The Niyodo Blue Tourism Association is hosting a record 57 programs across six towns along Kochi's Niyodo River from September 26 to November 29, 2026, offering river activities, seasonal dining, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences centered on the river's brilliant blue waters.
enBED, a private all-inclusive villa hosting just one group of up to two guests per day in the forest of Takashima's Kutsuki area, Shiga Prefecture, is set to open in November 2026, built around a sauna, a Shigaraki-ware bath, and dining designed for a trip centered on doing nothing. A pre-opening giveaway offering three free overnight stays is open for entries through August 31, 2026.
Marinetopia Resort presents four scenic sauna stays for summer — a riverside gorge retreat in Hyogo, a Pacific Ocean villa in Chiba, a Miyazu Bay villa in Kyoto, and a Mount Fuji villa in Yamanashi — each offering a sweeping view straight from the sauna room.
Taiheizan Eishoin, a Soto Zen temple in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, has opened "Mino Seiryu no Oka," a satoyama park-style tree burial ground on a hillside overlooking the Nagara River, designed to ease the long-term burden of grave upkeep for families.
On Saturday, August 15, 2026, the Asakusa Tourism Federation and Sumida City once again float roughly 5,000 paper lanterns along both banks of the Sumida River, with more launch points added this year to shorten the wait for visitors hoping to send one downstream.
Waldorf Astoria Osaka will open reservations on July 23 for a special overnight stay plan tied to The 38th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival on October 17, offering an intimate way to enjoy the autumn fireworks from a private, uncrowded setting.