～A Christmas initiative born from a shared vision between the Ronald McDonald House and MIMARU～
Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd., together with Ronald McDonald House Charities Japan (DMHC), carried out a Christmas initiative to deliver warm and joyful moments with Santa to children spending time in hospitals and their families.
Video： https://www.instagram.com/mimaruhotels/reel/DSpQP-wEuJl/
■ Treasuring time spent together as a family — a Christmas initiative born from the shared values of DMHC and MIMARU
Ronald McDonald House Charities Japan (DMHC) operates under the philosophy of “Keeping Families Close,” ensuring that families can stay together during even the most challenging times.
The organization establishes and manages Ronald McDonald Houses, accommodation facilities for families
staying close to hospitals while their children receive medical treatment. With 12 Houses across Japan,
each serves as a “home away from home,” supporting children facing illness and their families with care and comfort.
APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU features spacious guest rooms that allow families to stay together even while
traveling, placing great importance on quality time shared as a family.
In line with its commitment to creating an environment where everyone can stay together with peace of
mind, MIMARU also supports travel opportunities for children requiring medical care and their families,
helping make travel more accessible and reassuring for all.
The shared belief that “time spent together as a family matters more than anything else” brought
Ronald McDonald House Charities Japan (DMHC) and MIMARU together.
For families who may feel anxious about going out or traveling, both organizations wanted to offer an
opportunity to imagine the joy of a fun journey beyond the hospital walls. Inspired by this wish—
and by the desire to extend the much-loved Christmas Santa initiative beyond hotel guests to families who
find travel difficult—this Christmas project was born, bringing warmth and smiles to those who need it most.
■ A special moment delivered with Santa to children spending time in hospitals
One day in December, just before Christmas, Santa Claus came from overseas to visit partner hospitals of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Japan, together with staff from DMHC and MIMARU. Santa personally
handed out gifts and handmade Christmas cards to each child spending time in the hospital. Although the
visit was brief, families shared a heartfelt Christmas moment—taking photos, exchanging a few words, and
enjoying a warm, joyful time together in the spirit of the season.
Some children’s eyes sparkled as they saw Santa Claus for the very first time, while others were surprised
and burst into tears. Some appeared nervous at first, only to slowly break into smiles. As these different
reactions came together, a gentle and comforting atmosphere filled the hospital. That shared moment
brought warmth not only to the children, but also to their families who care for them every day, and to the
hospital staff who support the children on the front lines of medical care.
In addition, as a Christmas gift for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, accommodation vouchers for MIMARU were presented, offering families the opportunity to enjoy time together on a future trip.In the
everyday lives of families caring for a child facing illness, it can be difficult—even after leaving the hospital—
to find time to go out together with siblings or to feel comfortable changing their surroundings. With this in
mind, the accommodation vouchers were offered with the hope that families might begin by spending
relaxed, meaningful time together in a familiar and nearby setting, at their own pace and in a way that feels
right for them.
“We’re not sure if we can go, but maybe we’ll give it a try.”
We hope that taking this small step can lead to feelings of “We did it” and “It was okay,” becoming an
opportunity to gently expand a family’s sense of possibility and choice.
In addition, we shared a practical checklist highlighting key points to consider when choosing
accommodations for trips with children facing illness, offering helpful guidance to support families as they
plan their journey.
Key Checkpoints for Your Stay
■ Choosing Your Destination
Start by discussing as a family where to go and how to get there.
For example, the “Barrier-Free Guide to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka” provides accessibility information for recommended attractions, along with links to useful travel resources.
For first-time trips, it is also recommended to choose a destination within a distance that allows for a quick return if needed.
■ Tips for Finding Accommodation
Many booking platforms provide photos and reviews from previous guests, which can help you understand the overall atmosphere.
However, for more accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to check the official website of each property, where facilities and services are often explained more clearly.
■ What to Confirm Before Booking
When traveling with children, not all necessary information may be available on booking sites.
Once you have chosen a property, consider contacting them directly via phone or email.
Most accommodations are willing to assist and aim to provide a safe and comfortable stay.
It is important to communicate any concerns or special requests in advance.
Below are example questions you may wish to ask, which can be adjusted based on your family’s needs:
□ Facility Information
- Is accessible parking available?
- If not, is there a nearby area for loading/unloading luggage?
- Are there refrigerators/freezers in the room?
- Can wheelchairs or strollers of specific sizes be used within the property?
□ Equipment Rental
Are the following items available:
- Bath towels / face towels
- Pillows and cushions
- Power strips
- Blender or mixer
- Bath mat / bath chair
- Bed rails (fall prevention)
- Diaper disposal bins
□ Meals
- Can food allergies be accommodated? (please specify allergens)
- Can food be blended into a puree if needed?
- Can nutritional supplements be heated (e.g., in a water bath)?
- Is a microwave available?
- Is it possible to dine in the room or a private space?
□ Other
- Is early check-in available?
- Is late check-out available?
- Can luggage be sent in advance?
Even in the midst of daily life shaped by illness, we believe that moments when families can experience the
seasons together and share the same time can give children and their loved ones the strength to imagine
what lies ahead.
MIMARU will continue to share the joy of family travel in many forms—so that even when a child is facing
illness, families can still look forward to seasonal celebrations and feel encouraged to embark on a journey
together.
- Sustainability Initiatives of “Staying Together” at MIMARU
As part of its sustainability initiatives, Cosmos Hotel Management focuses on “connecting with guests and local communities,” striving to create an environment where everyone can stay together with peace of mind. By providing spaces where guests from around the world can feel safe and comfortable—even in Japan, where language, culture, and daily customs may differ—the company is committed to delivering a welcoming and inclusive stay experience for all.
Looking ahead, we will continue to expand the circle of “everyone”—supporting families of diverse backgrounds around the world, people of different religions, individuals with disabilities, children requiring medical care, and children with allergies—so that everyone can enjoy traveling together. With this commitment, we will do our utmost to support travel experiences that are inclusive, reassuring, and enjoyable for all.
Our Commitment to Sustainability: https://mimaruhotels.com/en/sustainability/
■ About the Ronald McDonald House
It is estimated that 140,000 children across Japan are living with serious or rare illnesses. Many of these
children require treatment at specialized hospitals, such as university hospitals, often located far from home. As a result, their families face significant challenges, including the financial burden of maintaining two households between home and the hospital, the physical strain caused by disrupted meals and sleep, and the
emotional stress of living apart as a family—placing a heavy burden on those supporting their child’s care.
Ronald McDonald Houses are built on the concept of “HOME AWAY FROM HOME”—a second home where
families can feel relaxed and at ease. These Houses aim to ease, even slightly, the financial, physical, and
emotional burdens faced by families supporting a child undergoing medical treatment, by providing a safe
and comforting place to stay. 
The Houses are operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities Japan, and are supported through the dedication of full-time House staff and the generous
contributions of many volunteers.
Today, there are approximately 390 Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide. In Japan, starting with the country’s first House,
Ronald McDonald House Setagaya, there are 12 Houses
currently in operation nationwide (as of January 2026).
All operating costs of the Houses are covered entirely through
donations and contributions from individuals, companies, and organizations. Thanks to the generosity of the supporters, families are able to stay at a House for 1,000 yen per person per day, making it possible for them
to remain close to their child during treatment.
Official HP: https://www.dmhcj.or.jp/english/