Moon Valley Park
Do you know Moomin?
Do you know Moomin? Moomin is the hippopotamus-looking elf character in Finnish fairy tale by Tove Jansson. We grew up with the Moomin family in Japan and people in our generation know who the Moomins are.
Moon Park opened in early 2019
The Them Park “Moon Valley Park” opened on March 16, 2019, almost 8 months ago. Admission fee is ¥1,500 per adult, ¥1,000 per child. Now parking is free on weekdays (¥1,500 on weekends). But when we went there last month on Tuesday, we had to pay for $1,700 for about 3 hours.
Let’s take a look at the park. Here is the way to the park. You can see a Nordic-style house right after the entrance.
Japan is in Nordic boom right now. The concept behind is “Nordic life is worthwhile enjoying. Relax and enjoy your life”. There are some Northern European brands throughout Japan such as Ikea, Zara, Sweden House, etc. It is said they enjoy retired life with affluent social welfare. But people in those countries pay a lot for social benefit when they are young. When they retire, their life is secured with government social support.
Japan’s social welfare
Japan’s social welfare is not so bad as well, compared with the past US. For example, almost everybody has some kind of medical insurance, from their companies or government. It’s a mandatory system. If you don’t have any insurance, you will need to pay penalty at annual tax return. Now US’s Obama Care has the similar system.
Miyazawa Lake
OK, let’s go back to the park here. When you keep walking, you will find a lake called “Miyazawa-ko Lake”. It used to be a man-made lake without any attractions. But it’s a part of the Moomin park.
Up to here, entry is free. After this photo spot, paying zone will appear. You can see Moomin house, moomin dolls, etc. Each attraction needs fee.
Take a break at a cafe
Now, we need a break, so we stopped by at a cafe in the park. “Robert’s Coffee” is NO.1 coffee shop in Finland where coffee consumption is the top in the world. Have a coffee break here with their freshly-baked Cinnamon Roll. Unlike those in the US, this Cinnamon Roll is not sweet. Another great point for Japan market.
Metsa Moomin Valley Park
Address: 431-3-58 Miyazawa, Hanno, Saitama 357-0001
Hours: Sun-Mon, 10AM–8PM
URL: https://metsa-hanno.com/
