As part of its 25th anniversary project, Mito Plaza Hotel in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture is set to open a new garden stage, "PLAZA GARDEN," adjacent to the existing outdoor chapel "Laputa."
A New Stage for the 25th Anniversary
Mito Plaza Hotel has been serving the local community since its founding in 2001, offering weddings, restaurant dining, banquets, and accommodation. Marking its 25th anniversary, the hotel is evolving its identity from a conventional hotel into a "regional cultural exchange hub" — a place where people, nature, communities, and culture converge. The new "PLAZA GARDEN" stands as the centerpiece of this vision.
Concept: "Forest Stage" — A Forest That Blesses
"PLAZA GARDEN" is a new celebration space nestled within the forest path leading to the chapel. On the wooden deck, guests can gather with family and friends for post-ceremony festivities — enjoying peaceful moments under dappled sunlight by day, and a dreamlike atmosphere illuminated by light installations by night.
The concept centers on "a wedding blessed by the forest." The space has been designed so that people can connect with one another amid the sounds of nature, creating moments of genuine celebration. Beyond weddings, it is envisioned as a "Forest Stage" for a wide range of community uses, including local events, markets, concerts, workshops, and seasonal programs.
The Forest at Different Times of Day
PLAZA GARDEN offers a distinct spatial experience depending on the time of day.
Daytime — The Forest Awakens
A serene garden space with soft sunlight filtering through the trees. The setting is suited to yoga sessions, wellness workshops, and other activities that gently connect people with nature.
Nighttime — The Forest Speaks
As night falls, soft lights emerge between the trees, transforming the space into an enchanting night garden with candles and illumination. For evening weddings, the setting creates a memorable scene of celebration under the stars.
"Gate of Blessing" — A Garden Opening to the Forest
At the center of the garden stands the "Gate of Blessing," a landmark designed to connect the surrounding natural landscape and embrace the emotions and joy of those who pass through it. Linking the chapel and the forest, it creates a space that bridges life's milestones with the natural world.
