Enter the wonderful world of the animated series Moominvalley!
Headed to Japan? Enter a dreamlike Scandinavian world in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture called Moominvalley Park.
With social distancing and hygiene measures in place, enjoy the world of Moomin in a safe and secure manner.
There are character footprint signs everywhere in the park to indicate social distancing.
The park is also limiting the number of visitors as part of its measures against COVID-19, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the park with lots of personal space.
But before hopping on a plane to Japan and entering the park, here are the essentials to take note of on the Australia and Japan travel bubble:
Now that you’ve got the vital travel info covered, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Moominvalley Park!
- How much do tickets cost for Moominvalley Park?
- How do you get discounted tickets for Moominvalley Park?
- How do you get to Moominvalley Park?
- How far is it from the car park to Moominvalley Park?
- 3 tips for avoiding crowds!
- Started in April 2021! Trivia Quest
- Check out the souvenirs from Moominvalley Park!
- Recommended ages
- Tips for travelling with kids
- COVID-19 measures
How much do tickets cost for Moominvalley Park?
Good news—Moominvalley Park officially reopened on December 10, 2021!
They’ve also rolled out new ticket prices. The “One Day Pass” will also be used in place of the old "Admission Ticket.” Check out the new prices:
Heading1 | Heading2 |
|---|---|
One Day Pass | Regular Rate |
Adults | 3,200 yen |
Children | 2,000 yen |
*Children: 4 years old and under, elementary school students and under
Know more about the Moominvalley Park’s reopening with this Renewal Bulletin.
How do you get discounted tickets for Moominvalley Park?
Here’s a pro-tip: if you purchase your tickets on Klook you can get 200 yen off! The One Day Pass for adults, originally priced at 3,200 yen, can just cost 3,000 yen!
How do you get to Moominvalley Park?
Moominvalley Park is located in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, a little over an hour drive from Shinjuku Ward, which is unexpectedly close!
You can also check out the route to Hanno City from your or hotel through Google Maps.
Another option is a 13-minute train ride from Hanno Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. It takes about 50 minutes by express from Ikebukuro to Hanno Station.
Take note, however, that the bus from "Higashi Hanno Station on the JR Hachiko Line is currently suspended (as of April 2021).
Moominvalley Park is adjacent to Lake Miyazawa, offering a magnificent view!
You’ll also be surprised to know that the trip to Moominvalley Park from Tokyo only takes an hour. A bit of leg stretching may be needed after the trip, but this authentic Scandinavian world is worth it!
How far is it from the car park to Moominvalley Park?
Metsa means "forest" in Finnish
The Moominvalley Park is located at the back of Metsa Village, whose entrance is a short walk from the parking lot and bus stop.
The red circle indicates the entrance to Metsa Village.
During the 15-minute walk from Metsa Village, you’ll pass by several fashionable buildings and beautiful scenery, so make sure to take loads of pictures before arriving at Moominvalley Park!
The photo ops starts even before arriving at Moominvalley!
Upon entering Metsa Village, you’ll be greeted by the market hall with many shops selling Scandinavian miscellaneous goods and food—they are all super fashionable, might we add!
The Nordic Square awaits after your shopping spree!
After your shopping spree, you’ll enter "Nordic Square,” where a stylish tent with luxurious benches is prepped for your comfort. What an elegant space! Here, you can relax to a nice view of Lake Miyazawa.
Next stop: the array of shops where you can enjoy good meals!
There are also shops where you dine l with tableware from Scandinavian brands, such as ARABIA, and aesthetically pleasing table arrangements.
The fun begins as soon as you enter Metsa Village!
You’ll also find several canoe stands, workshops, and designated areas for aerial athletics.You’ll enjoy strolling through Metsa Village all day long!
The characters of Moominvalley await you at the gate!
You’ll stumble upon the park’s welcome gate, modelled after Mooninvalley’s characters, so don’t be surprised to see a queue for photos! So make sure you take a snap as soon as the line is short..
After the gate, you can line up for tickets at the ticket booth.
Next stop is the ticket booth where visitors line up for tickets. However, if you’ve already purchased a ticket with Klook, you can enter the park without lining up, so make sure to purchase in advance!
3 tips for avoiding crowds!
Here’s more top tips on avoiding crowds (which we’ve learnt from experience):
You can also check out this technique we learned from “people in the middle” in our Moominvalley Park review.
1. Get on the popular zipline early
"Flying Oni Zipline Adventure" is a very popular zip line that glides over the lake from the top of the mountain.
You’ll need to purchase a one-time ticket (1,500 yen including tax*) separately. Adults and kids tickets are the same price
Feel the rush on the "Flying Oni Zipline Adventure"
Make sure you book your spot as soon as you enter the park.
The zip line operates every 30 minutes, so make sure to pick a time that’s not sold out!
If you’re bringing your little ones they must be at least 120cm in height to enter.
2. Make sure to get a numbered ticket in advance for "Muumilaakso Shokudo"
Next to the Moomin House, there are several exhibits, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants. One of the most famous restaurants is Muumilaakso Shokudo, which has a blockbuster numbered ticket system, so make sure to get your tickets in advance!
There’s a reason why Mumilaakso Shokudo has an epic ticket line—you have to find out what that is for yourself!
Tip: Once you’re issued a numbered ticket, you will be called on by line or email. You can also check the current waiting time, which is fantastic! While waiting, you can enjoy the exhibition on the floor just above. By the way, please note that the strollers need to be left outdoors.
3. Get ready to visit your attraction of choice as soon as you enter Moominvalley Park
As soon as the park opens, make sure to visit your desired attractions ASAP! This way, you’ll be able to visit them while they’re still vacant or lesst crowded.
Snap some pics at the Moomin Mansion!
