Fairfield by Marriott's Michinoeki Project, in partnership with the roadside station Michinoeki Kannabe Kogen, is hosting a new early-morning program called "Mount Kannabe Early-Morning Hike & Summit Breakfast — Tasting the Land's Volcanic Bounty" on Sunday, October 11 and Sunday, November 8, 2026. The event is open to guests staying at Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Kannabe Kogen the night before.
Fairfield by Marriott's Michinoeki Project operates 29 stay-focused hotels across Japan, encouraging travelers to use each property as a base for exploring undiscovered local charm. Built around the concept "Quest the Unknown Japan," the project is designed to introduce guests to region-specific experiences and lesser-known attractions around the country.
The stage for this event, Kannabe Kogen, is a highland area in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, known for its rich natural surroundings. Located within the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, it is a beloved highland resort in northern Hyogo, offering seasonal scenery and a range of outdoor activities. Its landmark, Mount Kannabe, is the youngest volcano in the Kinki region, having erupted roughly 22,000 to 25,000 years ago, and its summit still holds a distinct, circular crater. The volcanic terrain and abundant nature it created give Kannabe Kogen its distinctive scenery, captivating many people.
For this event, Genki Kitamura — who was born and raised in Kannabe and has continued to share the area's natural and culinary appeal — will guide guests on an early-morning hike up Mount Kannabe, near the hotel, through the crisp morning air. The mountain is an easy climb, and its summit offers sweeping views of Kannabe Kogen and the surrounding Tajima mountains, along with scenery unique to autumn. Along the trail, Kitamura shares a local perspective on the terrain shaped by the Kannabe volcano, its wind caves, and the wisdom passed down through generations in the area — insight into Kannabe Kogen that goes beyond what a guidebook can offer.
At the summit, guests will enjoy a special breakfast box called the "KANNABE ROOTS BOX," taking in the highland scenery below while tasting the bounty of Kannabe's land. Built around a decarbonization and sustainability perspective, the box centers on local ingredients nurtured by the area's fertile, volcanic-ash soil and clear spring water. It includes a Kannabe shiitake mushroom burger, fried Kannabe-grown taro, lotus-root-and-shrimp kuri-age (a chestnut-shaped fritter), and "Konotori no Osusowake" salted rice balls, along with six small jars of dishes — described as "small gifts from the volcano" — that capture the bounty of the land and forest using highland vegetables and other local ingredients. The contents of the jars change with the season's best produce; in autumn, they are expected to feature root vegetables, mushrooms, and other flavors of the Tajima harvest. Guests can enjoy these local flavors alongside the stories of nature learned along the trail.
Genki Kitamura, who guides this event, has also appeared on "Tabi no Serendipity" ("Travel Serendipity"), Fairfield by Marriott's Michinoeki Project podcast, where he talks about Kannabe Kogen's nature, food, local life, and his own feelings toward the region. Listening to the episode before the event offers a deeper look at the stories behind Kannabe's scenery and ingredients, adding another layer to the experience on site.
Genki Kitamura's episode of "Tabi no Serendipity"
It's a special program that lets guests take in Kannabe Kogen's nature, history, and local life with all five senses, in a way unique to the land itself.
The KANNABE ROOTS BOX pictured is a sample; the dishes in the small jars vary by season and availability.
Event Overview
- Dates: Sunday, October 11, 2026 (first session) / Sunday, November 8, 2026 (second session)
- Time: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Weather: Held rain or shine in light rain; canceled in severe weather. A cancellation decision is made by 5:00 PM two days before each date.
Eligibility
Guests staying at Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Kannabe Kogen the night before the event date.
Price (tax included)
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Junior high school age and older | ¥6,000 per person |
| Elementary school age | ¥2,000 per person |
| Preschool age and younger | Free |
Payment is made at the front desk at check-in (cash not accepted).
Capacity
8 guests per session; a minimum of 2 guests is required to hold the event.
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking that you don't mind getting dirty
- Sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, a rash guard, warm clothing, and rain gear as needed
- Work gloves, if you have them (also available for purchase at the roadside station)
- Your own drinks for during the hike
How to Apply
After booking a room, contact Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Kannabe Kogen directly (TEL: 0796-45-0200) to request a spot.
Application deadlines:
- October 11 session: by 5:00 PM on October 8
- November 8 session: by 5:00 PM on November 5
Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Kannabe Kogen
59-30 Kurisuno, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka, Hyogo
TEL: 0796-45-0200
https://www.marriott.co.jp/osafb
