From July 8 to August 15, 2026, Kinnotake Sengokuhara celebrates the intersection of two celestial Japanese stories: Tanabata, the annual meeting of star-crossed lovers, and The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (Taketori Monogatari), the legend of Princess Kaguya. The event concludes on August 15, the traditional date of the Princess’s departure to the moon, providing a seasonal framework for guests to engage with local folklore within the inn’s bamboo-themed environment.
A Tale of Two Legends: Tanabata and Princess Kaguya
The Star Festival, or Tanabata, typically centers on the once-a-year meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi. At Kinnotake Sengokuhara, this tradition is paired with the story of Princess Kaguya, who was found inside a glowing bamboo stalk. The property’s aesthetic, which heavily features bamboo, serves as a physical connection to these narratives. Guests are invited to reflect on these stories while surrounded by the natural scenery of Hakone.
Win a Luxury Stay Through the Tanabata Campaign
During the festival period, guests staying at the property can participate in a traditional wish-writing ritual at Bar bamboo. By writing a wish on a tanzaku (a small strip of colored paper) and hanging it on a bamboo branch, visitors are entered into a lottery for a complimentary one-night stay for two at Kinnotake Tonosawa, valid for July 2027. The prize, which includes two meals, is part of a broader campaign across the group’s properties to celebrate the season.
The bar also offers a selection of limited-edition Star Festival cocktails. These include green tea-flavored creations and non-alcoholic mocktails designed to reflect the colors of the night sky. For those seeking a more secluded experience, these drinks can be enjoyed in the “Crystal Room,” an intimate space on the B1 floor designed for quiet conversation and reflection.
Dedicated Prayer Offerings at Hakone Shrine
To ensure the sincerity of the guests’ wishes, all tanzaku strips collected during the campaign will be formally offered to the historic Hakone Shrine after the event concludes. This practice allows visitors to connect with the spiritual heritage of the region. Hakone Shrine is a significant site in local culture, known for its long history of protecting the faith and traditions of the area.
Sister properties in the region are also hosting related events. Kinnotake Tonosawa and Matsuzakaya Honten will hold their Tanabata celebrations earlier in the season, from June 7 to July 7, 2026. These events include their own lottery prizes, ranging from stay vouchers worth up to 100,000 yen to cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies and the opportunity to wear traditional armor at Matsuzakaya Honten.
Property details
- Property
- Kinnotake Sengokuhara
- Address
- Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa
- Official site
- https://kinnotake-resorts.com/en/
- Rooms
- 9
