Moominvalley Park is located in the nature-rich region of Hanno in southwestern Saitama Prefecture, roughly 50 km from the center of Tokyo. It’s easily accessible from Seibu Railway’s Ikebukuro Station via the Ikebukuro Line to Hannō Station, after which you can take a 13-minute bus ride from the station’s North Exit.

After getting off the bus and passing through metsä Village, we arrived at Moominvalley Park. For this article, we sent LIVE JAPAN Editorial Staff Johanna for a first-hand look at what’s on offer. Johanna is originally from Sweden, in Northern Europe. She has been familiar with the Moomin characters since she was a child. She said, “I’ve been wanting to visit the Moominvalley Park since it opened, so I’m happy that my wish has finally come true today! I’m really excited to explore the stories and world of a character I grew up with, here in Japan where I’ve spent most of my adult life. The perfect combination!” Her excitement was palpable from the moment she stood at the entrance.

Passing through the whimsical entrance of four giant Moomin books, we were instantly transported to the wonderful world of Moomin! At the park’s entrance, you’ll need to show your Moominvalley Park Ticket & Travel Pass (Digital) one-day pass to the staff. Same-day tickets can also be purchased at the ticket booth.

At the Entrance Shop is a hoard of Moomin merchandise perfect for souvenirs.

Many visitors can’t resist buying the adorable Moomin plush doll for an extra helping of cuteness in their photos.

We bought ourselves the “Clippable Plush Doll,” which can be attached to your bag or clothes. Naturally, we struggled to decide which we should settle on: Moomin, Little My, or Snufkin.

In the end, Johanna settled on Little My. She explained, “It might be because I see a bit of myself in her, but she has been my favorite character since I was little. If I’m going to explore the park, it has to be with her! So, Little My is my companion for today. Let’s go exploring together!” Using a clip, you can easily carry the little plushie character around the park while keeping your hands free.

On the other side of the gift shop is the Lettula Lounge, where you can relax and enjoy pancakes and pasta dishes while admiring the beauty of Lake Miyazawa, rich in nature. This is a great place to recharge during your adventure through the park.

The path leading to the Moominvalley area is surrounded by a forest, providing a relaxing atmosphere. “The forest reminds me of Northern Europe,” Johanna explained. Hanno City in Saitama, where Moominvalley Park is located, is 76% covered by forest, similar to Finland, where 70% of the land is covered by forest.

The park was developed by taking advantage of the natural topography of Lake Miyazawa and the surroundings. “I like that instead of ‘creating’ nature to build the park, they preserved the existing nature, which is in line with the value of nature found in Northern Europe,” Johanna commented, impressed by the scenery.

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the Moomins. To celebrate, a colorful umbrella sky was designed, inspired by the cover of The Moomins and the Great Flood, the characters’ origin story. The path leading to the Moominvalley area has also been transformed into the perfect spot to take photos.
*The Moominvalley and Umbrella event ended on July 6, but the umbrella sky will remain on display until further notice.

Continuing further into Poukama Welcome Cove, we came across the “The bathing hut”. This small lakehouse is based upon the one made by Moominpapa, where the Moomins would swim, fish, and unwind in summer. During winter, it would become the home of Too-Ticky.

Peeking inside the hut, you’ll spot swimwear and floating rings. In winter, the design changes to Too-Ticky. We loved all the little intriguing details like this! Johanna added, captivated, “The shape of the hut and the color of the roof remind me of typical old Swedish houses!”

Inside the park, you will find “Story booth,” an original short movie that can only be seen at Moominvalley Park. It is available at five different locations throughout the park, including in front of The bathing hut and Hemulin’s playground.
*The Story booth at Emma's Store is currently under repair as of July 2025.

Next, we headed over to the Moominvalley area.

The most iconic attraction at Moominvalley Park is Moominhouse, which is the dream house of the Moomins designed and built by Moominpapa. This is truly the epitome of the Moomin world, with each room showcasing the family's lifestyle.

Johanna excitedly shared, “I’ve wanted to visit the real Moominhouse since I was a child! My dream has finally come true today. I can’t wait to see how the world I saw in the animated series as a child has been brought to life.”
Let’s go inside and find out!

