Tobe Yanson Akebono Children's Forest Park

Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park opened in 1997, inspired by a correspondence with Finnish fairy tale writer Tove Jansson. Over 20 years later, the park continues to be loved across generations, emphasizing the creation of a space where children and adults, as well as living creatures and plants, can freely coexist and respect one another. The park, reminiscent of a Nordic fairy tale world, is filled with nature and features whimsical buildings that transport visitors into a fantastical realm. On weekends and holidays, the park is beautifully illuminated from sunset until around 9 PM, allowing visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of "rich darkness" with soft lights glowing in the forest.

Spanning approximately 7.6 hectares (about 1.6 times the size of Tokyo Dome), the park is vast and contains four main buildings along with a cafe. Near the entrance, the "Mushroom House" is noted for its unique appearance resembling a cluster of mushrooms, featuring a three-story interior with maze-like stairs, small chairs, and secret base-like spaces where visitors can play while enveloped in the warmth of wood. The architecture makes abundant use of Nishikawa materials, a local specialty of Hanno, perfectly harmonizing with nature.

Further along from the "Mushroom House" is "Cafe Puisto," a Nordic-style cafe characterized by its striking blue walls, where guests can enjoy traditional Nordic dishes and desserts. With a kids' menu and tatami seating, it is an ideal spot for families to take a break. Nearby, there is a small "Water Play House" by the Playful Pond, accessible via a bridge. Photo spots throughout the park feature camera markers, allowing visitors to capture memorable photos, such as of the house reflected in the pond.

Deeper within the park is the "Forest House," distinguished by its wavy walls made from stacked round logs of Nishikawa cedar. The first floor displays materials related to Tove Jansson, while the second floor hosts a reading corner where guests can freely enjoy picture books and related literature. Next to it, the "Children's Theater" hosts concerts, performances, and seasonal events, where children can be seen joyfully running in the spacious wooden-floor area. The roof’s scale-like design is a meticulous creation, with artisans hand-shaping each stone, and all buildings in the park are authentically constructed from natural materials like wood, iron, and stone.

This park, with its landscape reminiscent of a Nordic fairy tale world and buildings that blend with nature, is easily accessible from the nearby Moominvalley Park and offers a soothing spot to experience Nordic culture. Tove Jansson, known for the "Moomin" series, received the Hans Christian Andersen Award and is globally recognized not just for Moomin but for many novels and short stories. The spirit of her rich creativity breathes through the entire park. Here, where nature, architecture, and storytelling harmonize, come and immerse yourself in the unique worldview of the North.