Moominvalley Park Guide - A Theme Park Where You Can Experience the World of the Moomin Stories

Moominvalley Park is located in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, which is known as a “Forest and Culture City.” The park is part of the large Metsä complex, which is about the size of four Tokyo Domes, and it faithfully recreates the world of the Moomin stories.
Structures such as the Moominhouse, the bathing hut, and the lighthouse from the original stories are brought to life, offering visitors a chance to experience the Moomin universe firsthand.
The park is popular with visitors of all ages and offers beautiful seasonal scenery, such as fresh greenery in May and colorful autumn leaves in November.
A leisurely walk through the wooded paths or along the lakeside is sure to soothe your soul.

Its easy accessibility—just about an hour from Tokyo—is another appealing point.
Below are the main ways to get there from Tokyo.

In fact, there is a deep connection between Japan and the Moomins.
In the same city of Hanno where the park is located, you’ll also find the “Tove Jansson Akebono Children’s Forest Park.”
Its design concept was developed through correspondence with the Moomin creator, Tove Jansson herself.
Surrounded by nature reminiscent of Finland, Hanno was seen as the ideal place to recreate the world of the Moomin stories.

Inside the park, you may come across characters like Moomintroll, Little My, and Snufkin taking strolls.
However, where and when they appear is a surprise to enjoy on the day of your visit.

If you definitely want to meet the characters, it’s best to arrive early, right when the park opens.
It’s said that in the morning hours, the Moominvalley friends often come out to greet guests.

Snufkin is sometimes seen playing the harmonica as he walks. If you ask, he may even perform a birthday song just for you.
Being able to interact with the characters is one of the unique joys of this park.

At “Emma’s theatre,” where the Moominvalley friends take the stage, you can enjoy a lively live entertainment show featuring singing and dancing, perfect for both adults and children.
The show programs change depending on the season and day of the week, so be sure to check the official website in advance.

The park is full of photo spots, and seasonal decorations make them especially fun to explore.
You’ll encounter different scenery every time you visit.
Some of the buildings are inspired by the color palettes of old towns in Finland, where Moomin author Tove Jansson was born—don’t miss them!

Once you arrive at the park, be sure to check out the audio guide.
This recommended feature lets you walk through and experience the story as you go, allowing for a deeper immersion into the world of Moomins.
The guide is available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, and can be used free of charge.
You can listen to the story behind each exhibit, making your visit to Moominvalley Park even more enjoyable.

The narration is provided by popular Japanese voice actors, making you feel as if you're truly in Moominvalley.
The audio plays automatically using location-based triggers, so you can enjoy it hands-free without having to operate your smartphone.

Inside the indoor facility “Kokemus,” you’ll find extensive exhibits on the Moomin stories and their creator, Tove Jansson.
The displays are designed in a way that even children can enjoy and learn at the same time.
The more you understand the stories, the more you'll appreciate exploring the park.
Start with the hands-on exhibit themed around an adventure to find Little My.

Although the exhibits are in Japanese, scanning the QR codes allows you to view English versions of the stories.
The English version lets you read the original picture books in English, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

Next, head to the “Moominvalley Gallery,” where you can learn more about the Moomin stories and characters.
There are interactive exhibits you can touch and explore, as well as quizzes, so even children will stay engaged and entertained.

Soar about 400 meters over the lake on this exhilarating zipline ride.
Available on weekends and holidays only (with an extra fee), this is a popular activity that captures the spirit of Moomin adventures.

This immersive morphing theatre tells the story of a young Moominpappa.
With effects like wind and water splashes paired with video, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped right into the world of the story.

Located in the Lonely Mountain area, this athletic playground is inspired by the story about Hemulen.
Kids can climb ladders, slide down slides, and fully engage in active play within the treehouse featured in the story.

A direct bus featuring Moomin illustrations runs between Tokyo Station and the park on weekends and holidays.
This plan includes the admission fee and offers the best overall value.

This convenient digital ticket can be purchased and used with just a smartphone.
It includes one-day admission to the park and unlimited rides on all Seibu Railway lines, making it perfect for combining your visit with nearby attractions like Kawagoe or Seibuen Yuenchi.