Sylvanian Families

Sylvanian Families is a beloved dollhouse series created by EPOCH COMPANY, LTD., depicting a gentle and dreamlike world where animal characters live together in harmony amid a beautiful green forest. Since its debut in 1985, the series has embodied the themes of Nature, Family, and Love, nurturing creativity, empathy, and an appreciation for the natural world. Through its detailed figures, houses, and accessories, Sylvanian Families is still attractive.

The brand quickly became a national sensation in Japan upon its launch in 1985, earning the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award the same year. International sales began in 1986, and between 1987 and 1989, Sylvanian Families received the UK Toy of the Year Award for three consecutive years. Over the decades, the world of Sylvanian Families has steadily expanded, both in Japan and abroad, with significant milestones marking its journey.

In 1995, the iconic Red Roof Country Home was introduced, followed by the opening of the first themed restaurant, Sylvanian Forest Kitchen, in Kichijoji in 1999. The launch of My First Sylvanian Families and the Chocolate Rabbit Family in 2007 brought the series to a new generation of fans. Two years later, the first specialty store, Sylvanian Families Mori no Ouchi (Forest House), opened at Ami Premium Outlets.

In 2018, Sylvanian Park opened within Komorebi Mori no Ibaraki Ibaride in Ibaraki Prefecture, followed by another park in Harvest Hill in Sakai, Osaka, in 2020. The brand continued to grow with the 2023 debut of Mori no Ouchi Premium in Sunshine City, as well as the release of the 3DCG animated film Sylvanian Families the Movie: Gift from Freya. In 2024, the hands-on experience facility Mori no Ōkina Ouchi (The Big Forest House) opened in Tokyo Solamachi, offering visitors a chance to step into the Sylvanian world.

Today, Sylvanian Village is home to 46 families of different animal species, along with 19 characters living outside the village. Loved by fans in more than 80 countries and regions, Sylvanian Families celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, marking four decades of timeless storytelling and imaginative play.

Throughout this anniversary year, various commemorative events have been held across Japan, including pop-up stores, special exhibitions, limited-edition merchandise releases, meet-and-greet events with favourite characters, stage performances, social media campaigns, and lotteries. Among the ongoing celebrations, the Sylvanian Families 40th Anniversary Exhibition in Nagoya stands as a highlight, inviting fans to explore the charm, craftsmanship, and enduring appeal of the Sylvanian world.

Experiencing Sylvanian Families

Sylvanian Families Park

One of the most immersive ways to experience the world of Sylvanian Families is by visiting a Sylvanian Families Park. In these parks, the village is enlarged to life-size proportions, allowing visitors to walk through the streets and houses. This scale gives the impression of being part of the Sylvanian world, which is normally seen as a miniature world inhabited by tiny creatures.

One example is Sylvanian Park in Komorebi Mori no Ibaraido in Inashiki, Ibaraki Prefecture. This outdoor-themed park allows visitors to stroll through the village, explore iconic locations such as the Large Red Roofed House of the Chocolate Rabbit Family, and engage in interactive activities.

A similar experience can be found in Sylvanian Park in Harvest Hill, Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, where guests can enjoy exploring the village, solving quizzes, and participating in various mini-games.

Sylvanian Village Grinpa, located within the Grinpa amusement park in Shizuoka Prefecture, offers a fully immersive Sylvanian Families atmosphere. The park features ride attractions, playgrounds, and the Sylvanian Kitchen dining experience. A unique highlight is the adjusted camping area, where Sylvanian-style houses and cottages serve as accommodations. The park’s location at the foot of Mount Fuji also provides stunning scenic views, enhancing the overall experience.

Sylvanian Families Playroom

Sylvanian Families Playrooms invite visitors into a charming miniature world filled with warmth and imagination. Designed as peaceful indoor spaces, these playrooms allow children and adults alike to immerse themselves in the life of the Sylvanian Families through hands-on play, dollhouses, and detailed dioramas.

Visitors can enjoy arranging furniture, dressing the characters, and creating their own stories with the beloved animal families. Many playrooms, such as the ones at Karuizawa Toys’ Kingdom and Blume no Oka Agricultural Park in Shiga, feature themed photo spots, limited-edition displays, and special merchandise corners.

Sylvanian Forest Kitchen

Sylvanian Forest Kitchen provides a dining experience set in the whimsical world of Sylvanian Families. Visitors can enjoy themed dishes presented alongside small exclusive figures, meet Sylvanian characters, and experience live shows. Similar experiences are offered at Sylvanian Village in Grinpa and at Sylvanian Forest Kitchen in Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture.

