
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?
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Suspected yakuza member arrested for having frequent flyer mile account
You’ll never win cash or prizes or cash at this Tokyo pachinko parlor, and that’s why it’s so cool
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
The Pokémon anime studio’s next project is a Scooby-Doo anime, Yokoso Scooby-Doo
Mister Donut’s beyond super soft and chewy beyond mochi mochi donuts have returned
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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