We finally have an update on your chance to experience the world of Moomin at Metsä, the long-awaited, Nordic-focused theme park out in Saitama that was originally set to open in 2017 – and the news isn't all good.
At a recent press conference, the powers behind the park revealed that it will be rolled out in two stages: first up is the section called Metsä Village, while the more expansive Moomin Valley Park is set to be completed later. And when can we expect any of this goodness? Not real soon: the preliminary opening dates have been rolled back to autumn 2018 for Metsä Village and spring 2019 for the remainder of the facilities.
A planned hotel at Metsä Village
The Moomin House in Moomin Valley Park
However, the Moomin masters were kind enough to also release quite a number of additional details at said presser. To start out, Metsä Village will be a free admission zone with a 'Scandinavian lifestyle' theme and will feature a market selling local produce, a hotel with private saunas in all rooms, a 'glamping zone' and hands-on activities such as jam-making.
Meanwhile, over in Moomin Valley Park you'll be able to relive the Moomin fairytale at structures like the familiar Moomin house and a lighthouse similar to that from the books and animated series. There'll also be bathhouses, restaurants and plenty of shops hawking original Moomin paraphernalia.
Moomin Valley Park
Finally, the relevant organs – the FGI investment bank and the Moomin Monogatari corporation set up to handle practical matters surrounding the park – shed some light on why Saitama's Hanno was chosen to represent the forests of Finland. Apparently it's because of the proximity of the popular Akebono Children's Forest Park, which matches with Moomin creator Tove Jansson's depictions of Moomin Valley, as well as the fact that Hanno offers a Scandinavia-like natural feel only 40 minutes from Tokyo.
If you're a true Moomin fan, consider becoming an ambassador for the park – more info will be posted on the official website, so keep your eyes peeled.