Crafting Experience with Sylvanian Families

Fans of Sylvanian Families can enjoy creating handmade accessories and clothing for their favourite characters through a unique crafting experience. This opportunity is provided through a collaboration between the Sylvanian Families brand (EPOCH) and the Craft Heart Tokai group, a leading Japanese craft store chain offering a wide range of hobby and DIY supplies, including fabrics, sewing materials, beads, and crafting kits.

Together, they established Mori no Shugeiya (Forest Craft Shop), which is integrated into Craft Heart Tokai stores. These shops feature official Sylvanian Families merchandise alongside original items and workshops designed to enhance the enjoyment of Sylvanian Families through crafting. Visitors can purchase DIY kits complete with materials and detailed instructions, allowing them to create clothing and accessories for their favourite Sylvanian characters at home or in-store.

Craft Heart Tokai group stores also organise Sylvanian Families handmade workshops across Japan. Workshops are not held at every location and vary by store, so checking each shop’s website is recommended to confirm dates, offerings, and participation details.

A complete list of Mori no Shugeiya (Forest Craft Shop) locations can be found on their website (Japanese language).

Sylvanian Families Shops

Sylvanian Families – Mori no Ouchi (Forest House) is a charming, family-friendly store where visitors can step into the delightful world of Sylvanian Village. Guests can enjoy playing in the dedicated play area, taking commemorative photos with Sylvanian characters, and exploring beautifully arranged displays of the village and its homes. Forest House offers an immersive experience where families can bond, have fun, and fully enjoy the whimsical world of Sylvanian Families, making it much more than just a store.

Among these are Sylvanian Families – Mori no Ouchi Premium Stores, which are special locations offering a wide variety of original products, fun services, and exciting campaigns. Visitors can enjoy beautiful displays and dedicated photo spots, while discovering items that are exclusive to Premium stores or available for early release. A unique feature of the Premium stores is the “Forest Baby Concierge”. At each Premium location, adorable babies dressed in concierge outfits greet guests, adding a charming and memorable touch to the visit.

Mori no Ōkina Ouchi Tokyo Solamachi Store (The Big Forest House) is the most special of all stores, serving as an interactive museum where visitors can experience the world of Sylvanian Families. The museum features detailed diorama displays that recreate scenes from Sylvanian Village, arrangements by dollhouse artists, and a history gallery showcasing the development of the series. Large photo spots are also available for visitors to take pictures with Sylvanian characters.

The shop area offers a wide selection of Sylvanian Families products, including houses, figures, and items also available at Forest House Premium stores. The venue regularly hosts the popular Sylvanian Families lottery, as well as workshops and seasonal events, with contents varying depending on the period. Access to the shop is limited to guests who have entered the main exhibition area, and payment is made together at the entrance register. The final admission time is 8:30 p.m.

List of all stores, organised by prefecture

Hokkaido

Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima Store
Address: Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima, Clover Mall, 2nd Floor, 3-7-6 Omagarisaiwaicho, Kitahiroshima

Miyagi

Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port Store 
Address: Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port, 2nd Floor, 3−7−2, Nakano, Miyagino Ward, Sendai 

Izumi Park Town Tapio Store
Address: Izumi Park Town Tapio, 1st Floor, 6−5−1, Teraoka, Izumi Ward, Sendai

Ibaraki

Ami Premium Outlets Store
Address: Ami Premium Outlets, 4-1-1 Yoshiwara, Ami, Inashiki District

Tochigi

Nasu Garden Outlet Store
Address: Nasu Garden Outlet, 184-7 Shionosaki, Nasushiobara

Chiba

Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu, Store
Address: Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu, 3−1−1 Kanedahigashi, Kisarazu

Shisui Premium Outlet Store
Address: Shisui Premium Outlet, 2-4-1 Iizumi, Shisui, Inba District

Saitama

LaLaport Fujimi Store
Address: LaLaport Fujimi 3rd Floor, 1-1313 Yamamuro, Fujimi

Mitsui Outlet Park Iruma Store
Address: Mitsui Outlet Park Iruma, 1st Floor, Building A, 3169-1 Miyadera, Iruma

Tokyo

Shibuya PARCO Store
Address: Shibuya PARCO, 5th Floor, Shibuya PARCO, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
This store is a Premium Store.

Sunshine City Store
Address: Sunshine City, Alpa 2nd floor, 3-1-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo
This store is a Premium Store.

Marronnier Gate Store
Address: Marronnier Gate, Ginza 1 Store, 3rd Floor, Marronnier Gate Ginza 1, 2-2-14 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
This store is a Premium Store.

