Inbound Holdings to Open "Hoan," a Luxury Japanese Guesthouse Renovated from a Traditional House, in Front of Kii-Tanabe Station, Wakayama Prefecture, on April 1

Our company supports April Dream, which aims to make April 1 a day to announce dreams. This press release is a dream of Inbound Holdings Inc.

Inbound Holdings Inc. (Headquarters: Nishi-ku, Osaka; Representative Director: Masaki Sakamoto; hereinafter "the Company"), which handles services for inbound tourists, and the management and operation of hotels and guesthouses, will open "Hoan," a guesthouse owned and renovated by Ocean Technology Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Masaho Fukuda; hereinafter "Ocean Technology"), in front of Kii-Tanabe Station in Wakayama Prefecture on April 1, 2026.

This initiative aims to revitalize traditional Japanese houses and vacant properties sleeping across Japan and connect inbound foreign travelers with local communities, thereby spreading the "waku-waku" (excitement) of travel nationwide.

Features of "Hoan"

"Hoan" is a facility renovated from a traditional house built approximately 60 years ago. It leverages the aesthetic of "wabi-sabi" unique to traditional houses, offering a Japanese space with tranquility and a sense of openness.

It is designed to provide a stay experience where guests enjoy "the time spent in that land itself," rather than just visiting tourist spots, aiming to become a new travel option for inbound foreign visitors.

1. Beauty in Silence

The space is designed by renovating the traditional house while preserving its structure and ambiance, stripping away unnecessary elements. By intentionally not installing televisions, it offers a "stay experience away from modernity" where guests can savor tranquility and the flow of time.

Guests can step away from their busy daily lives and spend time facing the "openness" unique to Japan.

2. Japanese Space Infused with the Owner's Dedication and Craftsmanship

The building features a structure that extends inward, much like a Kyoto machiya (traditional townhouse). At the back, there is a small garden inspired by karesansui (dry landscape garden) and a resting area. While feeling the expanse within a limited frontage, guests can also experience Japan's unique spatial art.

Each room features Japanese-style art pieces created using the high-quality printing technology of Ocean Technology, the owner. Each piece, specially produced for this inn, adds depth and individuality to the space.

3. Enjoy "Showa Japan" in a Luxurious Hinoki Bathtub

The area in front of Kii-Tanabe Station has a history of flourishing as a base for the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, and today, it retains a strong atmosphere of Showa-era retro. The scenery of narrow alleys lined with old buildings and eateries gives visitors the feeling of "stepping into old Japan."

"Hoan," a traditional house guesthouse nestled in a corner of an alley, is equipped with a hinoki (cypress) bathtub, which is becoming rare in Japan. The time spent soaking in the bath, enveloped in the scent of wood, creates a sensation akin to forest bathing.

Our April Dream

We aim to "spread the 'waku-waku' (excitement) of travel across Japan."

Currently, many inbound foreign visitors concentrate on a few tourist destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Meanwhile, many unknown charms and cultures exist throughout Japan, but issues such as depopulation and an increase in vacant houses are simultaneously progressing. A town that is nothing to some can become an unforgettable place for others. We want to create such experiences all over Japan.

Why are we undertaking this initiative?

In Japan, the increase in vacant houses is a major social issue. On the other hand, more owners are considering utilizing traditional houses to generate income.

However, many properties remain unused due to reasons such as not knowing how to utilize them, lacking means of attracting guests, or difficulty in handling inbound tourism.

Our company solves these issues and develops businesses that create value for both "owners who want to utilize vacant houses" and "travelers seeking authentic Japanese experiences" by connecting them.

Future Development

Starting with this facility, we will expand similar models to various regions across Japan, creating new flows of people and economic value in local communities.

We aim to realize a future where the "waku-waku" of travel is not confined to specific tourist destinations but spreads throughout Japan.

Overview of "Hoan"

Location: 16-13 Minato, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture

Access: Approximately 5 minutes walk from JR Kinokuni Line Kii-Tanabe Station

Accommodation Start Date: April 1, 2026 (Wednesday)

Accommodation Fee (1 room, 1 night): From 50,000 yen (tax included)

*Prices vary depending on the season, booking site, etc.

Owner: Ocean Technology Inc.

Management and Operation: Inbound Holdings Inc.

Booking Method: Airbnb, Booking.com

Number of Rooms: 1 room

Capacity: 7 people

Website: https://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/1615155880890391163

Contact for accommodation inquiries: TEL.06-7167-6048

About Ocean Technology Inc.

Ocean Technology Inc. integrates solutions and know-how accumulated in the printing and packaging technology industry, connecting new business launches and production efficiency improvements in Japan from its unique perspective, providing products to ensure clients' businesses are even more successful than before.

[Company Profile]

Company Name: Ocean Technology Inc.

Headquarters: 4-1-3 Hatchobori, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 8F

Representative Director: Masaho Fukuda

Established: October 2012

HP: https://www.ocean-tech.jp/

About Inbound Holdings Inc.

Inbound Holdings is committed to the mission of "making the world gentler with the power of entertainment" and, to achieve this, operates various services for inbound foreign visitors under the vision of "becoming the best partner for travelers and providing special experiences."

We will continue to challenge ourselves to deliver the charm of Japan to the world and realize a world full of smiles and compassion through entertainment.

[Company Profile]

Company Name: Inbound Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Yotsubashi Building 2F, 1-5-7 Shinmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka

Representative Director: Masaki Sakamoto

Established: September 2024

Business Activities: ・Planning, development, and operation of accommodations such as hotels and guesthouses

・Operation of SPOT JAPAN

・Video media for foreigners

・Original activities

HP: https://inbound-hd.jp/