Japan has come up with some pretty creative ways to enjoy the colder months, but this might be one of the more unusual ones. Visitors to Shizuoka Prefecture will soon be able to enjoy a traditional Japanese kotatsu and a steaming hot pot meal while floating on Lake Hamana.
The experience, called Kozatsu (湖たつ), is launching for the 2026 winter season in the Kanzanji area of Hamamatsu. Guests can settle beneath a kotatsu on a specially designed floating platform, enjoying the lake scenery while tucking into a hot pot made with local ingredients.
There are two options available. The longer 90-minute experience includes a seasonal hot pot featuring local ingredients, including Hamamatsu's famous mandarin oranges, while a shorter 60-minute option is available for those who simply want to enjoy some time on the water. Both include a ride on Yamaha's developing electric water mobility system, Six Float.
Each floating platform can accommodate up to four people, making it an interesting option for families or groups traveling together. Prices start at 22,000 JPY for the shorter experience, while the hot pot package costs 33,000 JPY.
The experience will run on selected Fridays, weekends and public holidays from November 13 to 29, weather permitting.