The basement is the storehouse, the 1st floor is the kitchen and dining room, the 2nd floor is the living room and bedroom of Moominpapa and Moominmamma, the 3rd floor is the room of Moomintroll, Little My, and the guestroom, and the attic holds the study of Moominpapa where he does his writing.

With such meticulous attention to detail, like the sewing equipment of Moominmamma and Moomintroll’s x-ray pictures, you’ll feel the lifeforce of the family permeating all throughout the home!

Since it was her childhood dream, Johanna observed each display in great detail. She noticed the small items in the room, such as the lamp and quilt, and her eyes soften as she says, “I know this is Moomin’s house, but it feels like I’ve just stepped into my grandmother’s house. The decor and clock look just like those found in an old Scandinavian house, and it brings back many memories. They have recreated the world of Moomin beautifully, capturing how many people who grew up with the characters remember it. Fans like me, who have loved Moomin since childhood, are sure to enjoy it.”

Johanna mentioned that even the snacks around the house are typical of Northern Europe and that anyone visiting for sure will want to try Moominmamma’s cooking. Moominhouse not only offers you a glimpse into Moomin’s way of living but also into a slightly retro Scandinavian lifestyle.

Moomin characters will also often appear from the veranda and in the garden, so don’t miss the chance to take a photo!

In one of the Moomin episodes, the Moominvalley is flooded and “Emma's Theater” washes past. Here Moomintroll, Little My, and others create a play with song and dance.

The Moomins will teach you how to dance, so don't hesitate to get up and join in! The show "Dance Dance with Moomin" will be performed at different times depending on the seasons, so please check the website .
If you would like to sit on a bench, it is recommended to line up a bit early on busy days.

Nearby we tested our skills with arcade games. There are fishing games with hammers, ball games, and more, each playable for 700 yen with prizes available.

Also nearby is the takeout food stand. We recommend the chicken on the bone (650 yen) and the “Hattifatteners Ice Cream - Milk” (500 yen).

One of the best places to truly lose yourself within the magic of Moominvalley is at “Oshun Oxtra theatre,” which is based around the themes of “courage,” “challenges,” “friendship,” and “family bonds.”

Although the show is in Japanese, you can read the English script by scanning the QR code held by staff members in the waiting area.

Here you can go on a fun adventure together with the younger version of Moominpapa, Snufkin’s father, Joxter, and Sniff’s father, The Muddler.

The show runs for 15 minutes, utterly encasing the senses in a dazzling spatial presentation of light and wind.

Theatre of Moominvalley, which reopened on March 1, 2024, screen films that allow you to enjoy the world of Moomin stories.

The Kokemus area, which is right by Moominhouse and Emma’s Theater, is chock full of exhibitions and ample opportunity for interactive photos. Don’t forget to take a snap with the Moomin statue at the entrance!

The 1st floor holds the “Moominvalley Food Hall,” an excellent spot for lunch, along with the “Main Shop Moominvalley,” ideal for souvenirs. The 2nd floor is ideal for a quick sit-down, with both the “Library Cafe” and “Kids Space” offering ample room to unwind.

Both the 2nd and 3rd floors are full of fascinating displays taking us deep into the creative world of Moomin.

As you can see, we took plenty of amazing photos!

Find a good angle and take a snap with Snufkin. Don’t hesitate to really get into it! Johanna joked, “I’m sure I’m not the only person who wants to take a photo with this handsome fellow.”

One of the most riveting displays is the recreation of “The Book about Moomin, Mymble and Little My,” by author Tove Jansson.

Each page is brought to life through vivid three-dimensional recreations, allowing you to walk through the holes in each page to re-experience this beloved story.

Surrounded by the sights and sounds of Moominvalley, we felt ourselves naturally slipping deeper into this charming storybook world. Johanna observed, “In this area, you can hear a recording of Tove Jansson, the author of Moomin, reading one of her stories in Swedish, the original language that the books were written in. There are probably only a few people in the park who can understand it, but I think it was lovely to add this detail in this area. Be sure to keep an ear out when you visit!”

You can find a QR code next to the story to read the English translation of the extracts from the displayed stories.

