Discovering ‘Warau-ji’: A Multifunctional Lounge Opening in 2026

Scheduled to open on April 1, 2026, the new lounge named ‘Warau-ji’ at the Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa hopes to provide a space where people of all ages can enjoy various forms of entertainment while preserving Japanese culture for the next generation. Occupying an expansive 650 square meters, Warau-ji is thoughtfully designed with five distinct zones catering to different activities, allowing for both relaxation and engaging physical play.

Located in Nagano City, the resort offers stunning views of the Northern Alps, making it an ideal base for regional tourism. The lounge aims to revive the traditional Japanese banquet concept, which has seen a decline, by incorporating familiar tatami mat spaces that resonate with locals while appealing to international visitors. The lounge features around 3,000 books, including nostalgic Japanese toys, historical texts about the region, and popular manga.

The guiding concept behind Warau-ji is “Laugh, Circle, Harmony.” This philosophy embodies encouragement for smiles and laughter (Laugh), fostering community time among families and friends (Circle), and integrating elements of Japanese culture and space (Harmony). The lounge's natural aesthetic promotes a cozy atmosphere where traditional Japanese games and wooden educational toys coexist, inviting both children to play freely and adults to unwind. The aim is to create warm memories shared among family and friends, all encapsulated in three key themes of the concept.

Lounge Zones: A Closer Look

- NAGI (Chill Room): The central area is designed for relaxation, outfitted with comfortable tables, chairs, bean bags, and large cushions. Visitors can enjoy reading manga from the extensive collection, play traditional board games, and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks in a warm, inviting environment. This space encourages intergenerational bonding, where grandparents can teach grandchildren various games, fostering shared joyful experiences.

- YAKU (Activity Room): A space dedicated to physical activity, featuring a bouldering wall equipped with safety mats to ensure secure climbing for children. This area is designed to be spacious, allowing for freedom of movement and encouraging active play without clutter.

- SORA (Theater Room): Visitors can relish in nostalgic gaming experiences with a projector and large screen, designed to showcase beloved classic video games. This engaging zone brings families together, allowing them to compete or cooperate in various gaming trials, enhancing excitement and connection.

- EN (Community Room): A safe space for preschoolers, this area contains wooden educational toys that are safe to use. Activities include giant-sized wooden block games and table soccer, promoting a playful environment where young children can socialize and engage with one another.

- HINATA (Table Tennis Room): Featuring two table tennis tables on a slip-resistant floor, this room is perfect for energetic play. It allows guests to enjoy this classic sport in a comfortable setting after relaxing in the on-site hot springs, providing a unique fusion of leisure and activity.

Amenities and Details

The lounge will operate free of charge as part of the all-inclusive experience offered by the Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa. It opens from 15:00 to 23:00 for the NAGI Chill Room and from 15:00 to 21:00 for the YAKU Activity Room, accommodating various schedules and needs.

In addition to these engaging spaces, the Mercure Resort offers a buffet restaurant called LOCAVORE featuring local ingredients and authentic regional cuisine. Known for its vibrant offerings, the restaurant focuses on fresh, locally sourced dishes and live cooking experiences, inviting guests to explore new flavors during their stay.

Located just two minutes away from the Nagano IC via car and 30 minutes from Nagano Station by complimentary shuttle service, the resort is ideally situated near historical sites like the Sanada Clan's Matsushiro Castle ruins. The resort aims to provide a rich, full experience of lodging, dining, and cultural exploration, ideal for family vacations or friendly gatherings.

Conclusion

The advent of Warau-ji is poised to transform the leisure experience of visitors at Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa, merging Japanese tradition with modern hospitality to create a memorable and inclusive atmosphere. This new space promises to be a hub for laughter, bonding, and enriching relationships across generations, truly embodying the essence of the resort's mission of promoting local culture through collective enjoyment.