4 "Work-cation" Recommendations for Japan!

The summer already feels like a distant memory however we took an opportunity to get out of the Tokyo heat for "work-cation" opportunities, and think about the future of mobility for the workforce. As the borders were still closed in Japan at the time, the places were relatively quiet before the imminent revenge travel! Investment in the "besso" or "second home" has seen a surge in Japan for both individuals and companies over the past 2 years due to COVID, so we thought we would test out a few places and see what all the fuss was about, especially given that our team is 100% remote.

With some companies shifting to remote "work from anywhere" or at least hybrid style, the opportunity to work from a low cost, low stress location and replace commute time with life time has been refreshing. Waking up to amazing views of nature, beaches, lakes as you open your laptops (stop showing off, we have all seen the photos for click bait...). We have a global, remote team of 20 people at WASABIT.

Some individuals have opted to buy properties as second (or even as primary location). Both buying and renting have their pros and cons, but with the impending inbound "revenge tourism" to Japan we are curious to see how supply and demand fairs in the coming 12 months and whether owning or renting becomes more efficient and desirable both financially and/or in terms of convenience. The maintenance and upkeep of having a place in the countryside has its challenges from turbulent weather, to garbage separation drama! Perhaps it could be easier to rent and constantly move location given the vast options mounting?

The existence of vacation rental platforms has increased access and supply of these properties, as well other property management companies based in the city such as Section L and Wayfarer-hotels.

Here is a list of 4 recommendations we have based on places we actually visited, we are sure there are many more so would love to hear other recommendations too.

1) Hakuba. This was by far the most "fun" in terms of things to do in the outdoors after work and on weekends especially given that we visited in the summer (the Winter defaults to snowboarding or skiing of course). Highlights included mountain biking, river activities, and hiking. We shared a huge house with multiple families which brought the cost down significantly.

2) Chiba, Ichinomiya was probably a bit too hardcore in terms of big waves unless you are an avid surfer, and a lot of the beaches were prohibited for swimming! The Airbnb community however is growing rapidly in that particular location and we found an elegantly designed European style Airbnb, with more construction in progress next door by the same owner! Barbecue facility was great and biggest attraction was the green grass which the dogs and kids loved!

3) Karuizawa has a rich history and is close to Tokyo life in some ways albeit with much cooler temperatures in the middle of summer. Be aware in peak seasons you need reservations at a lot of places and this is another ski destination for the winter. It is probably a more up-scale option and costs will reflect that compared to others, whilst still being in the wilderness. Our friends at A frame house have a great new place in case your favorite letter is A: https://aframehousekaruizawa.com/products/a-frame-house-minami-karuizawa

4) Shimoda is also fairly international with some of the best sand in Japan, especially at Ohama beach which is stunning and family friendly.

Whilst more desirable in the summer months there is still value in visiting off season in particular because prices can come down significantly for nice places. Shirahama is apparently for the "younger" folks and there are several beaches a long the coastline but the sand quality diminishes as you get closer to Ito.

There are plenty of other locations and new facilities popping up all over the countryside. One to look out for is Crossfit Otoyo Strength ( Violet Pacileo is the founder) which is preparing to launch a first of its kind in fitness and wellness retreat, in a very rural area with declining population. They have an amazing story in terms of partnering with the local government to fund this revitalization project.

We would assume that with the number of investments and renovations of properties in rural areas the supply of short term or long term rental for work-cation will be greater than ever. Hopefully there will be "revenge" business opportunity and recovery for the real estate and hospitality sector after the past 2.5 years of hurt. Come visit Japan especially if you have US dollars and want live and work in the countryside! Ramen is dirt cheap right now.