A Picture Book Forest Blooms in Sera, Hiroshima! Mori to Hana no Ehon Museum GardenLei" Opens Its Doors
A new spot for healing and discovery opens in Sera Town, Hiroshima.
A European-style restaurant with over 40 years of history, formerly known as Elegant (絵麗顔都 / Ereganto), has been transformed into a picture book-themed museum called "Mori to Hana no Ehon Museum GardenLei"—a fairytale escape nestled in the forest.
Inside, the original tables and chairs from the old restaurant are still in use, immersing visitors in a storybook-like world where the charm of the past meets the magic of picture books.
Main Building: Pop-up Picture Book Gallery
Wrapped in soft light and vines, the gallery features a curated collection of rare pop-up picture books.
You can enjoy reading in terrace seats or at the counter, all surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery—perfect for a relaxing escape.
Bookshelves in the main building
Quiet counter seats with garden views
Original picture book “Sera no Mori to Rei no Oyashiki” inspired by the museum (available in-store)
Annex: Museum Shop, Café, and Playroom
On the 1st floor, you’ll find a museum shop filled with original goods and artist-made items (note: the café is still under preparation—check the official site for updates).
Upstairs is a playroom where kids can take off their shoes and explore freely—great for families with young children.
1F Museum Shop
Terrace seats with vintage chairs from the original restaurant
2F Playroom & Picture Book Gallery
BLOOM ROOM Terrace: Flower Arrangements for Sale
At the terrace building, Museum Flower Studio BLOOM ROOM, you can buy base-included bouquets and boxed flowers crafted by local florist Aiko Souther, a Sera native.
If she’s present, you can even request a custom arrangement with your favorite flowers.
BLOOM ROOM Studio
Florist Aiko Souther
Bouquets with vases ready for display
Inside the BLOOM ROOM
Fairy Tale Garden: Seasonal Flowers and Sera Pond
At the heart of the museum grounds lies Sera Pond, surrounded by seasonal flowers and trees planted by the former restaurant’s owner.
It’s a whimsical slice of paradise, truly worthy of the name “Forest and Flower Picture Book Museum.”
Sera Pond with water lilies and swimming medaka fish
Facility Info
"Mori to Hana no Ehon Museum GardenLei"
Address: 1780-1 Hongo, Sera-cho, Sera-gun, Hiroshima (formerly “Elegant”) Google MAP
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
Admission: Adults (middle school and up) ¥1,000 / Children (ages 4 to elementary school) ¥300
Closed: Tuesdays, winter break
Parking: 33 standard spaces (no bus parking)
Visitor Notes
- 3 restrooms available (1 unisex, 2 women-only)
- Smoking is strictly prohibited indoors and outdoors
- Re-entry and refunds are not allowed
- Please avoid waiting on the road when parking is full
- Photography and social media posts are welcome—please follow basic etiquette
- Please refrain from photographing or sharing pages beyond the cover of commercial picture books
- Photography and social media posting of museum-original books is allowed
- Pets are allowed only in the garden and terrace areas (with proper manners)
- Outside food is not permitted—please use the on-site takeaway café
- Takeaway items can be consumed anywhere indoors except the 2F playroom in the annex
- Check the museum's social channels for updates on temporary closures and events
RAW JAPAN Comment
It’s like stepping into a Ghibli-style fairytale—
The newly opened “Mori to Hana no Ehon Museum GardenLei” in Sera, Hiroshima, transforms a former restaurant into a warm, whimsical world of picture books and nature.
From the sun-dappled pop-up book gallery and the dreamy floral studio to the storybook-like garden and pond, every corner feels like a scene from your favorite tale.
Whether you're a child or an adult, this is a perfect hideaway to leave the real world behind—just for a little while.
If you’re traveling through Hiroshima, don’t miss this quietly magical museum.
P.S. While reading Mieru toka Mienai toka by Shinsuke Yoshitake to my child, I found myself utterly absorbed—its gentle emotional punch left me speechless.
It’s a book every adult should read, too.
Source
This article is a translated and adapted summary based on a press release from PR TIMES.
Images courtesy of PR TIMES / Sera Kogen Farm Co., Ltd.