:01 BST on 20/07/2026 and closes at 23:59 BST on 09/08/2026. Entrant must complete the entry form hosted on Metro. 1 prize of a two-night bed and breakfast stay in a Deluxe Room at The Gore Hotel in South Kensington, London for two (2) adults including dinner at the restaurant 190 Queen’s Gate on one night only consisting of a three course meal from the A La Carte menu with one (1) complimentary glass of wine included per person. Only one (1) entry will be accepted per person or per email address. Full T&Cs here. Special merch is available too, including limited edition luggage tags, pin badges, hand fans, perfume tags, and posters. BRB, just decorating our own bedroom exactly like this (Picture: Floria Tokyo) After a successful run in South Korea, the ‘hotel’ will now be in the Japanese capital until May 2027. General admission for adults is priced from ¥2,400 (£10.98), with tickets students (of secondary and middle-school age) costing ¥1,600 (£7.32), while the entry fee for children between four and 12 starts at ¥1,000 (£4.58). Tickets can be reserved online — and considering how popular certain tourist attractions can be in Japan, it’s probably a good idea to book in advance. Each room has a different concept (Picture: Floria Tokyo) The same concept was previously open in South Korea (Picture: Floria Tokyo) The Hello Kitty hotel isn’t the only type in Japan where guests aren’t expected to stay the night. Love hotels are decorated in all sorts of quirky ways, with exteriors designed to look like whales, giant blue ships, and even real-life castles — despite the fact they’re mostly set along dull stretches of motorway. Used by 500 million people each year, it’s probably not hard to hazard a guess at what they’re used for: sex. The name originally comes from the ‘Hotel Love’ in Osaka, which was created to give privacy to lovers wanting to enjoy quality time together. This isn’t necessarily a seedy thing, though. Generational living is hugely popular in Japan, which means oftentimes, even married couples won’t get the space they need from their kids and in-laws. Our Top Shopping Picks Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin As such, most people don’t tend to stay over; it’s more of a ‘check-in, utilise the services, and be on your merry way’ vibe. While you're there... Looking for other things to do while you’re in Tokyo? Considering it’s one of the largest cities in the world (with a population of 33 million), there’s no shortage of activities. While you’re in Shinjuku, take a stroll to the peaceful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It’s a whole world away from the city streets just outside it, as it showcases the absolute best of Japanese landscape gardening: shrines, perfectly curated lawns, and a few ponds for good measure. Harajuku also isn’t far away, which is home to the famous Meiji Jingu shrine, which pays homage to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. It’s surrounded by Yoyogi Park, which is one of the largest green spaces in Tokyo, characterised by cherry blossom in the spring (there are around 700 trees when they’re in bloom). Of course, Shibuya Crossing is an absolute must – not because it’s particularly interesting, but because it’s almost part of the gimmick, isn’t it? If you want to feel small, just consider the sheer number of people you’ll be passing while walking this chaotic route. If you’re visiting Tokyo, it’s absolutely imperative that you see it from above. It’s the only way you’ll get a true understanding of just how gigantic this metropolis is, and the way it all fits together. Shibuya Sky is one such place, found right at the top of a shopping centre. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see for miles – but be warned: leave any skirts, dresses, or scarves at home, because it’s incredibly windy up there. You don’t want to be hanging onto your modesty for dear life. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: America’s capital has a ‘perception problem’, but it’s not all politics and MAGA hats Arrow MORE: Forget Nice – there’s an underrated French seaside town Brits haven’t found yet Arrow MORE: Move over Labubu, there’s a new bag charm people can’t get enough of The Getaway Expert Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.