Within Kokemus is an elaborate Moominvalley diorama that slowly revolves to showcase all the intricate details - including the inside of Moominhouse.

The largest restaurant in Moominvalley Park is the “Moominvalley Food Hall,” found on the 1st floor of Kokemus. The Nordic-inspired menu is packed with tasty dishes sure to satisfy and give you the energy needed to continue exploring!

This is “Lonely Mountain hashed beef rice” for 1,680 yen. The rice is made to look like Lonely Mountain, a rocky mountain that appears in the Moomin stories, and the flavor of mushrooms makes this popular dish very appetizing.

This is “Jakob's Flying Stew” for 1,680 yen. This is one of the most famous Scandinavian home-style dishes. The sweetness of bananas and peanuts and the spiciness of the chili sauce is an unexpected combination that is addictive.

Johanna chose this dish first. She said, reminiscing happily, “I’ve never seen this at a Japanese restaurant before! This dish was served at school when I was young, so it makes me feel quite nostalgic.” She added, seeming quite pleased, “I think the subtle sweetness is close to the authentic flavor. The combination of peanuts and bananas is absolutely delicious! It might seem a bit quirky if you’ve never heard of it before, but I really recommend trying it.” This dish is perfect for those who want to enjoy an authentic Scandinavian meal.

This is “The Ancestor’s Taco meat” for 1,680 yen. It comes with taco meat (filling used in tacos) based on The Ancestor from Moomin stories. Burdock snacks are added to resemble a tail.

Tacos, which originated in Mexico, seems unrelated to Northern Europe. But Johanna explains that it is a very common dish in Sweden, and that there is a tradition called “Fredagsmys” (cozy Fridays), where people start their weekend by enjoying tacos on Friday nights. Her eyes sparkle as she says that while this tradition may not be present in Finland, it is wonderful to have the opportunity to experience both cuisine and culture from Northern European countries throughout the park.

This is “Snufkin's Hat Curry” for 1,680 yen. The rice is shaped like a hat and topped with a generous serving of seafood curry and spinach paste. It’s a unique dish that you will immediately recognize as Snufkin's hat.

For children, we recommend the “Kids' Plate” for 1,380 yen. The set includes a hamburger steak, rice, mixed vegetables, and other popular menu items.

To cool down after walking, we recommend the “Library Cafe” on the 2nd floor of Kokemus.

The library boasts a collection of around 400 books detailing the world of Moomin along with the country of Finland. You can freely pick them up and read at the desks, while also trying out some Finnish board games.

The library also serves delicious bread and original blend coffee.

The back of the cafe has an outdoor space to relish your treats with Moominhouse in the background.

You will of course have the option to enjoy standard drinks such as coffee and lattes here, but consider trying the unique menu items exclusive to this location. The “Hattifattener's Lightning Pop Soda” (800 yen) offers a bold flavor with Blue Hawaii jelly and crackling citrus candy, while the eye-catching “Sun Soda” (700 yen) is decorated with Snorkmaiden. These drinks are just as delicious as they are visually appealing.

Perfect for a coffee break, we highly recommend the cute and delicious “Curious Tart” (770 yen) dessert, inspired by Moomintroll.

*Available as of July 2025. Food and drinks may vary depending on the event.

On the 2nd floor of Kokemus is a kid’s space where children can freely play and learn with typical Northern European toys, blocks, and picture books.

There is also a nursing room near the Kokemus entrance.

Venturing deeper into Moominvalley Park, we finally enter the Lonely Mountain area.

Here we got our blood pumping through several exercise facilities inspired by the story “The Hemulen Who Loved Silence” from the Tales from Moominvalley series.

This spectacular treehouse is based on the one made by the character Hemulen, who once worked in an amusement park. It is suited for kids between the ages of 6 and 12.

While kids burn up energy on the playgrounds, adults can wander the grounds and experience the Japanese art of “forest bathing.”

Heading further into Lonely Mountain, we reach “Snufkin's tent,” which is located in the deepest point of the park. Peeking inside, we can see a pile of boxes with the silhouette of Snufkin himself. Johanna said, “This place is deep in the park, and you reach it by walking along the forest park, just like Snufkin did in the story. It’s amazing to be able to experience the charms of the park in such an immersive way, and the walk is also very beautiful.”

