Every year on August 16, Kyoto marks the close of the Obon season with Gozan Okuribi, the traditional bonfire lighting that colors the summer night sky. In the Doda district, home to THE CHAPTER KYOTO, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, the same evening brings a lively Bon dance festival, with locals gathering to watch the Daimonji bonfire glow over Nyoigatake in Sakyo Ward.
To celebrate its 5th anniversary and thank the local community and loyal guests, THE CHAPTER KYOTO, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is holding a one-day-only "Natsu Matsuri" (Summer Festival) event on August 16, inviting KI NO BI global ambassador Masashi "Marcy" Sakuma as guest bartender for a special cocktail experience paired with a dinner buffet.
Natsu Matsuri Dinner Buffet and Cocktail Event
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Venue: Chapter The Grill
Price: ¥5,000 per adult (tax and service charge included), including the dinner buffet and drinks (an additional charge applies for some menu items)
Reservations: https://www.tablecheck.com/ja/shops/hiyorichapter-kyoto-thegrill/reserve
Chapter The Grill website: https://www.chapterthegrill.chapterkyoto.com/
Guest Bartender: Masashi "Marcy" Sakuma
During roughly a decade spent in the United Kingdom, Sakuma trained at bars and restaurants including ROKA, immersing himself in world-class cocktail culture. After returning to Japan, he joined The Kyoto Distillery — maker of the Kyoto dry gin KI NO BI — as a distiller, spending three years on gin production before becoming manager of the KI NO BI House. He later became global ambassador, leading seminars and events in more than 10 countries, including Japan, to spread the word about KI NO BI. He also oversees KI NO BI's global drink strategy as the brand ships to more than 50 countries worldwide, exploring its potential through cocktails, pairings, and other approaches.
A special stay plan including the dinner event has also been prepared for guests looking to make the most of a Kyoto summer.
Kyoto Summer Special Stay Plan
Stay dates: Sunday, August 16 – Monday, August 17, 2026
Price: From ¥29,887 (per room, single occupancy, one night; tax and service charge included, accommodation tax separate)
Includes: One night, two days
- "Natsu Matsuri" dinner buffet with the guest bartender cocktail event
- Breakfast buffet
- Special amenities
(On request, guests can also join the Doda district Bon dance festival and view the Daimonji Okuribi bonfire.)
Reservations: https://www.marriott.com/ja/offers/bon-dance-experience-off-236834/osakt-the-chapter-kyoto-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel
Email: TP.OSAKT.Reservations@tributeportfolio.com
THE CHAPTER KYOTO, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel also features a large communal bath with a semi-open-air section fed by spring water drawn from beneath the property, where guests can soak away the fatigue of travel.
After the one-night-only event, guests are welcome to unwind and enjoy the rest of their evening in Kyoto.
Hotel Information
THE CHAPTER KYOTO, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel: https://www.marriott.com/ja/hotels/osakt-the-chapter-kyoto-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel/overview/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechapter.kyoto/
