Chugoku Kappo Ryokan Kikusuitei, located in Tokorozawa, Saitama, is teaming up with integrated optical manufacturer Vixen (also headquartered in Tokorozawa) to present the "Parent-Child Summer Stargazing Event" on Friday, August 7, 2026. The event builds on a well-received stargazing program from the previous year, expanded with additional activities for children's summer vacation learning.
This hands-on family event combines stargazing with a DIY telescope kit, making it suitable for young children and an ideal theme for summer homework projects. Guests can enjoy a lakeside dinner followed by outdoor star observation — or choose a plan that pairs the large public bath with the stargazing session. Both day-trip options are available, letting families pick the experience that fits their evening.
In case of bad weather, the program moves indoors with a star and astronomy lecture using slides, and a constellation quiz game — so the fun continues rain or shine.
Event Highlights
Guided Stargazing with a Vixen Star Guide
Together with a Vixen star guide, guests observe summer constellations using telescopes and binoculars. The guide explains how to find stars and the mechanics of the universe in an accessible way, delivering an engaging stargazing experience even for first-timers.
DIY Telescope Kit (Elementary School Children Only)
Each participating elementary school child receives a kit to build their own approximately 3x-magnification telescope. Once built, the telescope is used in the actual observation session. The combined crafting-plus-observation format makes for a practical summer research project.
Flexible Plans: Dinner or Large Bath
Two plan options let families tailor the evening to their needs:
- Restaurant Tengaiten Set — Enjoy dinner first, then head outdoors for star observation.
- Sayama no Chayu (Large Bath) Set — Combine use of the spacious stone-lined bath with the stargazing session.
Event Overview
- Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
- Session 1: 8:30 PM – 9:15 PM
- Session 2: 9:30 PM – 10:15 PM
- In case of rain, the program switches to an indoor event.
- Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kikusuitei/facility/event/stargazing
- Reservations: Accommodation desk TEL: 04-2925-7111 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM) / Restaurant desk TEL: 04-2925-7114 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
Plan Details
Plan 1 — Restaurant Tengaiten Set
Guests dine at the restaurant first, then take part in the stargazing session — a relaxed way to spend a summer evening lakeside.
- Session: Session 1, 8:30 PM – 9:15 PM
- Price: ¥5,500 per person (service charge and tax included)
- Includes:
- Dinner (noodle set) — served at 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM, or 7:30 PM
- Stargazing event
- DIY telescope kit (elementary school children only)
- Reservations: Restaurant desk TEL: 04-2925-7114 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
- Booking URL: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kikusuitei/plan/tengaiten/summer/event_mealset
Plan 2 — Sayama no Chayu (Large Bath) Set
The inn's day-use bath normally closes at 7:00 PM, but this plan extends access until midnight. After stargazing, guests can warm up in the spacious stone bath or the tea-infused bath.
- Session: Session 2, 9:30 PM – 10:15 PM
- Price: ¥3,200 per person
- Includes:
- Large bath entry (towel set included) — available until midnight
- Stargazing event
- DIY telescope kit (elementary school children only)
- Reservations: Accommodation desk TEL: 04-2925-7111 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
- Booking URL: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kikusuitei/facility/dayspa/
Rainy-Day Indoor Program
| DIY Telescope Kit | Rainy-Day Program |
|---|---|
| Build an approximately 3x-magnification telescope; use it to observe the moon and document findings for a summer research project. | Star lecture (projected slides) and a constellation and space quiz game — learning through play, indoors. |
About Kikusuitei
Chugoku Kappo Ryokan Kikusuitei sits on the shores of Lake Tama in Tokorozawa, Saitama — about 50 minutes from central Tokyo. Opening in September 1990, the inn is known for the concept "Close to home, a leisurely reward for yourself." Its name comes from a verse by Tang-dynasty poet Yu Liangshi: "掬水月在手" (Scoop water and the moon rests in your hand), evoking the reflection of the moon on the lake's surface.
Lake Tama, which adjoins the inn, is designated as one of Japan's 100 Famous Moon-Viewing Spots, and the interplay of the moonlight on the water and the distant city lights creates a scene that resembles a painting. The building was designed by noted Japanese architect Yoshiro Ikehara, with a Western silhouette of triangular rooflines offset by delicate ironwork.
All 21 guest rooms face the lake. On clear days, Mt. Fuji is visible in the distance. The inn also features Restaurant Tengaiten, the large Sayama no Chayu stone bath, and sauna facilities.
- Address: 2942 Yamaguchi, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-1145
- Phone: 04-2925-7111
- Guest Rooms: 21
- Rates: From ¥21,280 per night (2 guests per room, tax and service charge included, meals separate)
- Access by Train: 1-minute walk from Seibu Yamaguchi Line "Seibu-en Yuenchi" Station; approximately 50 minutes from Ikebukuro or Seibu-Shinjuku Station via Seibu Railway
- Access by Car: Approximately 30 minutes from Tokorozawa IC (Kan-Etsu Expressway); approximately 20 minutes from Iruma IC (Ken-O Expressway)
- Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kikusuitei/
Reservations must be made at least 3 days before the event date. Menu and ingredients are subject to change depending on availability. Information in this article is current as of June 19, 2026, and may be subject to change.
