Visitors will learn how time-honored Japanese traditions co-exist with the contemporary culture. Kawaii Central is a streetscape inspired by Tokyo’s bustling Harajuku district, bursting with color, trendy shops and cuter than cute kawaii* styles, (pronounced like Hawai’i. Think Hello Kitty.). Kids sing karaoke, smile for the photo booth camera, serve up a faux seasonal Japanese meal, and design adorable mascots for their families.

The beautiful Shinto shrine park invites children to build a bridge, crawl through a forest, encounter kami spirits, and make a wish at a wishing tree.

Together, the exhibit highlights how old and new traditions coexist in Japan, giving visitors a family-friendly window into Japanese culture.

Highlights include:

• Sing karaoke
• Smile for the photo booth camera
• Make a faux seasonal meal
• Design adorable “kawaii” mascots
• Build a bridge
• Crawl through a forest
• Encounter kami spirits
• Make a wish at a wishing tree
• And mochi, mochi more!