Mercure Wakayama Kushimoto Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive resort hotel perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, has announced three summer-exclusive stay plans for the 2026 summer vacation season. The lineup includes a sea urchin lamp craft experience, a sparkler set plan, and a pool float and beach ball plan, giving families a variety of ways to enjoy the season at this coastal resort.
Plan 1: Sea Urchin Lamp Craft Experience Stay — Perfect for Summer Vacation Projects
Guests on this plan can create their own one-of-a-kind "sea urchin lamp" using sea urchin shells, seashells, sea glass, and other materials collected from the Kushimoto coastline. The workshop is guided by a local expert with deep knowledge of Kushimoto's natural environment, who explains the rich marine ecosystem nurtured by the Kuroshio Current in an engaging, accessible way.
Since the workshop takes place inside the hotel, participants can enjoy the activity comfortably regardless of weather or heat. The finished lamp is available to take home as a memento of the trip. As the materials used are sourced directly from the local sea, the experience also lends itself well to school summer vacation research projects.
Plan Overview
- Stay period: July 1, 2026 (Wednesday) – August 30, 2026 (Sunday) ※Some dates excluded
- Included: Sea urchin lamp craft experience (1 piece per room), 1-night 2-day stay, dinner and breakfast buffet, lounge, garden pool, hot spring
- Age requirement: Elementary school age and above (guardian required)
- Details: https://mercure-wakayamakushimoto-resortandspa.jp/plan/seaurchinlamp/
Materials such as sea urchin shells may vary depending on availability.
Pool may not be open on all dates during the plan period.
Plan 2: Sparklers Plan — A Summer Night to Remember
This plan includes a set of hand-held sparklers for families and groups to enjoy after a day of playing in the garden pool and using the hotel's facilities. Evenings can be spent lighting sparklers together for a classic summer night experience.
Plan Overview
- Stay period: July 18, 2026 (Saturday) – August 29, 2026 (Saturday)
- Included: Hand-held sparkler set (35 pieces per room), 1-night 2-day stay, dinner and breakfast buffet, lounge, garden pool, hot spring
- Details: https://mercure-wakayamakushimoto-resortandspa.jp/plan/sparklers/
Necessary accessories such as a bucket will be provided by the hotel.
Children must be accompanied by a guardian.
Sparklers must be used in designated areas (until 9:00 PM).
Waiting time may occur during busy periods.
Guests may not bring their own sparklers.
Plan 3: Pool Float & Beach Ball Plan — Enjoy the Pool Without Extra Luggage
For families who want to travel light, this plan includes a float and beach ball so there is no need to pack bulky pool gear. Both items can be taken home after the stay, making them a practical souvenir as well.
Plan Overview
- Stay period: July 18, 2026 (Saturday) – August 29, 2026 (Saturday)
- Included: Float and beach ball set (1 set per room), 1-night 2-day stay, dinner and breakfast buffet, lounge, garden pool, hot spring
- Details: https://mercure-wakayamakushimoto-resortandspa.jp/plan/poolgoods/
Float design is at the hotel's discretion.
Float size is 100 cm.
Seasonal Garden Pool with Ocean Views
The garden pool on the first floor courtyard features an open setting with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Both an adult pool and a shallow children's pool (approximately 30 cm deep) are available, making it suitable for families with young children. Guests can enjoy a resort experience while taking in the refreshing sea breeze of the Nanki region.
- Operating period: July 4, 2026 (Saturday) – September 13, 2026 (Sunday)
- Hours: AM 9:00–11:00 / PM 1:00–5:30
- Location: First floor courtyard
- Details: https://mercure-wakayamakushimoto-resortandspa.jp/activities/pool/
Operating days and hours may vary by season.
Outside the summer vacation period (July 19–August 29), the pool operates on weekends and holidays only.
Operations may be modified due to weather conditions.
All-Inclusive Dinner and Breakfast Buffet
From April 1, 2026, marking the hotel's second anniversary, the buffet restaurant "Locavore" introduced a new "Marché" concept for its Food & Beverage offerings. The dining experience is designed around the joy of discovery, the excitement of a live kitchen where dishes are prepared right before guests' eyes, and the freshness of local ingredients. New local menu items include the Kumano Beef Spicy Curry, made with Kumano Beef — a Wakayama Prefecture branded wagyu — which has become a recommended dish at the hotel.
Menu items may change depending on ingredient availability.
About Mercure Wakayama Kushimoto Resort & Spa
Located on a hilltop at the southernmost tip of Honshu in Kushimoto — a place rich in natural beauty — the resort offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean alongside the scenic and nationally designated natural monument Hashigui-iwa Rock formation. Guests can enjoy sunrise and star-gazing from the open-air hot spring bath, while all meals and drinks (including alcohol) at the lounge and during dinner are included in the room rate. The lounge also serves local sweets. Marine activities such as diving, kayaking, and fishing are popular in the area.
- Address: 1184-10 Sango-dai, Kushimoto, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-3510
- Reservations: 03-6627-4730 (Reservation Center)
- Access: Approximately 5 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Kushimoto Station, or about 15 minutes on foot
- Official website: https://mercure-wakayamakushimoto-resortandspa.jp/
