Nara Prefecture to host Hello Kitty World Heritage tour

Nara Prefecture will launch a promotional tour titled ‘Walking with Hello Kitty: Asuka-Fujiwara Quiz Rally’ to celebrate the World Heritage designation of the ‘Asuka-Fujiwara no Miyako’ site. Running from September 1, 2026, to March 15, 2027, the initiative aims to promote the history and culture of the region, which served as a stage for ancient state formation.

In collaboration with Sanrio, the project features a specially designed Hello Kitty wearing ancient attire inspired by the ‘Asuka Beauty’ of the Takamatsuzuka Tomb. The character’s iconic ribbon is reimagined as a ‘sashiba’ (traditional fan) used by noblewomen.

The promotion includes a digital quiz rally across 19 component sites. Participants can collect digital stamps by checking in and answering questions, with opportunities to win original goods through lottery or first-come, first-served offers. A physical stamp rally will also be held simultaneously to encourage regional travel.