The historic Ohana estate in Yanagawa, Fukuoka — a traditional inn still managed by descendants of the Tachibana clan, former lords of the Yanagawa domain — is hosting a summer collaboration with CRAFCULT, a creative unit led by Hiroki Ito, the eighth-generation heir to Ito Gonjiro Shoten, a 200-year-old lantern shop based in Yame City. The collaboration offers a special concept room called "Gokuraku-no-Ma" and a nighttime canal boat ride called "Yokai Fune," both available for a limited time. CRAFCULT is known for blending traditional craft techniques with a modern sensibility to create a distinctive world inspired by lantern-making heritage.
"Gokuraku-no-Ma": A Refined Spooky Stay
The "Gokuraku-no-Ma" is a concept room that brings together yokai (supernatural creature) culture, traditional lantern art, fine arts, collectibles, and intellectual play — all within a single guest room at Ohana.
The space is lit by yokai lanterns and the warm glow of skeleton collection artwork "REAL OBON," creating a fantastical atmosphere that gently draws guests toward another world. A plan-exclusive welcome sweet — a deep crimson gelato paired with original yokai cookies — sets the mood for the stay.
A "Yokai Library" curated by Ohana is also set up in the room, stocked with books on yokai, ghost stories, and folklore. Guests can see, read, learn, and play — enjoying a multi-layered stay experience. Rare reprinted "Edo Yokai Karuta" card decks are also available for loan to interested guests.
Gokuraku-no-Ma Plan Details
- Period: July 1 (Wed) – August 31 (Mon), 2026
- Reservations open: June 14 (Thu), 2026
- Price: From ¥59,820 (per room for 2 guests, includes accommodation, plan fee, breakfast, tax, and service charge)
- Room: Kurosubaki — limited to 1 room per day
- Reservations: Available on the official website
Note: Yokai lantern designs may vary.
"Yokai Fune": A Nighttime Canal Ride Through Yanagawa
Yanagawa has long been known as a town where kappa (water spirits) are said to dwell. The "Yokai Fune" takes guests along the city's historic moats at night, with yokai lanterns casting a dreamlike light over the dark water.
As the boat drifts slowly through the moat, the boatman shares local kappa legends that have been passed down through generations. The only sounds are the gentle lapping of water and the rhythm of the pole. Holding a ramune soda — a classic summer treat — guests can connect with the stories and memories embedded in this water-shaped land. It is a night boat experience unique to Yanagawa.
Yokai Fune Option Details
- Period: July 1 (Wed) – August 31 (Mon), 2026
- Reservations open: June 14 (Thu), 2026
- Price: ¥32,000 per private charter (one boat)
- Duration: 7:30 PM – 8:10 PM (40 minutes)
- Reservations: Select as an "Option" when booking accommodation on the official website
Note: In case of rain, yokai lanterns and yokai books will be brought to the guest room along with a ramune soda and a yokai goods gift.
Note: During the Kikai Yako event period (August 13–16 and August 21–22, 2026), only shared boats are available at ¥4,500 per person (maximum 10 passengers).
Art Event "Kikai Yako" Returns This Year
The art event "Kikai Yako" is back for another year. Set within Ohana's cultural heritage grounds — a national scenic site with approximately 300 years of history — the event showcases yokai lanterns created by Ito Gonjiro Shoten alongside new works specially crafted for the exhibition, drawing inspiration from past yokai lanterns and a scroll of yokai art handed down within the Tachibana family. The event offers a fantastical nighttime experience at the intersection of cultural heritage and Japan's ancient tradition of the supernatural.
- Period: August 13 (Thu)–16 (Sun) and August 21 (Fri)–22 (Sat), 2026 (6 days total)
- Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (last entry 8:30 PM)
Note: The theme for the 2026 Kikai Yako will be announced in June.
