Metsa Village in Saitama

Metsa Village acts as a park and cultural experience hybrid reflecting the heritage of the Moomin creator Tove Jansson. Visitors can create Scandinavian crafts, indulge in authentic cuisine and wander around in nature. Metsa comes from the word “forest” in Scandinavian. The park is surrounded by a forest which turns particularly red and golden in autumn. Lake Miyazawa lies in the center of the park where visitors can paddle in their own boats.

Metsa Village was created to help people get outside their office and homes and into fresh air. The park is spacious with plenty of space to stretch out and relax. Moomin fans can even rent a Kindle E-reader filled with the Moomin stories to read anywhere in the park. Canadian canoes are also available for rent. Up to two people can row a canoe around Lake Miyazawa for an hour without a guide.

While the upcoming Moomin park will focus on Jansson’s famous trolls, the focal point of Metsa Village is inspired by the Scandinavian countryside and slow life practice. Visitors are able to purchase Scandinavian made goods from the stores lining the park.

Shoppers can find a variety of products, from the designer clothing of Scandinavian giant Marimekko to artistically crafted glass kitchenware at Iittala around Metsa Village. Some stores have created a hybrid of Finnish and Japanese design. Finlayson, a popular textiles store in Finland, has created a new line specifically for Japan. Most stores reflect on the Finnish belief of slow living, one of the main features being local produce. Vege Tower and Moi Saitama feature foods grown in Hanno and around Saitama. Shoppers can not only purchase a variety of Finnish goods, but they can also support the local community and try a taste of the little known Hanno. Christmastime will feature a Nordic festival with a European inspired Christmas market. Visitors can indulge in warm beverages and peruse the limited edition winter items.

Metsa Village also provides craft classes for all ages. Participants can choose from different classes to make seasonal decorations or simply designed gifts. These workshops are perfect for both beginners and families, individuals and groups. The registration fee varies from 1,000 yen up to 5,000 yen, depending on the workshop and materials. In the longer workshops, participants are offered food and drink. Past workshops have covered the art of leather crafting, hand knitting and felt badges. Future workshops will focus on Christmas decorations. Early registration is recommended for the more popular workshops.

There are over ten restaurants and cafes inside of Metsa Village, serving both Scandinavian and Japanese cuisine. Lagom serves Danish inspired open face sandwiches and soups that can be eaten outside. Their set menu offers a selection of seasonal and fresh delicacies. Robert’s Coffee is a popular chain throughout Northern Europe. Their first Kanto location is now open in Metsa Village, where patrons can participate in fika, a Swedish coffee break. Japanese restaurants such as Hamburg Time and Afuri Ramen are also available.

Metsa Village

3.0

81 Reviews

Saitama Hanno-shi Miyazawa 327-6 Metsa

0570031066

10:00-18:00 (until 19:00 on …

【URL】https://metsa-hanno.com/metsavillage/

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