Fairytale Experiences at Nukumori-no-mori

Embrace your inner woodland elf in this whimsical, enchanted village.

Little houses with roses in the windowboxes (Photo: rachel teo)

rachel teo Aug 16, 2024 - 4 min read

Located in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Nukumori-no-mori is a small, themed tourist attraction that has shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is perfect for taking themed photos, or just to have a whimsical wander around.

Looking around, there are little winding streets lined with potted plants, trees, and cottages of varying sizes. There are small, dainty, mushroom-shaped ones – just big enough for a grown adult to fit into, as well as large ones that make you wish and wonder. Cottages are meticulously decorated with metal watering cans, wheelbarrows, wooden signs, and potted plants; with roses in window boxes, and succulents in terracotta pots.

Little houses with roses in the windowboxes

Cute little buildings like a watermill or a little waterfall fountain are scattered around the area for visitors to view and enjoy. A delight for the imagination all around!

Little mushroom house that you can sit down in

Nukumori-no-mori used to be the personal residence of Sasaki Shigeyoshi, an architect, who designed each of the buildings in the park. His idea was to create a little forest village, and he set out to develop and design each building and structure. The park was built over many years beginning in 1993, and it still continues to evolve and expand today. The cottage in which he used to live, the Nukumori Galleria, now serves as a little museum that tells visitors about the area. Visitors can experience the cottage as an actual living space, and admire the unique architecture of the cottage.

Cute little cottages with ivy climbing the walls

There are 12 stores inside the park. There are 5 shops that provide meals and snacks; a gelateria, a cheesecake store that sells cheesecakes in jars, some cafes, and a restaurant. There is also an owl and chinchilla café that lets you hang out and cuddle with them for a fee. The other boutiques sell wares including pottery and tableware, cute handmade items, leather goods, essential oils, and handmade jewelry.

The little shops are dainty and small, giving off a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. With narrow stairs and full shelves, they beckon you to come look – at cute little trinkets that which you’ll want to fill your home with.

Their website also reflects the fantasy vibe, and has a very folklore, fairytale feel to it.

If you’re getting there from Tokyo Station, take the Hikari Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Hamamatsu (5 stops, about 1 hour 25 minutes). Walk for 4 min to Hamamatsu Station to the bus terminal, and catch the Entetsu Bus service from Platform 1, Bus 30, bound for Tateyamadera (舘山寺). Alight at Sujikaibashi (すじかい橋)(about 40 minutes, 33 stops), and walk 350m (about 4-7 min).

If you’re driving, Nukumori-no-mori is about 30 minutes from Hamamatsu City. Parking is free, and is available on-site.

Nukumori-no-mori is open everyday except Thursdays, from 10:00 – 17:00 (with the last admissions at 16:30). Tickets are 500yen per person, and admission is free for children in the elementary school age and below. If it’s your birthday, admission is free if you flash some ID.

There are some pet-friendly areas in the park, please read their visitation guide and FAQs if you are bringing your pet with you.