Located in Unzen Onsen, Nagasaki Prefecture, Kai Unzen—a resort designed around the concept of an exotic inn where one encounters "hell power"—will introduce the "Evening Cooling Terrace" on June 1, 2026, as a place to enjoy the refreshing cool of dusk. Situated at an altitude of approximately 700 meters, Unzen Onsen is a summer retreat where average temperatures range from 21 to 23 degrees Celsius, offering a stark contrast of about minus 7 degrees compared to the average temperatures in Nagasaki City. Historically, from the Meiji to the early Showa periods, many foreigners visited this area specifically seeking its coolness. The newly established terrace features classical tents and the melodic tinkling of wind chimes to create a refreshing atmosphere. Additionally, the resort will serve "Lemonade Cream Soda," inspired by the lemonade favored by foreign summer visitors of the past, as a cooling sweet treat. We propose a luxurious summer evening where guests can forget the intense heat and connect with the history and natural environment unique to Unzen.

Background: The Unzen Onsen area, where Kai Unzen is located, is situated on a plateau at an altitude of 700 meters, providing a cool and comfortable environment with average summer temperatures of 21 to 22 degrees—cool enough to make one forget the sweltering heat. From the late Meiji period to the early Showa period, it flourished as one of Japan's leading summer resorts, visited by as many as 30,000 foreigners annually, and it remains popular today as a "hidden summer sanctuary." Recently, in the summer of 2025, Japan recorded its highest average temperatures in history, with over 100,000 people transported for heatstroke nationwide (*1), as the Japanese archipelago faced unprecedented heat. Kai Unzen proposes a new, luxurious evening cooling experience that utilizes the refreshing plateau breeze to overcome modern heat.

Feature 1: An exotic evening cooling experience invited by stained glass wind chimes and tents Unzen Onsen, located at an altitude of about 700 meters and 7 degrees cooler than Nagasaki City, offers a refreshing and comfortable environment with average summer temperatures of 21 to 23 degrees. The newly established Evening Cooling Terrace at Kai Unzen's waterfront creates a special space reminiscent of its history as a bustling international summer resort, specifically for the dusk hours when the daytime heat subsides. Under classical tents that evoke the atmosphere of the past, colorful wind chimes made of stained glass sway in the cool breeze. Together with the natural cool breeze blowing down from the mountains, the terrace—where colorful light and refreshing sounds resonate—becomes a place of relaxation that makes guests forget their daily lives. Against the backdrop of the scenery loved by summer visitors of the past, guests can enjoy a luxurious moment in the ever-changing twilight.

Feature 2: Exquisite chilled lemonade cream soda to enjoy with the breeze at 700 meters altitude Inspired by the history of lemonade—made by adding sugar to Unzen's carbonated water—which was popular among summer visitors from the Meiji to the early Showa periods, we offer "Lemonade Cream Soda" garnished with cool-colored jellies. The base lemonade uses pure natural water from Shimabara and local green lemon juice. The refreshing acidity and sparkling carbonation bring a comfortable cooling sensation. Furthermore, using stained glass—a symbol of Nagasaki's exoticism—as a motif, we have added colorful jellies that sparkle when they catch the light. The drink is finished with yogurt ice cream that has a light aftertaste. The refreshing flavor lasts until the very end, further enhancing the crispness of the lemonade. Guests can savor a cold, beautiful, and heart-fluttering drink that reflects the glamorous culture of that era.

Feature 3: A tranquil moment of evening cooling colored by "Nagasaki Hata" lanterns At the waterfront spreading out in front of Kai Unzen, we will install lanterns featuring eye-catching vivid blue motifs based on the traditional Nagasaki craft "Nagasaki Hata" (kites). As the sun sets, gentle light reflects on the water's surface, creating a peaceful and fantastic scene that differs from the daytime. This production, which gently illuminates the waterfront, creates a calm night moment embraced by the unique atmosphere of Nagasaki.

"Evening Cooling Terrace" Overview - Period: June 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026 - Time: 16:00 – 19:30 - Price: Evening Cooling Terrace is free; Lemonade Cream Soda is 1,200 yen (tax included) - Location: Evening Cooling Terrace - Capacity: None - Reservation: Not required - Remarks: Limited to overnight guests

[Related Information] Cooling Experiences at Kai Unzen Part 1: A retro and fantastic night moment wrapped in cool blue light at "Wakaran Lounge" Late at night after dinner, the Travel Library transforms into a retro and fantastic lounge. The space is decorated with the light of special kaleidoscopes made using glass scraps generated during the restoration of the Oura Church, a World Cultural Heritage site. During the summer, you can enjoy this kaleidoscope light in a production themed around the color "blue."

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event