WebAR Experience Lets You 'Walk on the Moon' via Smartphone – Launches July 17 at Wakayama’s Nachikatsuura 'Space Festival'

Key Points

・As you walk in place with your smartphone, the moon's surface on screen moves in sync—offering a realistic WebAR experience of exploring the lunar terrain.

・No app installation required. Simply scan the QR code at the venue to launch the experience instantly.

・Interactive features include rocket launch animations and footprints that appear as you walk.

・A 'Moon Photo AR' feature allows visitors to take commemorative photos standing on the moon, ideal for sharing on social media.

・Part of a regional initiative to support 'KAIROS,' a private rocket launched from Kushimoto, Wakayama, cheered on from nearby Nachikatsuura.

Roden Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Osaka; Representative: Shusuke Shino) has developed and produced a WebAR content titled 'Moon Walk AR' for the summer experiential event 'Space Festival' held in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama. The experience allows visitors to 'walk and explore the moon' using only their smartphones.

The experience begins on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Kame no I Hotel Nachikatsuura, and from Saturday, July 18, at Sora-Miru Space Hall.

No dedicated app is required—simply scan the QR code at the venue to enjoy the experience for free.

At Sora-Miru Space Hall, the experience will be available permanently starting July 18.

※ Subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.

▲ Poster for the Space Festival at Kame no I Hotel Nachikatsuura

Space Festival at Kame no I Hotel Nachikatsuura

A summer festival themed around space!

A packed event featuring WebAR experiences such as 'Moon Walk Experience,' 'Moon AR Photo Booth,' and 'AR Rocket'—an AR model of the KAIROS rocket, nearly the same size as the real one—alongside games like shooting galleries, planet ball scooping, and target games.

Space Festival Event Dates

July 17 (Fri) – 18 (Sat)

July 24 (Fri) – 25 (Sat)

August 7 (Fri) – 10 (Mon)

August 14 (Fri) – 15 (Sat)

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (1F Entertainment Lounge)

※ The event may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

※ Some activities, such as shooting games and ball scooping, are paid.

※ Open to non-guests as well.

Kame no I Hotel Nachikatsuura: ☎ 0735-52-0333

A rocket nearly the same size as the KAIROS rocket appears in front of the hotel—perfect for photos and videos!

Also Enjoy: 'Moon Photo AR'

In addition to 'Moon Walk AR,' visitors can experience 'Moon Photo AR' to take commemorative photos as if standing on the moon. By pointing your smartphone camera, the area in front of you transforms into a colorful lunar landscape, allowing guests to enjoy a photo shoot 'on the moon.'

Special versions featuring the flags of Sora-Miru and Kame no I Hotel planted on the moon are available at the venue.

Photos taken can be saved directly to your smartphone and shared on social media. Available at Kame no I Hotel Nachikatsuura and Sora-Miru Space Hall.

※ Subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.

Background: Supporting Wakayama, the 'Town of Rockets'

The Kumano region, including Nachikatsuura, has long been known as a 'sacred land of falling stars.' Nearby Kushimoto Town is advancing launches of the private 'KAIROS' rocket, positioning Wakayama at the forefront of space development.

The 'Space Festival' connects the region’s unique story with cutting-edge space experiences, offering visitors an immersive 'astronaut experience.' 'Moon Walk AR' is a core component, aiming to bring space closer to local children and tourists, and to spark greater interest in homegrown rocket initiatives.

Event Overview

Contents: Moon Walk AR / Moon Photo AR / AR Rocket Photo Spot (WebAR, smartphone-based, no app required)

Venue ① & Period: Kame no I Hotel Nachikatsuura (216-19 Katsuura, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama) / 10-day event starting July 17, 2026 [7/17(Fri), 18(Sat), 24(Fri), 25(Sat), 8/7(Fri), 8(Sat), 9(Sun), 10(Mon), 14(Fri), 15(Sat)]

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 1F Entertainment Lounge (Indoor)

Venue ② & Period: Sora-Miru Space Hall (359 Nishimuki, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama) / Available from July 18, 2026

※ Facility admission fee required (AR experience is free for visitors)

Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM) ※ Closed: Third Wednesday, Year-end and New Year

Planned & Produced by: Roden Co., Ltd.

<Notes>

※ Dates and times are subject to change. Please check the official websites and SNS of each venue for the latest information. All images are for illustrative purposes.

Company Overview

Company Name: Roden Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 1201 Tower Mark North, 2-2-8 Doshima, Kita-ku, Osaka

Representative: Shusuke Shino

Business: Event planning and production / Digital content creation (WebAR, NFC, etc.) / Web and promotional design / Facility operation / Planning and sales of original IP products, etc.

URL: https://roden.co.jp/

Inquiries

Roden Co., Ltd.

E-mail: [email protected]