Two Grand Mercure Resorts Launch Guest-Exclusive Horror Experience Based on Local Myths and Legends

Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa (located in Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture / General Manager: Masahiro Oshiro) and Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa (located in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture / General Manager: Masahiro Watanabe) will launch the second installment of their experiential horror collaboration with the horror-specialized company 'Kowagarase-tai'—'Hotel Adventure: Find the Hidden Yokai!'—starting Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

This initiative draws on local myths and legends from the regions where each hotel is located, bringing unique regional worldviews to life. Guests will explore the hotel premises, teaming up with 'good yokai' to uncover the weaknesses of 'troublesome yokai' through a series of missions. Additionally, the first installment of the horror program will continue, offering a summer-exclusive horror experience enjoyable for both children and adults.

'Hotel Adventure: Find the Hidden Yokai!' Program Overview

This activity is a participatory mission game where guests explore the hotel, cooperating with 'good yokai' to discover the weaknesses of 'troublesome yokai'.

Participants receive a special worksheet and navigate the hotel, solving puzzles placed at various spots alongside 'Kitsune no Kyūbi' (the Nine-Tailed Fox), the story's guide. Completing all missions reveals the weakness needed to defeat the 'troublesome yokai'.

Guests who complete the missions will receive an original souvenir from each hotel, making it an ideal 'first horror experience' for families with elementary school-aged children and older.

Story Guide: 'Kitsune no Kyūbi' (Nine-Tailed Fox)

Clockwise from top-left: 'Nurikabe', 'Karakusa Obake', 'Hitotsume Kozō', 'Zashiki-warashi', 'Kappa'. In the Extra Stage: 'Karasu Tengu', 'Gai-kotsu', 'Rokurokubi', 'Yuki-onna'.

The story features a total of 12 original characters. Alongside 'Kitsune no Kyūbi', 'good yokai' such as 'Nurikabe', 'Karakusa Obake', 'Hitotsume Kozō', 'Zashiki-warashi', and 'Kappa' appear. Each hotel features a different 'troublesome yokai' character.

Additionally, an 'Extra Stage' is available for children who want even more adventure. Featuring 'Karasu Tengu', 'Gai-kotsu', 'Rokurokubi', and 'Yuki-onna', this stage adds excitement to the hotel exploration.

'Oni' in the Story at Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa

The 'troublesome yokai' character appearing at Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa is the 'Oni' (Demon).

Reflecting the region's identity as the legendary birthplace of Japan's first divine couple, Izanagi and Izanami, the 'Oni' symbolizes 'unruly power'. Despite its immense strength and difficulty to defeat, guests must work with the 'good yokai' to uncover its weakness, calm its power, and stop its mischief.

'Nue' in the Story at Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa

Inspired by the ancient 'Legend of the Nue' passed down around Lake Hamana, the hotel-exclusive 'troublesome yokai' 'Nue' makes an appearance.

A legendary creature said to have the head of a monkey, body of a raccoon dog, limbs of a tiger, and tail of a snake, the Nue was famously defeated by Minamoto no Yorimasa during the Heian period. The hotel weaves this regional tale into a thrilling horror adventure within its premises.

Program Details

【Period】From Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – (subject to change due to hotel operations, including closures and exclusions)

【Available Hours】3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (approx. 15–30 minutes required)

【Prize Redemption Time】6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

【Fee】Free (overnight guests only / included in accommodation fee)

【Details】

Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa

https://grand-mercure-awajiisland-resortandspa.jp/activities/hotel-adventure

Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa

https://grand-mercure-lakehamana-resortandspa.jp/activities/hotel-adventure

【Notes】

• Content may change depending on circumstances.

• Recommended age: Elementary school students and above

Continued Operation of Adult-Oriented 'Full-Body Horror Mystery' Program

Based on hidden clues scattered throughout the hotel—featuring spine-chilling setups at each spot—guests aim to reach the goal while enjoying video content

The highly praised adult-oriented horror program, the first collaboration with 'Kowagarase-tai', will continue. Each resort—Grand Mercure Awaji Island and Grand Mercure Lake Hamana—features a unique original storyline.

The experience begins by scanning a QR code that plays a video. Guests explore the hotel as 'investigation assistants' in the story, solving mysteries and collaborating with characters in the videos—such as the hotel manager, local historian, and spiritual medium—to uncover the truth behind supernatural phenomena.

Each hotel spot features video effects and unsettling setups, creating an immersive experience where guests feel like protagonists in a horror film.

Additionally, Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa will extend its operating hours during the limited period from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to Monday, August 31, 2026.

A perfect 'adult-oriented horror mystery' for cool summer nights.

Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa 'Awajishima no Kowai Yoru' Synopsis

Awajishima no Kowai Yoru

A horror mystery themed around Awaji Island, known as the setting of the 'Kuniumi Myth'—the creation of Japan by the divine couple Izanagi and Izanami. As guests investigate strange occurrences like mysterious footsteps at midnight and odd symbols appearing in hallways, they uncover secrets hidden within the island.

Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa 'Hamanako no Kowai Yoru' Synopsis

Hamanako no Kowai Yoru

A horror mystery based on legends from around Lake Hamana in Shizuoka Prefecture. Triggered by a 'stone' said to emit crying sounds at night, unexplainable phenomena occur within the hotel. A tense narrative unfolds as ancient curses and modern anomalies intersect.

Program Details

【Available Hours】3:00 PM – 10:00 PM (approx. 30–60 minutes required)

※ Only at Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to Monday, August 31, 2026

【Fee】Free (overnight guests only / included in accommodation fee)

【Details】

Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa

https://grand-mercure-awajiisland-resortandspa.jp/lp/horror-quest

Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa

https://grand-mercure-lakehamana-resortandspa.jp/lp/horror-quest

【Notes】

• Content may change depending on circumstances.

• Experience requires internet access and a mobile device (smartphone/tablet).

(Using headphones enhances the sense of realism through audio)