Photo= Event participants enjoying the night sky from the water ball floating on the illuminated pool (Otsu Prince Hotel, 4-chome, Nionohama, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture)

An experience-oriented project, in which participants can gaze at the night sky and other views from inside a "water ball," or plastic ball that floats on water, has begun at Otsu Prince Hotel, at 4-chome, Nionohama, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. To promote Lake Biwa's nocturnal attractions, the event lets couples fully enjoy the night views and starry heavens along the lakeside.

The event is held by "NWWA Biwako PR Project," an aquatic tourism event managing association in Otsu City, in cooperation with the hotel, to attract overnight tourists to Otsu.

Each participating couple enters a 2.5 meters-in-diameter water ball which floats on the pool. They can lie on their back to enjoy the sunset glow on Lake Biwa or the star-filled sky. On behalf of the organization, Yasuhide Mifune said, "We hope that each couple can create a memory for them alone in an extraordinary space."

The event takes place every Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. until the end of December. Participants should be 18 years or older. The fee is 5,400 yen per couple for 20 minutes. Reservations are required. For more information, call Otsu Prince Hotel at 077-521-1111.