In Osabishiyama area, where "Hemuli's Playground" and "Snufkin's Tent" are located, usually has less people. You can have a leisurely time there even if you go later on!
Started in April 2021! Trivia Quest
In April 2021, Moominvalley Park opened its latest attraction: Trivia Quest!
Check out the souvenirs from Moominvalley Park!
What’s a trip to Japan without getting some souvenirs? At Moominvalley, shopping for souvenirs is just as fun as the attractions and meals!
You will be amazed at the high level of quality and variety of products, from character goods as well as collaborations with Scandinavian brands.
Want to bag some awesome limited edition souvenir items? Check out our guide!
Recommended ages
Overall, Moominvalley Park is a great place for families with children, but some attractions have age restrictions.
Here are our recommended attractions suitable for each age group.
Infants up to about 2 years old
For the little ones up to two years old, we recommend the area leading up to the "Snufkin Tent" at the back of the park. There is also a promenade along Lake Miyazawa, which is relatively empty, so it is easy for children who are just starting to walk.
There are plenty of areas in Moominvalley Park where tiny tykes who are learning how to walk can freely roam about!
You’ll also stumble upon this cute swan!
There is also wildlife to see in Moominvalley Park like these cute swans
There are many benches along the way, so you can take a break while looking at the lake. It is perfect for children who are tired of crowds.
The Merenhuiske is a light show attraction showcasing adorable characters!
You can also check out the Merenhuiske attraction, a light show featuring colourful and adorable characters. However, some kids might still be afraid of the realistic effect and the dark venue, so it may be better if they go when they’re older.
From 3 to 5 years old
Are your kids keen to meet the Moominvalley characters? We recommend the "Emma Teatteri" where you can enjoy live entertainment by Moomin and his friends!
The kids will enjoy the show with all the Moominvalley characters!
You can watch the show 3 times a day for free. Shows are around 30 mins in duration. Seats are on a first-come, first-served basis, and chairs are currently installed to maintain social distance.
If there’s time, you can even take a commemorative photo with the characters! Both parents and children will both enjoy this!
A photo of a KLOOK member who visited on another day.
The photo studio called "Muick Photo" which lets you take photos with the characters is also a must-visit!
The studio has a vibrant yellow colour!
If you have a One Day pass, you can use the greeting photo service that allows you to receive photo data using a QR code at no additional charge!
The express photo service, priced at 2,000 yen per sheet including tax, lets you take a commemorative photo on the original design backdrop with the characters that you meet.
Six years and over
The athletic "Hemuli's Playground," set against a beautiful natural environment, is perfect for kids six to twelve years old!
Children can have fun and enjoy themselves, and adults can take a break while looking at the forest.
The Moominvalley playground definitely fits the forest backdrop!
Also, if you’re in the third grade of elementary school or, you can also try "Flying Oni Zipline Adventure,” as we’ve mentioned.
Although it’s not technically an attraction, parents and children can enjoy collecting "Story Guides" that will give you a deeper understanding of the Moomin story!
Get to know the Moomin world more with the story guides!
Leaflets about the Moomin story and Moominvalley Park are scattered throughout the park. You can spot them in various places, some are harder to notice than others, so you and the family can enjoy it like a treasure hunt!
Check out the story doors that show short movies!
“Story doors” are also interspersed throughout the park where you can watch a short movie. You’ll enjoy the park experience more after catching up with the story of Moomin!
Kokemus is recommended for everyone!
On the 2nd and 3rd floors of Kokemus lies an exhibition area that’s full of surprises and completely unimaginable from the outside. It's a nice place on a rainy day.
Immerse in the world of Moomin at the Kokemus exhibit!
When you take the elevator to the 3rd floor, this is the world of Moomin that you’ll see!
You can take creative photos with the tiny tykes in the exhibit!
The quality of the hands-on exhibition is amazing and children love it!
Meet Tove, the creator of Moomin!
There’s also an exhibit dedicated to Tove, the creator of Moomin. It contains exhibitions of original works such as novels, picture books, and comics.
Insightful quotes of each character are also on display. Even if you are new to Moomin, you will be fascinated by its unique worldview!
The exhibit lets you feel like you’ve stepped into the world of Moomin!
Don't miss the huge Moomin House figures in the atrium area on the 2nd and 3rd floors!
Tips for travelling with kids
Here are other useful points you should know in advance if you are travelling with children:
Strollers
You stroll through most of the park with a stroller, but there are some areas where you can’t bring them in. These attractions require you to put it in the stroller storage:
- Kokemus exhibition area (2nd to 3rd floor)
- Moomin House
- Emma Teatteri
- Little My play spot
- Merenhuiske
There are also strollers that can be rented for free, but there’s often a limited amount and get rented out quickly.
Breastfeeding room/changing diapers
There are two nursing rooms in the park, the first is located in the information centre that you’ll come across as soon as you enter. You’ll also find the lockers here, where you can put emergency items such as changing children's clothes.
You can store items in the locker room.
The second nursing room is on the first floor of Kokemus.
You can find another nursing room at Kokemus.
To help keep the kids occupied, there’s also a children’s play area behind the souvenir shop.
In addition to the nursing rooms mentioned above, you can change diapers in the toilets in various parts of the park. The toilets may be unisex, so please ask the staff for details.
COVID-19 measures
It’s also worth noting that the COVID-19 measures in Moominvalley Park in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, are perfect.
Splash panels have been installed to prevent spread of the virus.
Stations with disinfectants are installed in various places.
Signs of social distance to prevent crowding.
Don't forget to buy souvenirs!
So make sure to head to Saitama and have a wonderful time in Moominvalley Park with your whole fam!
Looking for other fun destinations to visit with the little ones? You can also check out Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan.
