Moomin Valley Park

Moominvalley Park is a theme park spread along the shore of Miyazawa Lake in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, where visitors can experience the world of the Moomin stories in a truly lifelike way. It opened in March 2019 and was designed with great respect for the nature and culture of Scandinavia and Finland, as well as the wishes of the original creator, Tove Jansson. Surrounded by a lake and forest, this place allows visitors to feel, through all five senses, the peaceful lives of Moomin and his friends, along with the philosophy and artistry woven into the stories.

The park is part of “Metsa,” a complex themed around the Nordic lifestyle, and consists of two areas: Metsa Village and Moominvalley Park. Moominvalley Park faithfully recreates the world of the stories, featuring iconic places such as the blue-roofed Moominhouse where the Moomin family lives, as well as the bathing hut and lighthouse seen in the tales. Inside Moominhouse, visitors can tour Moominpappa’s study, Moominmamma’s kitchen, and the rooms of Moomin and Little My, offering a vivid sense of the characters’ everyday lives.

Among the attractions, the immersive theater Sea Orchestra is especially popular. Centered on Moominpappa’s youthful adventures, it delivers a powerful performance combining video, sound, and light, allowing visitors to feel courage, friendship, and family bonds. Another highlight is the Groke’s Zipline Adventure, where guests can soar through nature and experience the thrill and exhilaration of crossing above Miyazawa Lake. Please note that this attraction may be suspended due to weather conditions and is mainly operated on weekends and holidays.

For families with children, Hemulen’s Playground is also recommended. This wooden athletic playground, themed after Hemulen from Tales from Moominvalley, includes suspension bridges and slides, allowing children from ages 3 through elementary school age to enjoy active play in nature.

The indoor facility KOKEMUS is a three-story exhibition hall where visitors can deeply learn about and experience the world of Moomin. The Finnish word means “experience,” and through a giant diorama of Moominvalley, original drawings and sketches, and literary explanations, guests can encounter the rich worldview and artistry of Moomin. The building also houses a café, a restaurant, and the Moominvalley Gift Shop KOKEMUS, making it a comfortable place to spend time even on rainy days.

At Emma’s Theatre, live shows featuring beloved characters such as Moomin, Snufkin, and Little My are performed, entertaining both children and adults. During greeting events, visitors can also take photos with the characters and enjoy a moment that feels as if they have stepped into the story themselves.

If you are looking for souvenirs, the Moominvalley Gift Shop, which boasts one of the world’s largest selections, is highly recommended. It offers original goods available only here, including plush toys, tableware, stationery, interior items, and limited-edition designs. Dining options include restaurants that blend Nordic style with the world of Moomin, where guests can enjoy dishes and desserts made with local ingredients.

Seasonal decorations and special events are held throughout the year. In spring, garden displays surrounded by flowers are featured; in summer, activities in the lush forest are available; in autumn, visitors can enjoy colorful foliage and illuminated scenery; and in winter, magical illuminations create a fantastical atmosphere. With every visit, the scenery and performances change, offering new discoveries again and again.

Moominvalley Park is a special space where nature, literature, art, and experiences come together as one. It is beloved by many as a heartwarming “another Nordic world,” where visitors can feel the richness of Nordic life as well as the spirit of kindness, freedom, and coexistence conveyed by Moomin.