
Thanks to several items outfitted with self-parking systems, we get a glimpse into the future of Japanese hospitality.
No trip to Japan is complete without spending a night in a high-class ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn. They certainly don’t come cheap, but choose a good one and it’ll guarantee you an experience like no other.
In an effort to revolutionize the Japanese inn experience, Nissan has collaborated with a ryokan in the mountainous hot spring resort of Hakone in an exhilarating fusion of technology and tradition. By taking the self-parking technology of cars and incorporating it into household items, customers won’t have to worry about leaving a mess anymore.
▼ Is this the future of Japanese ryokan?
Indoor slippers are equipped with wheels and Nissan’s intelligent parking system, which lets scattered footwear sense their surroundings and move them back into a neat row, much like how self-parking cars behave.
▼ It’ll come in handy for customers unfamiliar with Japan’s customs.
Even the tables, cushions and TV remote found in rooms receive the awesome technology upgrade, sliding back into predetermined positions with just a simple click of a button.
▼ In Japan, even the rooms tidy up after themselves.
The pilot project runs over two days from 24 March to 25 March at Tonosawa Ichinoyu Honkan, allowing you to experience what’s it like to have slippers and other items slide around on their own.
Not everyone is able to participate unfortunately, as only two lucky winners of a draw will be chosen. Interested individuals who have a Japanese address have until 10 February to follow @Nissan and tweet the hashtags “#PPP旅館 #wanttostay” to be eligible.
While this is merely a short pilot project on how technology can be used to improve the ryokan experience, it could very well turn into something more permanent in the near future. Making things park by themselves isn’t a first for Nissan, as they’ve already created awesome sliding chairs suitable for office use.
Source: YouTube/Nissan, Pro Pilot Park Ryokan via Japaaaan
Images: YouTube/Nissan



Ryokan etiquette: What not to do when staying at a traditional Japanese inn
Hilton Japan apologizes for “disrespectful” ad disparaging traditional Japanese inns
Foreign travelers’ lukewarm reactions to traditional Japanese inn food causing changes in Kyoto
How should you use the small hiroen in a Japanese ryokan hotel room?
Japanese etiquette lesson: Should you fold up your own futon when leaving a ryokan inn?
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Japan’s plus-sized idol singer group releases new video about the joys of eating【Video】
Totoro Tummy Blanket gives you the belly warmth of Ghibli’s cuddliest character【Photos】
Starbucks Japan celebrates Christmas with multipurpose gingerbread cookies
7-Eleven selling half-off fried food for Black Friday alongside regular-priced black food
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Package delivery in Japan may be delayed due to bear risks
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Two things to do, and two things not to do, when leaving a traditional Japanese inn
Stay in an eerie Japanese ryokan inn near Tokyo Tower for US$40 a night
Cheap Japanese ryokan at Kusatsu Onsen is hidden at the back of a traditional store
Traditional Japanese inn offers ultimate amenity: A cat companion to spend the night with
Wear samurai armor while playing video games? That’s an option at this Japanese inn【Video】
Japanese pot sticker restaurant chain also runs flat-rate hot spring inn, but is it worth staying at?
Writer’s retreat ryokan — Tokyo inn treats you like novelist on deadline, with strict “editors”
Japanese inn with analog photo studio is a classic way to preserve your timeless travel memories
Japanese hot spring inn lets you spend night for under US$1 if you do something special in return
Leave a Reply