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Experience Space Science at Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort

This Golden Week, beginning May 2, 2026, the Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa is hosting an extraordinary event: a Handmade Rocket Launch Experience in collaboration with the JAXA Kakuda Space Center. Nestled amidst the majestic Zao mountain range, this event promises a fun-filled opportunity for families to delve into the wonders of space science through interactive workshops and educational sessions.

What's Included in the Experience?

At the heart of this unique event is an engaging mini space lecture conducted by staff from JAXA. Attendees will participate in workshops where they can design and construct their own rockets using simple materials. The real highlight of the day will be launching these rockets in the hotel’s lovely courtyard, making for an unforgettable family experience.

Children will also have the chance to dress up in astronaut suits—perfect for capturing memorable family photos. For those with a little extra time, a visit to the JAXA Kakuda Space Center is highly encouraged to dive deeper into the world of rocketry and space exploration.

Event Schedule

• - Date: May 2, 2026 (Saturday)
• - Time: 14:30 - 17:20 (four sessions)
• - Location: Special venue on the hotel’s 3rd floor and courtyard
• - Cost: Free for registered guests

For more details on how to register, you can visit their official site. The event is free for hotel guests, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone involved.

Note: In case of rain, the rocket launches will be conducted indoors using umbrella bags instead of plastic bottles.

Enjoy Candlelit Moments

From May 2 to 5, 2026, guests can also enjoy toasting marshmallows around a fire pit in the hotel courtyard in the evenings from 18:30 to 20:00. This experience is perfect for creating a cozy outdoor atmosphere, ideal for family bonding. Warm drinks like hot cocoa will be served, heightening the experience during this relaxing time surrounded by nature.

Additional Family-Friendly Activities

The resort will also have a variety of year-round complementary activities for families beyond the rocket launching event. These include:

• - Space Coloring: Let kids unleash their creativity by coloring their favorite rockets.
• - Space Paper Crafts: Craft your own Hayabusa or Earth models in just about 10 minutes.
• - Kite Decoration: Color and decorate kites that you can fly in the courtyard after completion, a fun activity taking only 10 minutes.
• - Leaf Stained Glass: Collect leaves during a nature walk and adhere them onto special paper to create beautiful souvenirs from your visit.

Unique local crafts such as original Kokeshi doll making and wooden toy crafting from the Togatta region will also be offered.

Culinary Delights at the Resort

In addition to the stellar activities, the Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort is celebrating its second anniversary by introducing a new dining concept at its buffet restaurant, Locavore. Inspired by the theme of “Marché”, the new signature menu emphasizes local ingredients and diverse dining experiences that cater to everyone, including expanded vegetarian options.

Delight in exquisite dishes such as vegetable lasagna, fresh smoothies, and specially curated kids’ meals available in a dedicated area. The buffet style offers flexibility, allowing guests to indulge in their favorite dishes at their leisure.

Conclusion

This Golden Week promises a delightful blend of education and enjoyment for families at the Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa. With hands-on experience in rocket launching, an array of craft activities, enchanting evenings around a fire, and diverse culinary delights, families can create unforgettable memories while exploring the wonders of both space and nature.

For more information, visit the official Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort.
Plan your stay today for an unforgettable getaway surrounded by the magnificent Zao mountain range.

Location: 1-1 Onishi Hara, Togatta Onsen, Zao, Miyagi Prefecture
Reservation Inquiries: 03-6830-3926
From the JR Sendai Station, the resort is about a 75-minute bus ride followed by a 30-minute drive from either the Shiroishi or Murata IC.

Experience science, nature, and family fun all in one place!