156. moominvalley, saitama

Today's weather was perfect to go for a picnic in the park. Little sis and I decided to go to Moominvalley at あけぼの子供の森公園 in Saitama, before I move back to the old apartment because it is much nearer to the place I am currently staying at. We got up early, bought bento boxes at the supermarket and got on the train. We dropped off at Motokaji Station, and slowly walked to our destination.

It didn't take too long to get to Moominvalley but we got a little lost along the way, thanks to Google Maps once again, we managed to find the right path. We passed by a really pretty river, cute little houses and a baseball stadium before settling down at a Asu Sports Park to chow down on our food.

Mostly, it was going uphill and there were a ton of mountains in the area.

After lunch, we continued on our search for Moominvalley, it was a little confusing because Google Maps kept playing tricks on me but after a while, we managed to find あけぼの子供の森公園! I was getting excited because I've been wanting to come here since last winter, just didn't get the chance to. Luckily, it was still quiet when we arrived. Just a couple of families with their kids roaming around. There were three little houses and a small light house in the middle of the pound. I instantly fell in love.

All three houses were completely functional, and you could go into them. There was a living room, kitchen, bedroom and a study in one of the houses. It was really cute but hard to take photos because of all the kids running around. There was a small exhibition and library in one of the other houses too but you aren't allowed to take photos in that house. Everything was really cute and I was so happy because I love The Moomins so much, and by now, all my friends would know how much I love Little My. 

Little sis and I spent a little over an hour here taking photos and just exploring. I was telling her how I would love to come back in winter if it's snowing. Imagine how pretty and magical it would look? But she told me I'm crazy because it would probably be freezing. >< 

We left Moominvalley at about 2ishpm, and there was even a little shop that sold Moomin merchandise outside! I didn't get anything though, I have too much Moomin stuff already, lol. We sat down for a little bit and rested up as I took a smoke. We left at about almost 3pm and made our way back to the station. Since it was still too early to go home, we both decided to head to Ikebukuro to walk around to kill some time. 

We were both already tired before the sunset and too lazy to wait around some more for it to get darker, so we just bought bento boxes again at Seibu food department and went home. 

I'm really happy about going to Moominvalley, helped me get my mind off things for a little bit. I'm glad little sis is here with me now, to be honest. I haven't felt like myself in quite a while and her being here helps.