Hakone Kowakien Yunessun (1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture; manager: Keisuke Fujiishi), which marked its 25th anniversary on New Year's Day 2026, is introducing a seasonal bath inspired by the mid-autumn moon: "Otsukimi-Buro" (Moon-Viewing Bath), available for a limited time starting Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Friday, September 25, 2026 is the night of the mid-autumn moon, traditionally regarded as the night of the year when the air is clearest and the moon appears most beautiful. The custom of moon viewing, or tsukimi, dates back generations, and offering pampas grass and dumplings while admiring the moon remains a familiar tradition today. To mark the occasion, Yunessun is holding an event where guests can soak in a bath while gazing up at a dreamlike moon.
At Yunessun, the hot spring facility where swimsuits are worn, a new seasonal bath themed around the mid-autumn moon is debuting. A curtain at the entrance to the bath features the facility's official mascot, Hakoneko Boxappy, dressed as a rabbit to welcome guests, while the dome ceiling overhead projects a sparkling starry sky and a beautiful moon. Throughout the event period, visitors can relax in the bath at any time and enjoy the arrival of autumn along with the mood of moon viewing.
Guests are welcome to bring smartphones and cameras into the Yunessun swimsuit area, which is also currently running the "Yunessun Nico Nico Photo Contest," a project marking the facility's 25th anniversary. Visitors are encouraged to capture memories in Yunessun's distinctive baths with the people they're traveling with and share them on social media.
This autumn, Yunessun invites guests to spend a relaxed moment soaking in the Otsukimi-Buro with friends, family, or a partner, easing both mind and body.
Otsukimi-Buro Overview
Image for illustrative purposes. Admission to the Yunessun swimsuit area is required: adults (junior high school age and up) from ¥2,500 (tax included), children (age 3 and up) from ¥1,400 (tax included).
Otsukimi-Buro
- Location: Yunessun, the hot spring where swimsuits are worn — indoor "Turkish Hamam" area
- Period: Thursday, September 10, 2026 to Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; weekends and holidays 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Scent: Marine fragrance
About Hakoneko Boxappy
A cat who lives in the forests of Hakone. Fond of hot springs, Hakoneko Boxappy takes its name from its box-like shape.
- Name: Hakoneko Boxappy
- Breed: Hako Tissue Fold (Hako family), with a yellow body
- Special skill: Dancing the samba
- Personality: Friendly and affectionate, always cheerful, though a little clumsy — sometimes making mistakes and feeling downhearted as a result
Boxappy profile details: https://www.yunessun.com/boxappy/
LINE official stickers now available: https://store.line.me/stickershop/product/1100294/ja
