A Month of Celebration at TKP SHONIN PARK
TKP, Inc., headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, celebrated the first anniversary of its facility, TKP SHONIN PARK, located in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture. To mark this special occasion, a month-long festival titled "TKP SHONIN PARK 1st Anniversary Fes!" took place from July 1 to July 31, 2026. This event gathered support from local businesses, schools, and sports teams, resulting in an impressive turnout of over 20,000 visitors throughout the month.
Main Events and Competitions
One of the highlights of the celebration occurred on July 18, which featured the final selection round of the "TKP SHONIN PARK Tourism Ambassador 2026 Contest." This contest aimed to select two ambassadors to promote tourism in Beppu. The judging panel included significant local figures, such as TKP President Takahiro Kawano, Beppu City Mayor Yoshihiro Nagano, and Yoichi Nishida, President of the Beppu City Ryokan and Hotel Association. After a rigorous selection process, five finalists who had previously passed the first rounds presented their unique charms through five-minute presentations. In the end, Mako Ueno was awarded the Grand Prize, and Hanako Abe earned the Runner-up title, making them the inaugural ambassadors for TKP SHONIN PARK.
During the festivities, visitors enjoyed various attractions, including live performances, traditional games, a fireworks display, and a beer garden. The program provided a diverse range of entertainment, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.
Significant Milestones in the First Year
Reflecting on the first year since its opening, TKP SHONIN PARK welcomed an estimated 250,000 visitors, establishing itself as a new landmark in Beppu. The Sand SPA facility, known for its traditional sand bathing culture, expanded to double its size, offering an enhanced experience to guests. This expansion marked a significant contribution towards boosting local tourism and promoting extended stays.
Visitor Statistics
- - Beppu Sand SPA: Total visitors: 42,000 (30% local, 40% domestic, 30% international)
- - ISHINOYA Beppu Cottages: Total visitors: 10,000 (10% local, 60% domestic, 30% international)
- - Grill Takka Restaurant: Total visitors: 35,000
Community Engagement
The anniversary festival also featured a special stage for three consecutive days, where talented local artists and performers showcased their skills through dance, music, and live performances. The event fostered a sense of community as local schools and sports teams joined forces to create an engaging atmosphere that highlighted the essence of Beppu.
One fun activity included children enjoying water play using onsen water, along with various food stalls, which added to the festive ambiance.
Summary of the Event
Event Name:
TKP SHONIN PARK 1st Anniversary Fes! – A Month of Gratitude for ‘A More Loved Place’
Duration:
July 1 – July 31, 2026
Venue:
TKP SHONIN PARK, 795-1 Kamihito Hamacho, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
Activities Included:
- - Tourism ambassador contest
- - Live performances
- - Traditional games
- - Fireworks display
- - Water play events
- - Beer garden
- - Lottery and exclusive sweets sales
Attendance:
20,900 visitors
Stage Programs:
32 performances
Collaborating Vendors:
18 booths
The event was organized by TKP, with support from key local organizations, demonstrating the strong community spirit in Beppu.
Future Prospects
Through the initiatives at TKP SHONIN PARK, TKP plans to further promote the unique charm and experiences that Beppu has to offer. The company aims to deepen connections with customers and the local community as part of its commitment to regional revitalization.
For more details about TKP SHONIN PARK, visit the
official site.