In conjunction with this announcement, a press conference was held at the local “Gokayama Suganuma Gassho-Zukuri Village. Those involved shared their thoughts on the project.
On June 21, Airbnb announced the “Global Lodging Experience Campaign” to offer a lodging experience in a World Heritage village, inviting applicants from 9:00 a.m. on June 30 for a free three-day, two-night community-based trip for one limited group of two people.
A priceless experience at a World Heritage Site. Spread the charm of Gokayama and Suganuma villages to the world.
The “Global Lodging Experience Campaign” will run for three days and two nights from July 17 to 19 (tentative). Visitors can enjoy local specialties such as iwana (char) and Gokayama tofu, as well as experience thatching a thatched roof and making sara, a traditional instrument that appears in one of the oldest folk songs in the region.
At the presentation, Yasuyuki Tanabe, President of Airbnb Japan, gave an overview of the project. He expressed his delight that Airbnb is able to offer a “lifestyle-like trip” to a World Heritage site, and promised to continue to focus on proposing historic buildings as lodging facilities. He also called the program the “ultimate experience” and said, “I would like to contribute to the dissemination of the charms of traditional Japanese culture and history.
Mr. Shinichi Nakajima of the Etchu Gokayama Suganuma Village Preservation and Recognition Society, which is supporting this project, also took the stage. He explained that the program includes lodging at his restaurant and in a 170-year-old gassho-style house where he lives and works. We are planning a program for guests to become a part of the village and enjoy the traditional culture, as well as a light-up show just for our guests,” he said, introducing the details of the hospitality program.
Mikio Tanaka, Mayor of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, commented that he hopes guests will have a peaceful stay by interacting with the local people and experiencing the rich culture. He also expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I have high hopes that this campaign will be a pioneer in introducing the wonders of Gokayama and Suganuma village to people not only in Japan, but around the world.
In addition to accommodation at the World Heritage site and local cuisine using local products, the plan will include activities such as “thatched roof replacement experience,” “guided electric bicycle tour,” “folk song experience,” and “Gokayama Japanese paper making.
Plans can be applied for on June 30 at 9:00 a.m. through the official website.
© Source travel watch