[Solving Summer Homework Problems] A Must-See for Elementary School Families: Complete Your Free Research Project in 2 Hours at Japan's First 'Stayable Botanical Garden' RINNE

THE BOTANICAL RESORT RINNE (hereinafter referred to as RINNE), Japan's first 'stayable botanical garden' *1, will begin selling a limited-time accommodation plan for elementary school families, the 'Free Research Support Plan', from July 18 (Sat) to July 31 (Fri), 2026, and from August 22 (Sat) to August 31 (Mon), 2026.

This plan is divided into two schedules: an early session for families who want to finish their free research project early in the summer vacation, and a late session for families who haven't finished their free research project even though summer vacation is almost over. It supports the completion of the free research project in about 2 hours while enjoying the trip, providing a new accommodation experience that solves the summer 'homework problem'.

Through experiential programs unique to RINNE, themed around plants, carnivorous plants, and the relationship between bathing and the body, children can learn while having fun in nature. This proposes a new stay experience for parents and children struggling with the summer 'homework problem', simultaneously creating family memories and learning opportunities.

*1: The expression 'Japan's first stayable botanical garden' is based on the results of an in-house survey conducted by Botarasian Resort Co., Ltd. as of September 2025 (including internet searches, various database checks, and supplementary research using ChatGPT), which confirmed that no similar facility format exists in Japan.

Background of the 'Free Research Support Plan' Sales

In recent years, an increasing number of families face problems during summer vacation such as 'can't decide on a theme for the free research project' or 'want to enjoy travel and leisure, but homework isn't finished'. Free research projects, in particular, require time and effort from theme selection to observation and compilation, making them one of the most burdensome homework assignments for parents as well. On the other hand, summer vacation is also an opportunity for children to gain valuable experiences and create memories, and there is a growing need for experiences that balance 'play' and 'learning'.

Therefore, RINNE planned an experiential accommodation plan that leverages its characteristic as a 'stayable botanical garden' to connect the stay itself to the free research project. The plan was launched to provide a new summer vacation experience where families can complete their free research project without stress while enjoying their trip.

Overview of the 'Free Research Support Plan'

The free research project offers three research courses that children can choose based on their interests. The content allows learning through actual contact with plants and nature, and all necessary tools for the free research project, such as worksheets and summary templates, are provided.

1. Investigate the Scents and Secrets of Flowers, Plants, and Trees!

In this course, participants learn about the roles and characteristics of plant scents while observing flowers and trees blooming in the botanical garden. Participants will actually smell and compare the scents of various plants, recording the differences in scents and the characteristics of each plant. With staff support, they will deepen their understanding of the mechanisms by which plants use scents to survive and the relationship with our daily lives, such as essential oils. This program fosters observation skills and a spirit of inquiry while being in touch with nature.

2. The Mystery of Carnivorous Plants: Ingenuity in Catching Insects

In this course, participants learn by observing the mechanisms by which carnivorous plants catch insects and obtain nutrients. Participants will actually feed insects to carnivorous plants and observe their reactions and changes up close. They will deepen their understanding of the characteristics of different plant species and the mechanisms of predation, while recording their observations and compiling them into a free research project. This program, offering a valuable experience unique to a botanical garden, cultivates curiosity about the wonders of living things and nature.

3. Investigate the Effects of Bathing on the Body

In this course, participants measure and observe changes in their bodies before and after bathing in the hot spring facility, learning about the effects of bathing on the body. Participants will record numerical data such as body temperature and pulse rate, compare and analyze the changes, and further observe mood and relaxation effects to deepen their understanding of the relationship between bathing and health. This program, utilizing the botanical garden's hot spring facility, offers a unique RINNE experience that allows participants to scientifically explore a familiar theme.

Sales Period

July 18 (Sat) - July 31 (Fri), 2026 / August 22 (Sat) - August 31 (Mon), 2026

Duration

Approximately 2 hours per course

Event Times

Session 1: 11:00 - 13:00 / Session 2: 15:00 - 17:00

Location

Within the botanical garden, Tropical Plant House, Ofuro Café Rinne no Yu (varies by course)

Accommodation Type

Glamping / Cottage

Price

From 21,350 yen (tax included) per adult (price based on 1 room with 2 adults + 1 elementary school student; varies by accommodation building)

About THE BOTANICAL RESORT RINNE, Japan's First 'Stayable Botanical Garden'

THE BOTANICAL RESORT RINNE is a renovated version of the Ibaraki Prefectural Botanical Garden and Ibaraki Prefectural Forest, making it Japan's first 'stayable botanical garden' where you can enjoy multiple experiences – staying, healing, eating, and playing – all in one place. The grounds feature glamping and cottage accommodations that harmonize with nature, a hot spring facility with herbal baths and a herbal sauna, dining facilities using local ingredients and specialties, and activity facilities that leverage the great nature of the Ibaraki Prefectural Forest. You can experience the charm of Ibaraki with all five senses. At night, enjoy the illuminated Tropical Plant House and BBQ in nature; in the morning, take a stroll in the fresh air. Through your stay at RINNE, we aim to create experiences that bring smiles to all visitors.

Details of this Plan

Accommodation Reservations

Location / Access

4369-1 To, Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture 311-0122

Approximately 15 minutes from the Naka IC on the Joban Expressway

Approximately 30 minutes by car/taxi from Mito Station on the JR Joban Line / Approximately 10 minutes by car/taxi from Kamisugaya Station on the JR Suigun Line

Operating Company: Botarasian Resort Co., Ltd.

Established in May 2024 to undertake the renovation project of the Ibaraki Prefectural Botanical Garden and Ibaraki Prefectural Forest and to operate the facilities after renovation. It is a special purpose company jointly established by five companies, including Ichikara Dining Project Co., Ltd., Ichikara Leisure Service Co., Ltd., and The Farm Co., Ltd. It operates 'THE BOTANICAL RESORT RINNE', Japan's first experiential 'stayable botanical garden' that combines multiple experience elements of 'staying', 'healing', 'eating', and 'playing'.