Kawaii Monster Land is opening in Harajuku in February 2026 – and it’s about to get very colourful

Tokyo’s Harajuku district is getting a major injection of chaos and colour. Kawaii Monster Land, a new underground amusement park inspired by Japan’s cult kawaii culture, is set to open beneath Takeshita Street on February 13, 2026. And boy, are we excited.

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because Kawaii Monster Land builds on the legacy of the much-loved Kawaii Monster Café, which closed in 2021. This new iteration goes bigger and bolder, transforming the concept into a full-scale immersive playground filled with candy-coloured monsters, interactive zones and theatrical set pieces designed for short, high-energy visits.

Expect a surreal mix of sweets-inspired installations, game booths, limited-edition merch and live performances led by the park’s resident “Monster Girls”, who guide visitors through the experience.

From the moment you enter, it’s a sweet, sweet experience. Guests step through the Magic Spiral Gate, a theatrical entrance layered with LEDs, projection mapping and motion-sensing lights and sound that react in real time. Inside, the experience unfolds across playful zones like the Kawaii Monster Carnival, where stall games, DIY deco stations and quick makeover booths let visitors craft wearable accessories and quite literally join the monster troupe.

There’s also the Harajuku Gift Bazaar, stocked with limited-edition plushies, enamel pins, reusable tins and artist collaborations that feel tailor-made for collectors. Fuel comes courtesy of Colourful Snack Street, where you can get neon-bright crepes, layered parfaits and character drinks topped with foam art. And at the centre of it all is Choppy’s Mel‑Tea Cup Ride, a sculptural attraction that doubles as a photo stage.

Tickets start from around ¥2,800 on weekdays, with bundled experience passes available for those who want games, food and souvenirs rolled into one. The park is also easily accessible, just a two-minute walk from Harajuku Station’s Takeshita Exit.

Kawaii Monster Land joins a growing list of pop-culture attractions launching in Japan in 2026 – including PokéPark KANTO, a new Pokémon theme park planned for Tokyo. If you’re already plotting a 2026 Japan trip, Harajuku is clearly doubling down on its reputation as the capital of cute chaos. Tickets are available here.

Have you heard? India will soon have three new regional airlines in 2026

Plus: A striking turtle-shaped art gallery has just opened over the sea in Penang