
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?
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Drunk cycling can result in an instantly suspended driver’s license in Japan
Ultra-premium matcha, koji rice mold star in Starbucks Japanese New Year’s Frappuccino and drinks
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Train and transform your hero into a prime beefcake in otome romance game Muscle Paradise
Kyoto may be getting more modern, tall buildings as city relaxes development limits
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
Hachiko’s new statue is now open to the public, and we’ve got pictures and video from our visit
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Japanese woman mistaken for bear
Return of Totoro sequel short anime announced for Ghibli Park
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
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