Mori no Ōkina Ouchi (Big Forest House) Tokyo Solamachi Store
Address: Mori no Ōkina Ouchi, 5th Floor, Solamachi, Tokyo Skytree Town, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida Ward, Tokyo

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza Store
Address: DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, 5th Floor, 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo

Coppice Kichijoji Store
Address: Coppice Kichijoji, 5th Floor, Building A, 1-11-5 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino

Kanagawa

Lazona Kawasaki Plaza Store
Address: Lazona Kawasaki Plaza, 3rd Floor, 72-1 Horikawa-cho, Saiwai Ward, Kawasaki

Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama Bayside Store
Address: Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama Bayside, 1st Floor, Block A, 5-2 Shiroho, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama

Yokohama World Porters Store
Address: Yokohama World Porters, 5th Floor, 2-2-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama

Toyama

Mitsui Outlet Park Hokuriku Oyabe Store
Address: Mitsui Outlet Park Hokuriku Oyabe, 2nd Floor, 972-1 Nishinakano, Oyabe

Nagano

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza Store
Address: Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (West), 1178 Karuizawa, Karuizawamachi, Kitasaku District

Aichi

Nagoya PARCO Store
Address: Nagoya PARCO West Building, B1 Floor, 3-29-1 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya
This store is a Premium Store.

Maker's Pier Store
Address: Maker's Pier, 2-7-1 Kinjofuto, Minato Ward, Nagoya

Sylvanian Families – Playroom / Little Sweets Shop Central Park
Address: 2-7-1 Kinjo-futo, Minato-ku, Nagoya

mozo Wonder City Store
Address: mozo Wonder City, 3rd Floor, 40 Futakatacho, Nishi Ward, Nagoya

AEON MALL Nagakute Store
Address: AEON MALL Nagakute, 4th Floor, 501 Shonyuzuka, Nagakute

Mie

Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima Store
Address: Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima, 2nd Floor, 368 Urayasu, Nagashimacho, Kuwana

Shiga

MITSUI OUTLET PARK Shiga Ryuo Store
Address: MITSUI OUTLET PARK Shiga Ryuo, 1178-694 Yakushi, Sunayama, Ryuocho, Gamo District

Kyoto

Jigsaw puzzle shop Master Piece - Aeon Mall Kyoto Katsuragawa Store
Address: Jigsaw puzzle shop Master Piece - Aeon Mall Kyoto Katsuragawa, 3rd Floor, 376-1 Kuze Takadacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto

Osaka

Daimaru Umeda Store 
Address: Daimaru Umeda, 5th Floor, 3-1-1 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka
This store is a Premium Store.

Abeno Q’s Mall Store
Address: Abeno Q’s Mall, 3rd Floor, 1-6-1 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward

Aeon Mall Sakai Teppocho Store
Address: Aeon Mall Sakai Teppocho, 2nd Floor, 1 Teppocho, Sakai Ward, Sakai

Mitsui Outlet Park Osaka Kadoma Store
Address: Mitsui Outlet Park Osaka Kadoma, 2nd Floor, 1-11 Matsuocho, Kadoma

Hyogo

Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe Store
Address: Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe, 2nd Floor, 12-2 Kaigandori, Tarumi Ward, Kobe

with sweets Kobe Harborland umie MOSAIC Store
Address: Kobe Harborland umie MOSAIC, 2nd Floor, 1-6-1 Higashikawasakicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe

AEON MALL Kobe Kita Store
Address: AEON MALL Kobe Kita, 3rd Floor, Specialty Store Area, 8-1-1 Kozudai, Kita Ward, Kobe

Okayama

Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki Store
Address: Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki, 2nd Floor, 12-3 Kotobukicho, Kurashiki

Hiroshima

THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA Store
Address: THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA, 2nd Floor, 4-1-1 Ishiuchi-higashi, Saeki Ward, Hiroshima

Fukuoka

Fukuoka PARCO Store
Address: Fukuoka PARCO, 5th Floor, 2-11-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
This store is a Premium Store.

THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU Store
Address: THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU, 1st Floor, 4-1-1 Higashida, Yahatahigashi Ward, Kitakyushu

Okinawa

Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa Store
Address: Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa, 1-188 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku

with sweets San-A Urasoe Nishikaigan PARCO CITY Store
Address: San-A Urasoe Nishikaigan PARCO CITY, 3rd Floor, 3-1-1 Nishizu, Urasoe

Sylvanian Families Japan Official Website
Sylvanian Families Mori no Shugeiya (Forest Craft Shop) Official Website
Sylvanian Families 40th Anniversary Special Site
Sylvanian Families – Mori no Ouchi (Forest House) Official Website
EPOCH Co., Ltd. Official Website