The long-awaited, magical new Moominvalley Park opened in Hanno, in the Saitama prefecture, on the outskirts of Tokyo on Saturday March 16. Take a look at what happened at the opening festivities!
For many, the journey to Moominvallety Park begins at the Ikebukuro train station in Tokyo. Hannō, a small city surrounded by adventurous mountains and calming rivers, located just a 40 minute train trip away from the busy streets of Tokyo, is the charming new home of Moominvalley Park.
The first Moomin fans arrived to the location already at 6 AM. The line extended way past the neighbouring area, Metsä Village.
The new Moominhouse is ready to welcome new guests – right after the ribbon cutting ceremony!
Moomintroll welcomes guests in his flowery manner in front of the Kokemus building full of Moomin exhibitions – exciting for both adults and children.
The media park was crowded by media representatives from all around Asia and even Europe.
“Enjoy this wonderful park as much as I do. It makes me very happy to be here today”, said Sophia Jansson, Creative Director at Moomin Characters and niece to Tove Jansson.
Pekka Orpana, the Ambassador of Finland to Tokyo, shared his thoughts and joy about the similarities between the Moomins, the Finns and the Japanese.
And so, the ribbon got cut and the door to the Moominhouse was opened.
As you can read from Sophia’s smile: it is time to welcome the visitors! Scroll though the photos to see their reactions.
Also the Moomins were seen at the Moominvalley Park, welcoming guests warmly and gladly!
What do you think about all of these Moominous details in visitors’ outfits?
…We surely loved them!
That is it for the photo story of the park! Soon to come: What can one experience in the new Moominvalley Park? How did the first visitors describe it and what are the best parts of it? And of course: What does the Moominhouse look like from the inside? Stay tuned!