Kinnotake Group to Host 'Edo Time Slip Experience' at Matsuzakaya Honten in Hakone from July 1st, Offering an Indoor Retreat 7°C Cooler than Tokyo and Free Stays for Kids

Matsuzakaya Honten, a historic inn established in 1662 and operated by Kinnotake Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hakone-machi, Kanagawa; President: Masaaki Yahata), which runs five inns and three restaurants in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, will host the "Edo Time Slip Festival." This indoor event, recreating Edo-period festivities, will be held for a limited time during the summer from Wednesday, July 1 to Monday, August 31, 2026.

Prior to this event, starting Monday, June 1, 2026, the inn has begun selling a special "Summer Family Plan (limited to rooms with open-air baths)" where up to two children of elementary school age or younger can stay for free (*Stay period: June 1 - September 30, 2026).

Addressing the "Indoor Retreat" Need in a Location 7°C Cooler than Tokyo Amid Disaster-Level Heat with Over 100,000 Emergency Transports According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, recent summers in Japan have continuously broken historical high-temperature records since statistics began, leading the Ministry of the Environment to issue "Heatstroke Alerts" almost daily.

The latest data released by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications shows that the number of emergency transports nationwide due to heatstroke during the summer (May to September of last year, 2025) exceeded 100,000, recording the highest number ever (100,510 people) since statistics began (*). Outdoor sightseeing with small children (such as queuing at theme parks or playing in parks) is now fraught with serious heatstroke risks.

Therefore, our inn, located in the "summer retreat of Hakone" where the temperature is about 7°C lower than the city center, and boasting a history of 364 years, has planned the "Edo Time Slip Festival" where guests can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese play in a cool indoor setting, avoiding the daytime heat. *Source: Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Emergency Transport Situation Due to Heatstroke (Cumulative data from May to September)"

Meeting the "Cultural Experience & Comfort" Demands of Inbound Families, Who Make Up 60% of Guests With the rapid increase in inbound (foreign visitors to Japan) family travel, Japanese ryokans (inns) are highly expected to be "the premier places to experience traditional culture."

Currently, about 60% of our guests are inbound tourists. To accommodate guests with diverse cultures and values, we offer "Vegan Kaiseki" utilizing Japanese culinary techniques. Furthermore, to alleviate anxiety during their stay due to language barriers, we provide thorough "multilingual support," explaining not only facility information but also how to play Edo-era games clearly in English. We propose a new style of family travel accommodation that balances "experiencing Japanese tradition and history" with the "comfort sought by modern families."

Overview of the "Traditional Festival" to Enjoy Edo with the Five Senses The "Bar Lounge" inside the inn will be used as a special space to host a festival recreating the bustle of the Edo period. Regardless of the weather or temperature, adults and children alike can enjoy it together in a comfortable indoor environment.

- Edo-style Bamboo Bow (Yokyu) A small bow target practice experience popular in the Edo period. Those who successfully hit the target will receive a nostalgic candy present. [Time] 15:00-20:00 / Next morning 8:00-11:00 [Price] Free (For those who post about their stay on social media, up to 2 arrows per person per post / up to twice during the stay)

- Yo-yo Fishing in a Wooden Tub Using tasteful wooden tubs to create a cool Edo waterside atmosphere (*Up to 2 yo-yos can be taken home per person). [Time] 15:00-20:00 / Next morning 8:00-11:00 [Price] Free

- Edo Ice (Special Shaved Ice) Japanese ingredients like "Matcha, Kuromitsu (black syrup), and Amazake" for adults, and "Strawberry and Mango" for children. [Time] 15:00-20:00 [Price] Free

- Edo Hand-drawn Paper Lantern Making Experience An experience where you can freely draw your favorite characters or pictures on a plain paper lantern with a brush. The finished product can be taken home as a memory of your trip. [Time] Anytime during your stay [Price] 880 yen (tax included)

- "Edo Play" Self-Corner Freely experience traditional Japanese games such as Tosenkyo (fan tossing), Koma (spinning tops), and Hanafuda "picture matching." [Time] Anytime during your stay [Price] Free

Summer Family Support "Kids Stay Free" Campaign & Ashinoko Fireworks Week Special Support With the desire for families to "cherish irreplaceable time spent together," we have prepared a special room plan where you can fully enjoy hot springs in a private space. In addition, to coincide with Hakone's summer tradition, "Ashinoko Fireworks Week," we will also implement special support exclusive to guests, allowing them to view the powerful fireworks comfortably while avoiding the crowds.

1. Overview of the "Summer Family Plan" Benefits: Accommodation and meals are free for up to 2 children of elementary school age or younger. Target Rooms: Rooms with open-air baths (Capacity: 4 people) Stay Period: Monday, June 1, 2026 - Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Reservation Period: Until Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Reservation Method: Book the "Summer Family Plan" from the Matsuzakaya Honten official website.