Now, 2026 has opened in the best way possible: with an award.
This is a “Documentary Blog of Glory and Gratitude,” filled with my excitement and determination for the next stage.
“I am not alone. There are so many comrades who share the same ambition.”
Standing in a forum swirling with the energy of 133 people, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude that will last a lifetime.
Hello! I am Misa Endo, the store manager of Nikko Kimono Rental COCON NIKKO.
At the very start of 2026, my heart is overflowing with emotion and gratitude like never before.
I recently participated in the momentous “Northern Kanto Inbound Forum.”
The venue was packed with 133 business operators who are struggling and striving every day to enliven tourism in Northern Kanto (Tochigi, Gunma, and Ibaraki). The heat, the smiles, and the positive attitudes were infectious. Just being there gave me a surge of energy, thinking, “I can do more too!”
Then, at the climax of this forum, something unbelievable happened.
Out of six award categories, COCON NIKKO was selected as a winner!
Today, I would like to write with overflowing passion about the path to this award, the mentor who guided me, and the friends with whom I have worked so hard.
Chapter 1: The Mentor — A Fateful Encounter with Angus Miyaji
There is one person who is absolutely essential when talking about this award.
It is Mr. Angus Miyaji, a Cabinet Office Cool Japan Producer who leads “Nearby TOKYO,” a project to revitalize the entire Northern Kanto region.
1. March 2025: A Shock in Nikko
My encounter with Angus-san was in March 2025. On that day, he actually visited COCON NIKKO. Until then, I had only been thinking about “how to do my best within Nikko.” But Angus-san presented a tremendously wide perspective: “Northern Kanto as seen from the world.”
“Misa-san, Nikko can offer much greater value to the world as ‘Nearby Tokyo’.”
His words, and the creative ideas he possessed that I could never have imagined, shattered the wall of “limits” in my head. I still clearly remember the new light that shone through.
2. Never Stop Learning: Monthly Zoom Meetings and Study Sessions
From our meeting until today, Angus-san’s guidance has been passionate and sincere. Through monthly Zoom meetings and study sessions, he taught us everything from the basics of inbound tourism to deep-diving into the “experiences” that international guests truly seek.
Without this year of dense learning, the current me—and the current COCON NIKKO—would not exist.
Chapter 2: The Community — “Inbound Comrades” Full of Smiles
What made me happier than anything else at this forum was the conviction that “I am not alone.”
1. The Positive Energy of 133 People
Looking around the venue, 133 tourism operators were interacting with their best smiles. Usually, businesses in the same region tend to become “rivals,” but the “Nearby Tokyo” friends are different.
“How can we make customers happier?”
“How can we make Tochigi, Northern Kanto, and Japan the best place in the world?”
We are comrades who share these common goals, celebrating each other’s successes and sharing our failures. There were nights when I worried alone, but seeing everyone’s passionate faces gave me courage from the bottom of my heart.
2. Experience at the First “Summer Business Meeting”
Last summer, I participated in an inbound business negotiation meeting for the first time. I felt my legs trembling during my unfamiliar presentation. But even then, my friends called out to encourage me. Those days of sweating together and facing global agents became the solid foundation for this award.
Chapter 3: The Award — The Day “Steady Steps” Took Shape
Then came the moment of recognition.
At this forum, awards were presented to six businesses/organizations that showed remarkable achievements and sincere efforts. When the name “COCON NIKKO” was called, I felt like my breath stopped for a moment.
1. Earnestly and Sincerely. The Accumulation of Steady Steps.
What I have done until today has not always been glamorous.
Dressing customers carefully every single day.
Continuing to broadcast the charm of Nikko on SNS.
No matter how big the award is, our starting point is always “making the one customer in front of us happy.”
In 2026, with this award in my heart, I will deliver the “Magic of Kimono” from Nikko to the world with even more passion. Step by step (Kotsukotsu), I will continue to walk sincerely.
Misa Endo’s adventure really starts here.
Let’s create a GREAT future together!
Misa Endo
Store Manager, Nikko Kimono Rental COCON NIKKO
Award Commemoration & Special Announcement
To celebrate this award, COCON NIKKO is further enhancing our special inbound plans!
- Premium Anniversary Plan: The best garment fusing tradition and innovation.
- Concierge Guide: Proposing new Nikko rediscovery routes incorporating the “Nearby Tokyo” perspective.
★ See the Award Ceremony on Instagram!
Please share your moments of joy with the hashtag
The Experience of “Wearing a Kimono”
Wearing a kimono gives your daily life an extraordinary sparkle. It is like magic that liberates your heart and helps you discover a new version of yourself.
Through the filter of a Yukata or Kimono, Nikko shows a completely different expression—drawing your eye to architectural details or the beauty of nature you might have missed. The memories of that day will become a treasure deeply engraved in your heart, not just “tourism” to be consumed.
We want to be your “Travel Partner.”
COCON NIKKO is not just a rental shop. We are here to support your “best memories.”
Why Choose COCON NIKKO?
- Prime Location: Only a 5-minute walk from Tobu Nikko Station. You can get dressed immediately after arrival and start sightseeing light!
- Hassle-Free: Come empty-handed! We have everything you need.
- Professional Service: Our professional staff will dress you carefully so you stay beautiful and comfortable all day long.
- Full Support: From hair setting to coordination, we support you fully even if it’s your first time.
- Extensive Selection: We offer many retro-modern kimonos that match the seasonal colors and streets of Nikko.
Make your trip to the World Heritage city of Nikko unforgettable.
Whether for an anniversary, graduation trip, date, girls’ trip, or family vacation, we promise a special experience.
Reservations & Access
[Reserve Here]
We accept reservations 24 hours a day via our website.
Next-day return is available for an additional 1,650 yen (please indicate in the message box when booking).
Check out our Guest Gallery!
See the smiles of our customers on X, Instagram, and TikTok.
Nikko Kimono Rental COCON NIKKO
- Address: 425-1 Ishiya-cho, Nikko City, Tochigi Pref. 321-1405
- Tel: 0288-25-6625
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
- Access by Train: 5 min walk from Tobu Nikko Stn / 8 min walk from JR Nikko Stn.
- Access by Car: Approx. 8 min from Nikko Interchange.
We are waiting for you with a smile to open the door to your “extraordinary” experience!