The date of Moomin Valley in Japan’s grand opening is approaching and there's only a week's wait until we can be transported to the idyllic, slow-paced fantasy land of everyone’s favourite Finnish trolls.

The complex, which has been modelled on the Moomin Valley park in Finland, is in Hanno, in Tokyo’s neighbouring prefecture of Saitama. Though it’s not in central Tokyo, it’s an easily accessible day trip from the capital.

Some fantastical concept art has been previously released, but as the grand opening draws closer, some more concrete information about the park is finally being revealed.

Based on the beautiful concept drawings, photos of the real thing have emerged showing the Moomin scenery to be just as picturesque as promised.

Apart from the Moomin Valley theme park itself, the neighbouring Metsa Village is a free-to-enter complex which brings a slice of the Nordic lifestyle to the Greater Tokyo area. Among the facilities is a cafe with some Northern European cuisine presented on pretty Finnish tableware designed by famous brand Arabia (including some adorable Moomin adorned mugs).

The Moomin Valley Theme Park's grand opening will take place on 16th March 2019. Entrance fee for adults is 1500, and for children aged 4 and over it costs 1000 yen. You can buy tickets on the day, but for the particularly busy days they recommend that you buy them in advance online (currently the website is in Japanese only).

Official Moomin Valley Park Website