[Challenge to 2026 Heat Wave Forecast] Half-price Lodging if Temperature Exceeds 30°C! Shiga Kogen's 'Higashidate' Launches Unprecedented Campaign Guaranteeing Overwhelming Coolness

Higashidate, a hot spring ryokan located in Shiga Kogen, Nagano Prefecture, operated by White Bear Hotels Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Osaka; Representative Director: Yasuo Kondo), a group company of White Bear Family Co., Ltd., has launched an unprecedented campaign for the summer of 2026, which is forecast to be extremely hot: if the temperature during a guest's stay reaches 30°C or above (a 'midsummer day'), the accommodation fee will be halved. The campaign is called 'Summer Promise to Guests: Half-price Lodging if Temperature Exceeds 30°C! 2026 Higashidate Campaign.'

In conjunction, a special page (https://higashidate.com/coolsummer/) has been opened, disclosing the background of this initiative and real temperature data measured at the inn last year. This is a new challenge by Higashidate to widely promote 'the overwhelming value of Shiga Kogen as a summer resort' and contribute to enhancing the brand of the entire region.

■ Background: A hot spring ryokan at 1,500m responds to 2026 summer heat forecast with a 'coolness commitment'

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the summer of 2026 is forecast to be severe nationwide, with increasing interest in 'cooling trips' to escape heatstroke and urban heat. Shiga Kogen, where the inn is located, is one of Japan's premier highland resorts at an altitude of 1,500m. To eliminate guests' disappointment of 'coming to a cool place but it was hotter than expected' and to allow them to truly refresh in genuine coolness, we declare two commitments with sincerity and confidence: 'if it's hot, we won't charge you (or half the price).'

■ Campaign Overview: Summer Promise to Guests: Half-price Lodging if Temperature Exceeds 30°C! 2026 Higashidate Campaign

During the 2026 summer season, temperature will be objectively measured using a weather observation logger installed at the inn's entrance. Depending on the temperature during your stay, the following benefits (promises) will be applied at checkout.

[Promise 1] If a midsummer day exceeding 30°C occurs during your stay: 'Half-price accommodation fee' If the temperature reaches 30°C or above even once between the check-in day and the day before checkout, the accommodation fee will be halved.

[Promise 2] If a summer day of 26°C or above occurs during your stay: 'Free drinks at dinner (special menu)' If the temperature records 26°C or above on the day of your stay, staff will inform you at dinner, and we will provide free unlimited drinks (including draft beer) from a special menu.

* For detailed application conditions and eligible plans, please check the special page (https://higashidate.com/coolsummer/).

■ Not a preposterous plan: overwhelming reliability proven by our own 2025 measured data

To answer questions like 'Will it really be half-price?' and 'Can the inn afford such generosity?', the special page has made public all 24-hour temperature data measured at the inn's entrance in summer 2025.

During the 99 days of last summer (July 21 to October 1), when Japan was enveloped in intense heat, the number of midsummer days (30°C or above) at Higashidate was 'zero days'. Moreover, summer days exceeding 25°C were almost nonexistent; all temperatures during the period remained within the comfortable zone (25°C or below). At night, average temperatures fell below 20°C, recording such coolness that one would miss a blanket with only natural cool breezes, without air conditioning. Because of this 'clear past data', we can promise our guests a genuine commitment, not exaggerated advertising.

■ Not just for winter! The charm of summer at Shiga Kogen's Higashidate: spend an 'adult holiday like a villa'

Many people associate Shiga Kogen with 'winter ski slopes', but summer Shiga Kogen is a superb healing spot surrounded by lush nature and fresh air.

At Higashidate, we propose a quiet, relaxing 'premium summer vacation with the feel of a villa', different from the bustling winter season.

Luxurious guest rooms: We offer 'Healing Special Rooms' equipped with fireplaces and terraces to enjoy the luxury of simply 'cooling down', and rooms with private open-air baths for panoramic views.

Famous hot springs and scenery: Natural open-air hot springs overlooking the majestic mountains of Shinshu and the Northern Alps.

Supreme dining experience: Enjoy carefully prepared kaiseki cuisine using locally sourced ingredients on cool plateau nights. Forget the city's hustle and tropical nights, and spend a genuine summer of deep breaths at Shiga Kogen's Higashidate.

[Facility Overview]

Facility name: Higashidate, a Ryokan with Open-air Bath Overlooking the Northern Alps

Address: 7149 Heian, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture 381-0401, Japan (Hoppo Onsen)

Reservations/Inquiries TEL: 0269-34-2534

Official website: https://higashidate.com/

'Summer Promise to Guests: Half-price Lodging if Temperature Exceeds 30°C! 2026 Higashidate Campaign'
Special page: https://higashidate.com/coolsummer/

Operating company: White Bear Hotels Co., Ltd.

[Contact for this matter]

Person in charge: Takehiko Okagami, Marketing & Sales Department

TEL: 06-7711-9195

Email: tokagami@wbf.co.jp