Hakone Kowakien Yunessun (箱根小涌園ユネッサン), the all-weather hot spring theme park located in ニノ平, Hakone, is kicking off a summer of Okinawa-themed experiences in conjunction with the broader Hakone Kowakien "Okinawa Haisai! Festival." Events run across multiple formats — an interactive water spraying program, summer-limited Okinawan dishes, craft activities, panel exhibitions, and live stage performances — from July through early September 2026.
The park, which marked its 25th anniversary on January 1, 2026, underwent its largest renovation since opening in 2023.
Boxappy's Cool Down Mission!
The signature summer program returning this year is "Boxappy's Cool Down Mission!" (ボザッピィのクールダウンミッション！), named after Yunessun's official character, Hakoneko Boxappy (ハコネコ ボザッピィ). During the program, mango-scented water is sprayed across the indoor venue while soap bubbles add to the festive atmosphere, all set to Okinawan-style music.
The program takes place in the "Sea of the Gods of the Aegean" (神々のエーゲ海) indoor zone of the swimwear-required hot spring area.
Period: July 18 (Saturday) – September 6 (Sunday), 2026
Schedule: Times to be announced; approximately 1–2 sessions per day
Scent: Mango
Entry to the swimwear hot spring area is required. Admission: adults (junior high school and above) from ¥2,500 (tax included); children (ages 3 and above) from ¥1,400 (tax included). A timed entry ticket may also be required on August 8 (Saturday) through August 16 (Sunday) — check the official website for details. The program may be modified or cancelled depending on weather and other conditions.
Summer-Limited Okinawan Menu at 小涌園 ハコネコ亭
小涌園 ハコネコ亭, which opened in March 2026 inside the "365-Day Festival Plaza" (365日お祭り広場) on the third floor of Yunessun, is offering a summer-limited Okinawan menu from July 1 through August 31, 2026.
The seasonal lineup includes Okinawan soba, taco rice, sata andagi (Okinawan fried doughnuts), beniimo goma dango (purple sweet potato sesame dumplings), and an original parfait made with Blue Seal ice cream — an ice cream brand beloved in Okinawa.
Period: July 1 (Wednesday) – August 31 (Monday), 2026
Hours: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (last order 6:30 PM)
Location: Third floor of Yunessun, 小涌園 ハコネコ亭 (outside the paid entry area)
Menu content and operating schedule are subject to change without notice.
Okinawa Cultural Activities
The "365-Day Festival Plaza" on the third floor (free admission area) hosts additional Okinawa-themed content running from July 1 through August 31, 2026.
Okinawa Craft Activities
Hands-on workshops include shisa (シーサー) painting and a craft taiko drum experience. Participation fee: from ¥1,000 (tax included). Content is subject to change.
"Protect the Coral!" Panel Exhibition & "Fish of Okinawa" Photo Exhibition
A panel display about the environment surrounding coral reefs runs alongside a photo exhibition featuring fish that inhabit Okinawa's waters. Both are free to attend and are recommended as material for children's summer research projects.
Stage Events
Daily stage events in the 365-Day Festival Plaza (free admission) feature authentic eisa (エイサー) performances by an eisa team, as well as staff performances incorporating Okinawan cultural elements. The full schedule is to be published on the Yunessun official website.
Official website: https://www.yunessun.com/tamatebako/detail/?CN=428090
About Hakoneko Boxappy
Hakoneko Boxappy is a cat that lives in the forests of Hakone. An avid hot spring lover, the character's box-like appearance inspired the name "Hakoneko Boxappy." Boxappy is a Hakoticchu Fold (ハコティッシュフォールド) of the Hako family, with a yellow body. Known for dancing samba, the character is sociable and affectionate — always cheerful, though occasionally prone to small mishaps.
About Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun opened in 2001 as an all-weather hot spring theme park. It underwent its largest renovation since opening in 2023, and celebrated its 25th anniversary on January 1, 2026. Drawing on its own natural spring source and expansive grounds, the facility continues to develop as a multi-experience resort destination.
Official website: https://www.yunessun.com/
