Hidden Wonders

Hidden Wonders | Moominvalley Park's Umbrella Display Brightens Rainy Days

Moominvalley Park, the first Moomin amusement park outside of Finland, is welcoming visitors with a rainy season display featuring 1,000 umbrellas until July 7.

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2024

Naoki Aikawa

The "Umbrella Sky" display at Moominvalley Park, until July 7. (©Sankei by Naoki Aikawa)

Moominvalley Park in Iruma, Saitama Prefecture, is a theme park inspired by the popular characters created by Finnish writer and illustrator Tove Jansson. The Moomins and Finnish culture enjoy immense popularity in Japan, with Moominvalley Park the first Moomin theme park outside of Finland.

*Pink and red umbrellas filled the sky. Hanno, Saitama Prefecture, June 25. (©Sankei by Naoki Aikawa)*

Rain or Shine

Coinciding with the rainy season, the park is hosting a special exhibition featuring 1,000 umbrellas until July 7. This outdoor display, now in its fifth year, spans approximately 200 meters along the park's pathways. According to a park spokesperson, the interplay of light filtering through the pink umbrellas creates various hues, promising a delightful experience for visitors regardless of the weather.

*Moominvalley Park is located about one hour away by train and bus from Tokyo's Ikebukuro Station. (©Sankei by Naoki Aikawa)*

An office worker visiting with his family from Chiba Prefecture expressed his delight, saying, "I've always wanted to see this exhibition. The arrangement of the umbrellas is beautiful."

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Naoki Aikawa, The Sankei Shimbun