Moomin Valley Park

Moomin Valley Park is a theme park located by Lake Miyazawa in Hannō City, Saitama Prefecture, where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Moomin stories. Opened in March 2019, the park is designed with great care for the nature and culture of Scandinavia and Finland, along with the sentiments of the original author, Tove Jansson. Surrounded by a lake and forest, this place allows visitors to experience the peaceful lives of the Moomin family and their friends, as well as the philosophy and artistry embedded in the stories, engaging all five senses.

The park is part of a complex facility themed around Nordic lifestyle called "Metsä," consisting of two areas: "Metsä Village" and "Moomin Valley Park." Moomin Valley Park faithfully recreates the world of the stories, featuring iconic locations such as the blue-roofed "Moomin House" where the Moomin family resides, as well as the "Bathhouse" and "Lighthouse" that appear in the tales. Inside the Moomin House, visitors can tour Moomin Papa's study, Moomin Mama's kitchen, and the rooms of Moomin and Little My, allowing them to truly feel the daily lives of the characters.

Among the attractions, the interactive theater "Ocean Orchestra" is particularly popular. Based on the young adventures of Moomin Papa, this attraction combines visuals, sound, and light to create a powerful experience that evokes feelings of courage, friendship, and familial bonds. Additionally, the "Flying Oni Zipline Adventure" lets visitors enjoy thrills and exhilaration as they glide over Lake Miyazawa. Please note that this attraction may be suspended due to weather conditions and primarily operates on weekends and holidays.

For families with children, "Hemulen's Amusement Park" is also recommended. This wooden playground is themed around the character Hemulen from the novel "The Moomins and the Great Flood," featuring suspension bridges and slides, allowing children aged 3 to elementary school age to move freely in nature. The indoor facility "KOKEMUS," meaning "experience" in Finnish, is a three-story exhibition hall where visitors can deeply learn about and feel the Moomin world. Through massive dioramas of Moominvalley, original illustrations, sketches, and literary explanations, guests can explore the profound worldview and artistic nature of Moomins. The facility also includes a café, restaurant, and the "Moomin Valley Gift Shop KOKEMUS" for a comfortable experience even on rainy days.

At "Emma's Theater," live shows featuring popular characters like Moomin, Snufkin, and Little My are performed, providing enjoyment for both children and adults. During greeting events, guests can take photos with the characters, creating memorable moments as if they were part of the story.

If you're looking for souvenirs, the "Moomin Valley Gift Shop," which boasts one of the largest selections in the world, is highly recommended. Here you'll find original goods that can't be obtained anywhere else, including plush toys, tableware, stationery, and interior items, as well as limited edition designs. Dining is available at a restaurant that fuses Nordic cuisine with the charm of Moomin's world, offering menus and desserts made with local ingredients. Seasonal decorations and special events are held throughout the year, with floral garden decorations in spring, activities in the lush summer forests, autumn foliage and illumination, and enchanting winter light displays. Each visit reveals new scenery and encounters, ensuring that there are always fresh discoveries to be made.

Moomin Valley Park is a unique space that blends nature, literature, art, and experience. It is cherished by many as a heartwarming "another Scandinavia" where the rich way of life in the North, along with the principles of "kindness," "freedom," and "coexistence" that Moomins embody, can be felt.