Discover the Charm of Saitama's Little Nordic

This weekend, I found joy in Hanno once again by visiting the Moomin park. Recently, this place has gained popularity under the name 'Little Nordic,' but some visitors have been disappointed. As a Saitama resident, I’m here to share some tips to help you avoid any pitfalls and capture beautiful photos without spending much. First stop: the free Moomin Park, Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park. Admission and parking are free, but many people advise caution because it’s really small! A walk around might only take 20-30 minutes, so it’s not worth a special trip just for this. However, the photos are stunning, and the mushroom houses are fun to explore, especially with kids. Important tip: visit in the morning for the best photos, as the afternoon light is backlit. If you arrive in the afternoon, consider staying until the evening when the lights are on for a romantic atmosphere. Second stop: Noninji Temple. Originally, I planned to have a fermentation-themed lunch here, but the restaurant was booked. Unexpectedly, I found myself transported from Little Nordic to Little Kyoto. The combination of autumn leaves and the temple is breathtaking, and it’s not crowded. If you’re passing by, definitely take a look. You can also enjoy a mini hiking activity here at Tenranzan, which is less than 200 meters high and requires almost no physical effort. On a clear day, you can see Tokyo and Mount Fuji from here. Third stop: Metsä Village, where the Moomin Valley Park is located. The entrance area has Nordic shops and restaurants, and it’s already filled with Christmas vibes. On sunny days, the lakeside lawn is a popular spot for families and dog walkers. The Moomin Valley Park tickets are a bit pricey, so I didn’t buy them, but the atmosphere at the entrance is worth experiencing. The closer you get to the park entrance, the more beautiful the autumn leaves are. Don’t miss out just because you didn’t buy a ticket. Plus, there’s a promotion offering a 500 yen coupon, which I used for almost free ice cream. With this, I spent only a few thousand yen for a delightful weekend. Tip: Parking at Metsä Village is expensive on weekends, costing 1,500 yen. To avoid this, park at Miyazawa Lake Onsen, where parking is free if you use the onsen. Even if you don’t want to use the onsen, the cheapest package is just over 1,000 yen, which is cheaper than parking alone. Another option is to park near Noninji Temple, where there’s a large free parking lot at Hanno Central Park. From Noninji, there’s a free shuttle bus to Metsä Village. Photo date: December 1, 2024 (photos 6-7 are from the same period a few years ago). #Saitama #Hanno #LittleNordic #JapanAutumnLeaves #TokyoDayTrips #BudgetTravel #Moomin