Do you know of “Moomin”? The Moomin family and their friends are characters created by the Finnish author Tove Jansson who feature in the Moomin books. The Moomin family and their friends live in an idyllic, peaceful place surrounded by an abundance of nature. This world of Moomins has been created for real in the form of Moominvalley Park in Hanno city, Saitama.
Are you ready to dive into the world of the Moomins? The park is divided into four sections and in this feature, we will guide you through each area.
Poukama
This is the entrance to the world of Moomin. In order to enter, you pass through these giant Moomin books.
Once you enter this world, you will instantly be transported into the world of your favorite Moomin characters. From enjoying pancakes to shopping for Moomin-themed goods, there is more than enough to have a fun-filled day! The restaurant Lettula offers a wide variety of dishes. You can try colorful pancakes or savory ones like the Spinach and Bacon Lettu! The restaurant is a lovely place for both meals and snacks. When the weather is pleasant, you can enjoy your meal on the terrace ♪
Muumilaakso
This is the main area of the park where you can experience various things. At Emma Teatteri, a theater stage, you can feast your eyes on live entertainment by actors dressed as Moomins’ characters.
Muumitalo, a blue structure visible even from a distance, is a recreation of the Moomin family home as in the books and animation. Those of you who have read the books or seen the animations will be amazed at how identical it is in terms of detail. Even if you haven’t read the books, you can enjoy the interiors that are decorated with paraphernalia from Finland! (Entry fee for the Moomin House is 1,000 yen for a guided tour.)
We spotted Little My on one of the buildings with cute Moomin graffiti! In this area, you can discover many cute things so take your time to admire the artwork on these buildings.
Kokemus
Kokemus, meaning “experience” in Finnish, is a three-story exhibition facility.
At this exhibition facility, you can see scenes from the picture book in three-dimensional form as well as see various bits and pieces of Moomin stories. One of the highlights is the diorama, which stands over 8 meters tall! The exhibits vary through the year.
On the second floor of Kokemus, there is a workshop space to create memorabilia! Here, you can craft a beautiful Moomin memory with your own hands, such as badges or wooden ornaments. (There is an additional charge for the workshop.)
On the first floor, there is a Food Hall where you can try treats inspired by Northern Europe and the Moomin characters, as well as the Main Shop where you can purchase Moomin products. Don’t miss the shop as there are limited-edition Moomin goods here that would be ideal as souvenirs!
Yksinäiset vuoret
In this area, you can have plenty of fun amidst nature! Have an adventurous time in the treehouse-like structure, Hemulen’s Playground, and remember your childhood. This will be a hit if you’re traveling with kids!
If you feel like something more challenging, zoom through the Moomin valley on a zip line and enjoy the views of the park and Lake Miyazawa.
There are way too many attractions in Moominvalley Park and it’s impossible to introduce them all in one go. You can see, eat, experience, and create a special memory whilst enjoying the natural beauty around the park.
Access
After reading this feature, we’re sure you’re wondering how to get to Moominvalley Park. You can easily get to Hanno from Ikebukuro station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line!
If you take the express trains on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, it only takes about 50 minutes from Ikebukuro to Hanno station. Since you don’t have to change trains, the express trains are really convenient.
You can take the limited express train Laview, which takes about 40 minutes. (You need to purchase a limited express ticket in addition to the basic fare ticket). Laview has a curved front featuring large windows and popping yellow interiors. Doesn’t it look unbelievably cute?
The windows of the “Laview” train are bigger than your usual train windows offering you wide views of the scenic beauty on your ride. You’ll feel like you’re amidst nature!
You’re guaranteed a comfortable ride and you’ll feel the buzz of going on a holiday!
Laview official website
How about visiting the Moomin Valley Park by taking this amazing “Laview” train on the Seibu Line? Without a doubt, you’ll have a fantastic time!
Have fun with the SEIBU 1Day Pass!
In order to get to the Moominvalley Park, you need to take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line up to Hanno. Only valid for foreign tourists, the SEIBU 1Day Pass costs only 1,000 yen for adults (500 yen for children). If you have this pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides on the Seibu Line (except for Tamagawa Line).
A round trip ticket between Ikebukuro and Hanno is nearly 1,000 yen, so if you go to one of the other spots like Kawagoe (Little Edo) or Chichibu, you will find that the pass is a great deal!
You can purchase the discounted SEIBU 1Day Pass from the Seibu Tourist Information Center Ikebukuro. For further details, check the SEIBU 1Day Pass official website.
English: https://www.seiburailway.jp/en/ticket/seibu1daypass
Moomin Valley Park
Address: 327-6 Miyazawa, Hanno-shi, Saitama, Japan
Opening hours: 10:00 – 20:00
Entry fee: 1,500 yen for adults (junior high school and older); 1,000 yen for children (4-year old to elementary school students), free for children under three (tax included)
Access information:
● Get off at Hanno Station and take the North Exit. Hop on to a bus from stop no. 1 that is bound for “Metsa” or bound for “Metsa via Musashi-Takahagi Station.” Get off at the stop “Metsa.” (Bus takes about 13 minutes) ● Take a taxi from the taxi stand
MOOMIN VALLEY PARK official website
A Nordic Escape in Saitama
Moominvalley Park isn’t just for fans of the books; it’s a beautiful destination for anyone wanting to experience Nordic culture and quiet nature just an hour from Tokyo. For a magical evening experience, look out for the “Winter Wonderland” event featuring illuminations and Sound AR narration, typically running through January 2026!
