Experience "Moon Viewing Boat Ride" in a Unique "Kotatsu Boat" this Winter?

Enjoy the Winter Scenery of Sawara on the Water While Staying Warm with a Kotatsu and Evening Drinks

VMG HOTELS & UNIQUE VENUES is a brand known for rejuvenating historically valuable buildings and cultural properties, such as former state guesthouses, Western-style mansions, and residences.

One of their properties, the Sawara Merchant Town Hotel NIPPONIA, is a dispersed hotel born from the restoration of five valuable historical buildings in Sawara, a waterfront merchant city selected as an Important Traditional Building Preservation District. By exploring the town during your stay, you are invited to experience an extraordinary journey through the history and culture of Sawara.

To enjoy the boat rides of Sawara even in winter, a limited-time “Kotatsu Boat” plan has been introduced for the moon viewing boat experience. Snuggle up in a kotatsu, staying warm and cozy, as you enjoy the unique winter scenery, feeling as if you’ve slipped back in time to the Edo period. This luxurious moment is a must-have experience.

Additional Explanation:

A kotatsu is a traditional Japanese heating furniture piece, extremely popular during the colder months. It’s essentially a table with a built-in heater underneath, covered by a blanket or futon. People tuck their legs under the table, enjoying the warmth it provides. The kotatsu offers a cozy warmth for indoor relaxation and gatherings on chilly winter days.

The kotatsu boat is an innovative adaptation of this concept to a boat setting. Available exclusively in the winter season, the kotatsu boat allows passengers to warm up around a kotatsu installed in the center of the boat, while enjoying the beautiful scenery of rivers or lakes. This special experience blends traditional Japanese heating with aquatic travel, offering a unique way to enjoy the winter season.

By adding these descriptions, the article not only becomes more engaging but also deepens the understanding of Japanese culture for international readers.

Enjoy the Beautiful Moon in the Night Sky and Warm Up While Admiring the Winter Scenery

The boat tours unique to Sawara offer a perspective of the town you won’t see every day. Embark on a quiet night boat ride, gaze at the clear night sky and the shimmering moon, and let your thoughts drift back to the Edo period.

Evening Drinks Set to Enjoy on the Night Boat Tour

To accompany your conversations on the boat, an evening drinks set is available. Choose from local Sawara sake served warm, sparkling drinks, or soft beverages. Snacks are also included in the set. For children, there are juices and sweets.

Charter Plans Available for Groups

The charter service is available for groups of 2 to 9 people (up to 6 when a kotatsu is set up), perfect for families or groups to fully enjoy. Experience a graceful moment under the autumn night sky, gazing at the beautiful moon, in Sawara, a place that once thrived as a hub for water transportation to Edo.

Kotatsu Boat Plan Details

Availability: January 1 to February 29, 2024
Experience Includes: Night boat tour (about 1 hour), evening drinks set, snack set, choice of hot sake or sparkling wine
- Soft drinks and children’s snacks are also available

<Imagined Schedule for the Day>

From 15:00
Check-in at our hotel
From 18:00
Local French dinner
※Dinner time will be informed at check-in
19:30
After dinner at the hotel, take your evening drinks set and move to the boat dock
20:00
Boarding – Night boat tour
Enjoy your evening drinks set at your preferred timing during the tour
21:00
Disembark

Experience Pricing

Shared Ride: Adults – ¥14,500 per person, Children (2 years old to elementary school) – ¥4,500 per person
Charter: Adults – ¥17,000 per person, Children (2 years old to elementary school) – ¥4,500 per person

*The prices mentioned above include tax and service charges. *Adult rates apply to guests of middle school age and older. *The fee includes the cost of the boat ride and the evening drinks set. *The experience fee should be paid at the hotel on the day of your stay. *If you wish to charter, please inform us in the remarks section when making your reservation.

*Please check the official page for the latest information.

Reservation & Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made by 8 PM, 5 days prior to the experience.

Important Notes

Operation may be suspended due to weather conditions such as rain, high water, or drought.
For cancellations of the kotatsu boat experience, a 100% cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations made after 0:00, two days prior.
When a kotatsu is set up during the winter season, the capacity is limited to up to 6 people.
Children must wear life jackets when boarding the boat.
Dogs are welcome to join for free. Please ensure they are securely in a bag to prevent accidental jumps into the river and take full responsibility for them while on board.
If you are uncomfortable around dogs or have allergies, please inform us at the time of reservation.

How to Book

Please check the details and make your reservation through the following page:

Check Reservation Details

About Sawara Merchant Town Hotel NIPPONIA

Sawara Merchant Town Hotel NIPPONIA conceptualizes the town of Sawara as a single hotel, with 13 rooms distributed across 5 buildings, including merchants’ houses over 100 years old. The accommodation offers an immersive experience blending into the history of Sawara. Stay in historic rooms that have stood the test of time, enjoy authentic French cuisine featuring the best of Chiba’s renowned food production, and explore the town with walks coordinated with nearby famous stores and shops. It’s a new style of stay that immerses you into the historical fabric of Sawara.