The Moominvalley Park in Saitama is celebrating the autumn harvest festival with a spectacular balloon installation. The tree-lined boulevard leading to the theme park’s main area has been decorated with 3,600 colourful balloons, all in formations of apples and berries, the two fruits synonymous with the Scandinavian harvest season.
Japanese textile designer Masaru Suzuki, who also works for the Finnish lifestyle brand Marimekko, was the mastermind behind the balloons' colours, compositions and installation. To create an apple, for example, he used about 130 balloons.
The colourful balloon art has definitely turned the 200-metre long pathway into a fun Instagram spot. So don’t forget to use the hashtag #ハーベストフォトコン when uploading your photo – you’ll have the chance to win either ¥50,000 cash, entry tickets to the park, or some limited-edition Moominvalley Park souvenirs. (Oh, you’ll have to also follow the theme park’s Instagram account, naturally.)
When it’s time to sit down for a meal, drop by the theme park restaurants for seasonal Nordic-insipired dishes, such as the cinnamon apple lettu (¥1,760). This Finnish-style pancake is served with plenty of apples and a good hit of cinnamon – the classic autumn flavour combo.
At the omiyage shops you’ll find autumn-limited souvenirs such as this tote bag. An apple-shaped coin case will also be available from end-September.
If you’re looking for more things to do at Moominvalley, sign up for the candle-making workshop. Though it will set you back a whopping ¥3,500, you get to make a Moonmin-themed candle for your home.
The balloon installation at Moominvalley Park runs until November 8. Before you go, remember to read our guide on how to go out safely in Tokyo.
Based on original reporting by Shiori Kotaki.
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