Known as Calico Critters overseas, Sylvanian Families began in Japan in 1985 and remains hugely popular here. Beyond the collectible animal-family dolls and their tiny furnished houses, Japan is home to real-world Sylvanian theme parks and villages where you can step into their world.
There are several: Sylvanian Park at Harvest Hill in Osaka, Sylvanian Park Ibaraido in Ibaraki, Sylvanian Village at Grinpa near Mount Fuji, and the Sylvanian Forest Kitchen themed restaurant.
Sylvanian Families are collectible animal-family figures with detailed clothing, houses, and furniture, made by the Japanese company Epoch since 1985. They are sold internationally as Calico Critters and have a large adult-collector following.
Sylvanian Park at Harvest Hill sits at the Harvest Hill farm park in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, and is the best-known Sylvanian attraction in the Kansai region.
