Explore Tokyo's Surroundings: Family Outings and Day Trips!

Just an hour's drive from Tokyo, Saitama Prefecture hides a Nordic fairytale-like park that's perfect for autumn photography. The Moomin Children's Forest Park is designed based on the Moomin family's village, with adorable buildings scattered throughout. In the peak of autumn, the lakeside cabins and golden forests create a scene straight out of a Nordic fairytale. Don't confuse it with the Moomin theme park in Metsä Village! The iconic Mushroom House (きのこの家) resembles an oyster mushroom, with an all-wood interior that feels like a magical adventure. Additionally, there's a striking blue café called Pusto, resembling a sailboat, inviting you to explore its tranquil atmosphere. Moomin Children's Forest Park (トーベ・ヤンソンあけぼの子どもの森公園) Address: 893-1 Azu, Hannō City, Saitama Prefecture Best time for autumn leaves: Late November to early December Admission: Free Opening hours: 9:00~17:00 (open until 20:30 on weekends and holidays) Closed: Every Monday (or the following day if it's a public holiday) Transportation: About a 20-minute walk from Seibu Ikebukuro Line's "Motokaji Station" or about a 3-kilometer walk from "Hannō Station". Besides the Moomin Children's Forest Park, Hannō City has many other attractions worth visiting. If you, like me, think visiting just one spot isn't enough, here's a one-day itinerary for you! Be sure to use the "Seibu 1-Day Pass". Price: 1000 yen for adults, 500 yen for children. Condition: Must present a non-Japanese passport Purchase locations: - Ikebukuro Station: Seibu Ikebukuro Tourist Information Center (TIC), Ikebukuro Station 1st Floor Limited Express Ticket Office, B1 Limited Express Ticket Office - Seibu Shinjuku Station: Limited Express Ticket Office 09:00~ Depart from "Ikebukuro Station" → About 44 minutes to "Motokaji Station" → 20-minute walk to the park 10:00~ Enjoy autumn scenery and take photos at Moomin Children's Forest Park 12:00~ From "Motokaji Station" → 3-minute ride to "Hannō Station" → Take the "m01メッツア" bus from North Exit Bus Stop 1, about 15 minutes to "Metsä Village" 12:30~ Explore the Nordic-themed town "Metsä Village" with food, shopping, workshops, and boating 15:30~ Take the bus back to "Hannō Station", about 15 minutes → 15-minute walk to "Nōninji Temple" 15:30~ Visit Nōninji Temple, a filming location for the drama "From Five to Nine", where autumn leaves beautifully complement the temple 16:30~ Return to "Ikebukuro Station" #Tokyo #TokyoDayTrips #TokyoFamilyOutings #TokyoLife #TokyoTravel #JapanTravel