Grand Mercure Lake Biwa Resort & Spa, a resort hotel located on the shores of Lake Biwa with a serene lake view, is launching accommodation plans themed around "A Journey to Learn and Enjoy History for Three Generations of Families." The "Hideyoshi Samurai Armor Experience Plan" offers guests the opportunity to wear authentic samurai armor specially created for this plan and enjoy commemorative photography. This provides not only a learning opportunity for children but also nostalgia and inspiration for grandparents. Additionally, the plans include in-hotel greetings by Nagahama City's tourism PR characters, including the popular "Mitsunari-kun," tickets to the Kita-Ōmi Toyotomi Exposition (Taiga Hall), and "Sengoku Photo Spots" in the hotel. Through historical "play, experience, and learning," guests can enjoy a new form of travel that appeals to three generations.
Background: "A Journey to Learn and Enjoy History for Three Generations of Families"
Nagahama is a town rich with the dramas of the Sengoku period, including the Hideyoshi and Hidenaga brothers. The facility aims to help guests better understand, learn about, and enjoy these historical narratives. For children, the content is "easy to understand and enjoyable," for parents it's "learning together while supporting their children," and for grandparents it's "enjoying history with nostalgia." With authentic samurai armor, Nagahama City's tourism PR characters, the Kita-Ōmi Toyotomi Exposition, and the lakeside scenery of Lake Biwa, the hotel proposes a travel experience that is uniquely Nagahama, combining "resort-style value" with "enjoyable learning" that naturally sparks family conversations.
Key Features of "A Journey to Learn and Enjoy History for Three Generations of Families"
Point 1: Hideyoshi Samurai Armor Experience Plan (Limited to 1 Group Per Day)
This is an experiential accommodation plan where guests can wear exquisite samurai armor and enjoy photography included in the package. The authentic armor, recreated through delicate craftsmanship specifically for this plan, can be worn inside the hotel for photography. The armor was created by "Kacchu Kobo Marutake," a master craftsman who gained attention for creating armor for movies and dramas. Families can view it up close and experience the history of ancient times.
Overview
Stay Period: February 15, 2026 (Sunday) to December 19, 2026 (Saturday)
Room: Sengoku Room - Double occupancy, from ¥29,000 per person - Lake View Standard Junior Suite (Japanese-Western style room)
Hideyoshi Samurai Armor Experience: Hotel staff will take commemorative photos, and a 6-cut photograph will be provided at checkout.
Point 2: Nagahama City Tourism PR Character "Mitsunari-kun" Appears! (Limited to 2 Groups Per Day)
For guests staying in Japanese modern rooms, Nagahama City's tourism PR character "Mitsunari-kun" will deliver a present to their room. This is a fun local plan perfect for family gatherings. After check-in, 15 minutes before dinner, Mitsunari-kun will visit the room with a gift for children, making it a great opportunity for three-generation travel commemorative photography.
Overview
Stay Period: February 7, 2026 (Saturday) to December 19, 2026 (Saturday)
Room: Japanese Modern Family Room - Lake View - Double occupancy, from ¥19,800 per person
Mitsunari-kun Visit: Delivers a present to children approximately 15 minutes before dinner begins (one gift per room)
Greetings with Nagahama City Tourism PR Characters
In addition to Mitsunari-kun, greetings featuring fellow Nagahama City tourism PR characters Hideyoshi-kun and Nene-chan will be held every Saturday in the hotel lobby and buffet venue. Commemorative photography is available, so please join with your entire family.
Point 3: Accommodation Plan with Kita-Ōmi Toyotomi Exposition (Including Taiga Hall) Tickets
This accommodation plan includes admission tickets to the "Kita-Ōmi Toyotomi Exposition" (including Taiga Hall) held at Nagahama Station. Perfect for history enthusiasts, the hotel features panels from the Kita-Ōmi Toyotomi Exposition, allowing guests to experience history through "play, experience, and learning," fully immersing themselves in the world of the Sengoku period throughout their journey.
Overview
Service Period: February 1, 2026 (Sunday) to December 19, 2026 (Saturday)
Rooms: Classic Twin - Mountain View - Double occupancy, from ¥30,700 per person
Japanese Modern Family Room - Lake View - Double occupancy, from ¥34,000 per person (other room-specific plans available)
Kita-Ōmi Toyotomi Exposition Ticket Package Plan: View the exposition before or after your stay and enjoy a journey tracing historical footsteps with your family.
Point 4: Sengoku Photo Spots Created in Conjunction with Kita-Ōmi Toyotomi Exposition
In conjunction with the opening of the Kita-Ōmi Toyotomi Exposition, the hotel lobby now features a photo spot using exhibition panels from the Kita-Ōmi Toyotomi Exposition. Featuring displays such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi's samurai armor, guests can enjoy the world of Sengoku-era stars, making it a perfect commemorative photography location for their trip.
Overview
Period: February 1, 2026 to December 19, 2026
Location: Hotel 1st Floor Entrance Area
*Plans 1 to 3 are all-inclusive, including 1 night with 2 meals, dining and drinks in the lounge, use of the hot spring bath, and hotel activities. (Some drinks are charged separately.)
Grand Mercure Lake Biwa Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Lake Biwa Resort & Spa is located on the shores of Lake Biwa, offering views of the calm lake spreading before the hotel. The spectacular sunset, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Sunsets, is truly breathtaking. With convenient access to tourist spots such as "Kurokabe Square" and the Chikubushima cruise boat dock, it's also a great location for exploring the city and surrounding areas.
Location: 38 Ojima-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture 526-0066
Tel: 03-6743-6550 (Reservation Center)
Access: Free shuttle service available from JR Nagahama Station West Exit (Biwako Exit). Approximately 15 minutes by car from Nagahama IC on the Hokuriku Expressway.
URL: https://grand-mercure-lakebiwa-resortandspa.jp/
Information accurate as of January 29, 2026.
All photos are for illustrative purposes.
