With the theme of "extraordinary," each facility at Hoshinoya welcomes guests with its own unique hospitality. One aspect of that hospitality is the diverse programs that guests can participate in. Each program, created based on the culture and traditions of the area, is a new attraction of Hoshinoya.

In this third installment of our Hoshinoya Fuji stay review, we will introduce the "Rainy Season Glamping" glamping project, which allows you to enjoy the blessings and charms of the season. This program allows you to experience through all five senses the beauty of nature created by the rain, such as the sounds, colors, and scents that can only be felt in a rainforest. We will share the inside story of the development of this program with the staff of Hoshinoya Fuji who were involved in its planning and development.

Hoshinoya Fuji: Part 1 - A blissful moment gazing at the flames of a bonfire at Japan's first glamping resort surrounded by nature

Hoshinoya Fuji Hotel Review Part 2: Learning the importance of life through the "Adult Food Education 'Hunting Experience Tour'"

An extraordinary experience at Japan's first glamping resort, Hoshinoya Fuji

Glamping has become a well-established concept in recent years. It is said that the opening of Hoshinoya Fuji, the fourth facility of Hoshinoya, was what sparked its popularity in Japan. The vast grounds overlooking Lake Kawaguchi are covered with a forest made up of mainly coniferous trees such as red pine, and within these are cabin-style rooms, a dining area, and a cloud terrace. The facility is popular for its playful and discoverable activities, as well as a space where you can truly experience nature. With Mount Fuji right in front of you, it attracts many tourists from all over the world.

A new type of glamping called "rainy season glamping" has started between June 6th and July 10th, where you can enjoy a rainy forest.
Glamping in the rain? We'll introduce you to some fun ideas.

The scent, sounds, and rhythm of the rain that you experience in the rain will free your mind

"Rainy Season Glamping" is a way to enjoy extraordinary experiences with all five senses during the rainy season when new greenery sprouts, such as the sound of rain hitting the leaves, the smell of damp earth, and the misty forest and mountain scenery. In addition to sweets and cocktails exclusive to the rainy season, there is also a "Rainy Forest Discover Walk" that can be enjoyed with all five senses, a "Rainy Season Counter Table" that only appears during the rainy season, and even a "Postcard Making" activity. We spoke with Kitagaki Sano, Public Relations Officer and Glamping Master at Hoshinoya Fuji, who was in charge of this project, about the ways to fully enjoy the rain, such as the rainy season sweets and cocktails, the "Rainy Season Discover Walk" that can be enjoyed with all five senses, the "Rainy Season Counter Table" that only appears during the rainy season, and the "Postcard Making" activity.

"Hoshinoya Fuji is located in the forest, so we are proud of the fact that our guests can enjoy the changing seasons with all five senses. When it comes to glamping, many people think of it as something to enjoy on sunny days, but here we want guests to experience the beauty that the rain creates on rainy days. We have provided ponchos and rain boots in the rooms, so we encourage you to go outside and experience the rain forest."

Especially in the rainy season, the forest is filled with newly sprouted leaves that shine gently, the raindrops that fall on them enhance the greenery, and it is said that the scent of the earth and the sound of the rain slowly soothes our souls.

"I have been working at Hoshinoya Fuji for six years. Before I came here, I sometimes found it unpleasant when it rained, but when I learned about the beauty of rain and the mysteries that can only be seen on rainy days, I began to have a strong desire for everyone to experience this natural mystery that satisfies the five senses. This experience was what inspired me to think of this current project."

Enjoy the spectacular view from the special rainy season seat "Amane Counter Table"

First, we'd like to introduce the "Rain Sound Counter Table," which will be available on Cloud Terrace only during the "Rainy Season Glamping" season. At first glance, the counter table appears to have been placed randomly on the terrace, but Kitagaki-san himself selected it as a spectacular view point. He also told us that the roof of the counter table is covered with a beautiful cloth, allowing us to feel the "1/f fluctuation," a natural rhythm created by the sound of rain.

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"We decided on the location of the counter table by considering what the view would look like when sitting on a chair. The blue fabric on the roof of the counter table is made from textiles from the foot of Mount Fuji, a famous production area in the neighboring city of Fujiyoshida."

Fujiyoshida City has long been famous for its weaving, and selected textiles from the foot of Mount Fuji, known for their vibrant colors and high-density techniques. In the past, they were used for the linings of kimonos, but now they are used for the linings of ties and clothes, as well as umbrellas. As they use fabrics used for umbrellas, they are resistant to rain and the sound of raindrops resonates pleasantly. They also told us that they selected the blue color because it would go well with the green of the rainy season.