Also within Lonely Mountain is the “Lighthouse,” which appears in the story “Moominpappa at Sea.” Looking into the lighthouse where the Moomin family once settled, we could see the drawings left behind by Moominmamma, who missed her life at Moomin House. When the sun sets, the lighthouse is lit up, giving off a totally different ambiance from the daytime.

Starting with the “Entrance Shop” by the entrance, there are loads of places within Moominvalley Park to find souvenirs to memorialize your fun day.

At “Posti” is an entire wall of postcards featuring Moominvalley characters, along with stationery for those who love writing letters.

At the “Nibbling Store,” visitors can challenge themselves to a fun arcade ball-rolling game. If you win, you’ll get a Hattifattener plush doll! Even if you don’t, you’ll still receive a participation certificate, so there’s no harm in giving it a go!

The “Little My Store” is entirely dedicated to the popular character Little My. Along with cute plush dolls, there are all kinds of daily essentials and more up for grabs colored with Little My designs.

However, the largest and most diverse assortment of souvenirs in Moominvalley Park is at the “Main Shop Moominvalley,” on the 1st floor of Kokemus.

This is actually one of the biggest Moominvalley stores in the world, beating most others in terms of size and range, so you’re guaranteed to find something that takes your fancy!

One of the most popular items at Moominvalley Park is the “Moomintroll Plush Doll Nervous Face” (3,800 yen). It’s also on sale at the Hajimari Shop, so you can pick it up when entering to take photos around the park.

Moominvalley Park also recommends the “House-Shaped Canister Can Chocolate Cookies” (2,000 yen). The enchanting Moominhouse-designed can alone makes for a fantastic souvenir and handy container once you’ve devoured all the cookies.

In the shop, Johanna found her favorite souvenir. She commented, “I’ve always loved the look of the Moominhouse, and here it’s been recreated into a cookie tin, which is so cute! I would love to have a tiny Moominhouse at home.”

You can also find these “Character Teacups” for 1,700 yen each. The characters’ names are engraved in both Finnish and Japanese. Johanna says, “These are teacups you will only find in Japan. I definitely recommend these as souvenirs, Japanese style cups with Moomin and many other characters engraved on them.”

Another favorite was the “Glass Jar of Candy (caramel, raspberry, cashew),” for 1,300 yen. You can use the container to store small accessories or as a decorative item.

The most convenient way to reach Moominvalley Park is by train. From Ikebukuro Station, take the Seibu Railway Ikebukuro Line directly to Hannō Station, the nearest station. It takes about 13 minutes from the station to the park by local bus.

For tourists, we recommend using the Moominvalley Park Ticket & Travel Pass (Digital) for an even better deal. This pass includes a one-day ticket for the entire Seibu Line (Excluding the Tamagawa Line), a round-trip ticket between Hannō Station North Exit and metsä, and a one-day admission to Moominvalley Park.

Admission fee: 4,500 yen for adults (18 years and older), 2,300 yen for junior and senior high school students (12-17 years old), and 1,600 yen for children (6-11 years old).
*Children 5 years and younger can ride trains and buses for free, and there is no park admission fee for children 3 years and younger. (4-5 years old: park admission ticket required.)

Considering that a one-day pass for the park costs 4,300 yen for adults and 1,300 yen for children (4 years old to high school students), this pass is a very good deal, covering train and bus transportation for a small additional fee.
*Admission fees vary by season and events.

You can purchase tickets via smartphone using the convenient travel and leisure booking website Klook. All tickets are digital, so there is no need to worry about issuing or losing physical tickets. The passes are divided into separate uses: train, bus to the park, park admission, and bus back to the station. You only need to activate them on the day of use.

Your trip to Moominvalley Park starts at Ikebukuro Station, a terminal station bustling with commuters heading to work, school, or sightseeing. It is also convenient for transfers and shopping.

