Moominvalley Park in Hanno, Saitama, is bringing back its popular annual summer event, "Water Fun in Moominvalley," from July 3 (Friday) to September 6 (Sunday), 2026. This year's theme is "Smiles Beyond the Splashes!" — and the lineup includes brand-new attractions alongside returning favorites that are sure to keep visitors cool all summer long.
Event Overview
Dates: July 3 (Friday) – September 6 (Sunday), 2026
Details: https://metsa-hanno.com/event/45549/
Highlights
New Summer Show: "Summer Moran and Snow & Splash" — Expect to Get Drenched
A brand-new splash show features Moran — the creature with the power to freeze everything in its path. Set to lively music, the program kicks off with water splashing into the crowd. Then, unexpectedly, snow begins to fall from Moran's presence in the summer sky, treating guests to the rare sensation of cool snowfall on a hot day. It's an immersive combination of water and snow that promises both refreshment and excitement.
Schedule: 3 performances per day (see official site for times)
Location: In front of KOKEMUS
Note: Program subject to change or cancellation due to weather.
Island Adventure on the Lake: "Nyoronyoro's Heavy Downpour"
A new water play attraction called "Nyoronyoro's Heavy Downpour" opens on the Lake Terrace — a massive 16m × 20m platform floating on Lake Miyazawa. Visitors walk along a shaded wooden pathway over the water to reach a uniquely designed spot where a sudden downpour can strike at any moment. Great for those who want to get completely soaked in a fun and surprising way.
Location: Lake Terrace
Note: Program subject to change or cancellation due to weather.
Emma's Theater Becomes a Beach: "Sunny Sunny Playtime!"
The recently renovated all-weather theater "Emma's Theater" presents a new seasonal show, "Sunny Sunny Playtime!" During the event period, Moomin Valley characters dressed in swimwear and summer accessories take to the stage in a program capturing the spirit of a sunny day at the beach. Shown twice daily.
Schedule: 2 performances per day (see official site for times)
Location: Emma's Theater
Park-Wide Mist Experience: "Moominvalley Sea of Clouds 2026"
Throughout the event, the Moominvalley area periodically fills with a cool, dreamy mist, transforming into a fantastical sea of clouds. The scenery shifts with the weather, wind direction, temperature, and humidity — making every visit a slightly different experience.
Schedule: Daily, at irregular intervals
Location: Moominvalley Area
Water Play Zones Throughout the Park
Both active and relaxing water play areas return for another summer. Highlights include:
- The Flying Ogre's Magic Splash Zone — featuring dramatic water jets shooting from the flying ogre's iconic hat
- Splash Creek — a shimmering, soap-bubble-filled stream where visitors can wade and play
- Moominvalley's Mysterious Mist Path — a serene, dreamlike path weaving through dappled light and cool mist
The "Story and Flowers Terrace," which follows the tale from Comet in Moominland, is also decorated with sunflowers and other summer blooms.
The popular "Moominvalley and Umbrella" umbrella sky installation has been extended, with new sunflower decorations giving the canopy a distinctly summer feel.
Metsa Village: Elf Forest — Metsa Sea of Clouds 2026
Dates: July 3 (Friday) – September 23 (Wednesday, Holiday), 2026
Details: https://metsa-hanno.com/event/45522/
Adjacent to Moominvalley Park, the Nordic lifestyle experience facility Metsa Village is hosting its fourth annual sea of clouds event: "Elf Forest — Metsa Sea of Clouds 2026." The grand trees lining the village entrance, said in Nordic tradition to be home to elves and to bring good fortune, are brought to life with a cool, mystical mist enveloping the entire area.
This year's edition also includes a naming contest where visitors can win prizes by photographing their favorite "tree guardian" and sharing it on Instagram.
Naming Contest Entry Period: July 3 (Friday) – July 27 (Monday)
How to Enter:
- Follow Metsa's official Instagram (@metsavillage)
- Post a photo of your favorite tree guardian taken at the venue. Include a name, a reason why you love it, and the hashtag #エルフの森2026
A workshop with local community group Chisan-Chisei-no-Kai will also be held, where visitors can make their own forest creatures using horse chestnut fruits and Nishikawa lumber scraps.
Location: Metsatie (Metsa Village Entrance Area)
Summer Nights: Lake Fireworks Show
"Moominvalley Lake Fireworks — Summer"
Fireworks launched from over Lake Miyazawa light up the summer night sky in time with Moominvalley Park's original songs. After sunset, the park's lighting transforms too — trees glow in shifting colors, and the Moomin House is dressed in a special summer illumination.
On fireworks days, a Night Pass is available for entry from 4:00 PM. Night Pass prices are ¥2,500 on the day or ¥2,300 in advance, and include access to evening shows such as "Summer Moran and Snow & Splash."
Fireworks Dates:
- July 20 (Mon/Holiday); July 26 (Sun) – July 31 (Fri)
- August 2 (Sun) – August 7 (Fri); August 13 (Thu); August 14 (Fri); August 16 (Sun) – August 23 (Sun); August 29 (Sat); August 30 (Sun)
- September 5 (Sat); September 6 (Sun)
- ※ August 9 (Sun): Special "Moomin Day Memorial Fireworks 2026" planned
Fireworks Start Time: 7:30 PM through August 23; 7:00 PM from August 29 (approximately 5 minutes)
Light rain: show goes ahead. Strong wind or bad weather: cancelled. Cancellation announcements posted on official site and SNS. Night Passes are also available on "Metsa Nordic Fireworks 2026" dates. Children's Night Passes (ages 4 – high school) are not available.
Details: https://metsa-hanno.com/event/45545/
Children's Support Campaign
From July 3 to September 30, 2026, a "Children's Support Campaign" organized by NPO Decent Work Lab makes a 1-Day Pass available to children aged 4 through high school for just ¥500 (normally ¥1,300).
Period: July 3 (Friday) – September 30 (Wednesday), 2026
Price: ¥500 (ages 4 – high school)
Where to Buy: Official online ticket site (Asoview!) or at the park's ticket booth (sales from 10:00 AM until 1 hour before closing)
Student ID may be required for verification.
Details: https://metsa-hanno.com/event/45544/
Official Website: https://metsa-hanno.com/