Sweets and cocktails from a fantastical world beyond the rain clouds and bubbles

In addition, sweets and cocktails that are only available during the rainy season will be available.

"This dessert, named 'Mori no Hito Toki', has a different theme depending on the season. 'Ame no Mori no Hito Toki', which is only available during the rainy season, has a surprise prepared for you to enjoy the rain even more. The cotton candy on top of the cheesecake represents rain clouds, and you pour blue curacao over it to make it rain. The cotton candy will then melt, revealing colorful fruits and cheesecake inside. It has a gentle flavor that harmonizes sweetness and sourness."

What's more, the rainy season cocktails also have a little surprise in store.

"This original cocktail is based on the theme of hydrangeas, which can be enjoyed at this time of year, and captures the scent of plum syrup and berries. The cocktail is topped with bubbles that evoke the image of fog, and when the bubbles burst, you are enveloped in the gorgeous scent of berries, as if the fog has cleared."

The sweets and cocktails, which are imbued with the message that rainy days bring unexpected discoveries, are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Learn from a glamping master how to find new ways to enjoy the forest

This time we would like you to try out the Rain Forest Discover Walk. Wearing a poncho and rain boots, you will go on a walk through the forest with the glamping master in the rain. The ground, with its naturally fallen branches and leaves, looks like a fluffy carpet. Looking up at the sky, raindrops slowly fall from the tall trees. The rain-soaked trees take on a deeper color and a fragrant scent drifts from somewhere. As you listen to the glamping master talk about the types of trees, the changes in the forest with the seasons, and how pine cones at your feet shrink when wet with rain and open when dry, you will come to understand the wonders of nature and also develop a sense of respect for the fact that we are alive thanks to this nature.

"There are many experiences in the forest that you can't have in the city. We want not only children but adults to experience them as well. Some of our customers are knowledgeable about trees, and we have a lot to learn from them," says Kitagaki.

In addition, during the rainy season glamping, rain drums (tongue drums) that make sounds when raindrops hit them will be installed on the Cloud Terrace and walking paths.

"Personally, I wanted to do a suikinkutsu (water chimes), but it would be difficult to place large rocks on the Cloud Terrace, so I'd like to prepare a palm-sized rain drum so that people can enjoy playing the sounds of rain."

Other activities include the "Fragrant Forest Distillation" experience, which is available every morning, where you can enjoy the aroma of distilled plums, which are a seasonal fruit, thanks to a local peach farm. You can also enjoy the "Make Your Own Postcard" experience using watercolor pencils that bleed when rained on. There are plenty of other activities to enjoy, so you don't have to stay cooped up indoors even on a rainy day.

"For 'postcard making', you can colour a sketch of the scenery here with coloured pencils, and then wet it in the rain to create a finished piece that looks like a watercolor painting. For those who want to start from the sketch, we provide blank paper. Your senses are more alert than usual on rainy days. We also offer suggestions for enjoying the time you spend working on art using your own sensibilities."

In busy days, rain can often be a nuisance, but when staying at Hoshinoya Fuji, the sound of the rain echoing in the silence and the scent of the trees and earth that grows stronger with the rain are all pleasant, and I feel as if my mental fatigue is washed away and I am being recharged. I was filled with feelings that rain is a good thing during my stay.

◆Hoshinoya Fuji "Rainy Season Glamping"

・Date: June 2025th to July 6th, 10
・Target: Hotel guests (Amane BAR's alcoholic cocktails are only available to guests aged 20 and over)
・Reservations: Not required

Hoshinoya Fuji Accommodation Review Part 1: A blissful moment gazing at the flames of a bonfire at Japan's first glamping resort surrounded by nature

Hoshinoya Fuji Hotel Review Part 2: Learning the importance of life through the "Adult Food Education 'Hunting Experience Tour'"

What is hilltop glamping "Hoshinoya Fuji"?

Hoshinoya Fuji is Japan's first glamping resort, located on a hill overlooking Lake Kawaguchi. You can enjoy hands-on meals in a vast red pine forest and spend time watching a bonfire. There are 40 cabins (guest rooms) with sofas and bonfire pits on the terrace, so you can feel like you're outdoors even indoors. Every room is accompanied by a glamping master who will support you during your stay, so you are guaranteed the best time and experience.

Text by Yuko Taniguchi
Photography by Natsuko Okada (Studio Mug)