You will find the Seibu Tourist Information Center Ikebukuro (TIC) inside the station. It provides multilingual support, with English being always available, and Chinese and Korean support depending on staff availability. The TIC is a reliable resource for all your travel inquiries, from how to ride the train, to sightseeing information around Moominvalley Park. You can also purchase the Limited Express tickets mentioned below.

When using your train pass, find a ticket gate that is compatible with QR codes. At Ikebukuro Station, the gate on the far right when entering is QR code-compatible (as of August 2025). The QR code will be displayed on your smartphone when you activate your train pass, so simply hold your device up to the gate to enter smoothly.

Check your destination and departure platform on the digital display board after passing through the ticket gate, and you are ready to go!

If you want to travel to and from the park even more comfortably, consider taking Seibu Railway’s Ikebukuro Line Limited Express “Laview.” It takes about 45 minutes from Ikebukuro Station to Hannō Station. The route is smooth, with the train stopping at only two stations along the way, allowing you to make the most of your travel time.

The interior of the train features bright yellow, spacious reclining seats and large windows measuring 135 cm in height and 158 cm in width. Gazing at the scenery outside will enhance your excitement for the journey.

The one-way fare for the Limited Express is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. Reservations can be made in advance online, and a multilingual website is available, ensuring easy navigation even for international travelers.

Limited Express tickets can also be purchased on the day of travel at the Seibu Tourist Information Center Ikebukuro (TIC), train stations’ Limited Express ticket counters or ticket vending machines.

When you arrive at Hannō Station, take the North Exit, and get on the direct bus bound for metsä from platform 1. The trip takes about 13 minutes. The standard one-way fare of 220 yen is included in the Moominvalley Park Ticket & Travel Pass (Digital), which is a convenient feature. Activate your pass on your smartphone while on the bus and show the screen to the driver as you get off.

The return bus departs from the bus stop near the entrance to metsä, the site of Moominvalley Park. As you did on your way to the park, you can use your return pass by activating it beforehand and showing it to the driver when getting off the bus.

The Moominvalley Park Ticket & Travel Pass (Digital) offers more benefits than just park admission and bus transportation. Since it includes a one-day pass for the entire Seibu Line, you can also visit sightseeing spots along the way. Here are three recommended places to visit before or after your trip to the park.

This park was named after the creator of Moomin, Tove Jansson. Entering the park feels like stepping into a Scandinavian fairytale. Surrounded by forests, the architecture and scenery are reminiscent of Finland. On weekends and holidays, the park is illuminated at night, transforming it into a magical wonderland.

You can enjoy a full day of shopping at this large outlet mall, which features about 200 stores showcasing well-known domestic and international fashion brands, as well as specialty shops, general goods and restaurants. We also recommend stopping by for shopping or resting at a café after your visit to the park.

Kinchakuda is a natural park covering approximately 22 hectares surrounded by clear streams. Flowers bloom throughout the seasons, including rapeseed blossoms in spring and cosmos and red spider lilies in autumn. It is said to offer one of Japan’s most beautiful sceneries when five million red spider lilies bloom from mid to late September.

Direct buses to Moominvalley Park also run from major stations, and bus tours depart from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station.

Nestled amidst the abundant natural surroundings on the shores of the lake, Moominvalley Park made Johanna feel as if Moomin’s family and friends were truly present. After wrapping up her visit at the park, she commented, “I had so much fun! This is a wonderful park that both Moomin fans and visitors from Northern Europe can enjoy. One big charm of Moominvalley Park is that you can explore Moomin’s world while also experiencing Japan’s nature up close. Located on the shores of Lake Miyazawa, the park is surrounded by the verdant forests and gentle hills of Okumusashi in the Chichibu mountains. It makes excellent use of this natural environment and allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the world of the characters by strolling through the forest and along the lakeshore, rather than simply looking at the scenery from afar. During spring and summer, vibrant greenery flourishes, while in autumn, Japan’s iconic crimson leaves adorn the area. This makes the park a unique destination to visit throughout the year, and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience both Scandinavian and Japanese cultures all at once.”
Both children and adults are sure to enjoy a fun-filled day at Moominvalley Park.

©Moomin Characters™

*Information from March 2022 has been updated in August 2025. Please check the official website for the latest information.