Working in a space with an ocean view Workation in Wakayama "Nanki Shirahama" Vol.1

While "telework" and "work from home" have spread due to the influence of the new coronavirus, a sense of incongruity has arisen with the words and concepts. Of course, it is a principle to refrain from going out during the corona crisis, but considering the social changes after corona, is it necessary to be "at home"?

With the changes in work and lifestyles due to the corona crisis, the conventional way of thinking about "place" and "space" is rapidly changing. In anticipation of the post-corona society, we first conducted interviews on the theme of "workation" in order to explore the ideal state of the next-generation space that allows for "diversity in work styles and lifestyles" that will not stop the change.​

Workation definition

While it is not possible to rely on inbound tourism and attracting tourists, interest in “workation” is increasing, but at the present stage there seem to be various definitions and interpretations. In contrast to rural areas, workcations in the city center are also called “city workations”.
Here, I would like to quote the interpretation of "HafH" by KabuK Style Co., Ltd., who cooperated in this interview.

*Subscription co-living platform “HafH” (Haf: Home​ ​a way from​ ​Home)

“Expanding the world, working styles.”
A new subscription-type co-living that aims to be a platform where you can live all over the world with a fixed monthly fee (all-in-one expenses such as utility bills, equipment, internet expenses, security deposits, key money, security deposits, furniture purchase costs, etc.). platform

≫ Workation sacred place: Wakayama

There is also a definition of the word, but I have been participating in the "Workation Leaders Summit (WLS)" hosted by Wakayama Prefecture, which has been focusing on "workation" since before Corona, in order to learn from the pioneers while actually experiencing workation. I was.
Nanki Shirahama, Wakayama, which is said to be the "sacred place of workation", has succeeded in attracting satellite offices of IT companies, including the companies that were on the stage this time, in 2015, taking advantage of the telework business of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. It seems that the use of workation has accelerated at once.

In the future, will “workation” lead to solving local issues, and will the potential increase due to the corona crisis? Through interviews with two companies that operate guesthouses, I would like to consider the first part and the second part.

*Ryo Osera, CEO of KabuK Style Co., Ltd. has summarized the details of the "Workation Leaders Summit in Nanki Shirahama" in a note. Please take a look.
Representative Ryo Osera note: Why is "#Workation"?

First, in the first part, we will focus on the new initiatives of Shirahamakan Co., Ltd., which operates multiple accommodation facilities in Shirahama.
We asked Mr. Matsudaira, Deputy General Manager of the Sales Department, about the history of the large-scale renovation of the hotel on the occasion of the 50th anniversary, new entry into the residence business, workation support, etc.

SHIRAHAMA KEY TERRACE HOTEL SEAMORE

≫ HOTEL SEAMORE renewal history

When it first opened, it was called ``Hotel High Play Land Tenzankaku'' and had a Ferris wheel. Seymour" and shifted to a luxury route.
It used to specialize in "guests" services such as hot spring baths with "plum pickled" barrels, room meals, and restaurants, but with this renewal, it returns to its origins, and not only guests but anyone can gather. It has been reborn as an open hotel.

≫ Renewal points and workation support

*The popular “Infinity Footbath”, which is often uploaded on SNS

The most important point of workation correspondence is "to be able to work while looking at the sea".
The first thing that catches your eye is the ocean view from the lounge and the infinity footbath that integrates with the horizon. I experienced the richness of working in front of an overwhelming natural environment, and the sight of many people teleworking while looking at the ocean both indoors and outdoors during the WLS period made me reconsider the meaning of working in the city.

* "Business room" where you can work while looking at the sea

* Equipped with necessary functions other than Wi-Fi and outlets

* "Ocean View Lounge" open to the community

*The bakery, which is popular with local customers, is the centerpiece of the renovation! A live kitchen and a sales counter in a row

* The large atrium "reception" was originally a place where there was a fountain.

*Bouldering, billiards, and more can be used by non-guests in the well-equipped PLAY ROOM (partially charged)

≫Casual and free! Open facility with wide frontage

In addition to the ocean view lounge where a wide range of customers can freely gather, there are three ways to provide "meals": "Ikesu Enza", a sushi counter "Sushi Yata", and a buffet restaurant "by the ocean". From the pattern, it has been changed so that you can freely choose at the time of reservation.
While we still have banquet halls and kaiseki cuisine for group guests, we have eliminated rooms with open-air baths and in-room meals, and greatly changed the facility configuration and flow lines, shortening travel distances and reducing the burden of serving meals. It has become possible to cope with a smaller number of staff.

*Buffet restaurant "by the ocean" that can be used by non-guests in the morning, noon, and night

*Ikesu Enza, an Ikesu Gozen cuisine

*"Sushi Yata" at the sushi counter

* You can choose freely from yukata, amenities to shampoo! is the point
"Amenity Furniture"

"Yukata Lounge"

"Shampoo Bar"

By incorporating the needs of individual travelers without excluding existing customers, including traditional group travelers, the customer base has been broadened and operational efficiency has been improved. I was able to understand the success factor of the renewal.

SHIRAHAMA KEY TERRACE SEAMORE RESIDENCE

The residence where I experienced the workation this time opened next to "HOTEL SEAMORE" last summer.
​The “Residence” business format, which consists of two buildings, KEY1 and KEY2, and does not require staff to reside at all times​, is a new attempt for the company. increase.

* Community space where you can work

＊Kitchen space

≫ Cooperation with “HafH” during the corona crisis

Immediately after the opening, there were more families in the Kansai area and long-term use by foreigners. It is said that it has arrived.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, weekday reservations via HafH have been going well, and it seems that they realized the potential for the residence business and workation.
Shirahamakan, a traditional Japanese-style inn in front of Shirarahama, will also be converted to a residence, and will be further strengthened to meet the growing demand for workcations in the future.
*HOTEL SHIRAHAMAKAN (Shirahama building)

I felt that this successful example of a renewal strategy that does not rely solely on tourism shows new possibilities in the future of regional tourism, which is struggling.

In the second part, we will delve deeper into our thoughts through interviews at another WLS venue, the Guest House.

Continue to Part 2​

Image provided by: Shirahamakan Co., Ltd., KabuK Style Co., Ltd.