International Demonstration Program 'Alt_ PopUp in Kotohira' Third Edition: 'Working Travelers' from Around the World Stay for One Month in Kotohira Town (Population 7,500) in Collaboration with International Coliving Community 'Alt_'
Kotohira Bus, in collaboration with the international coliving community 'Alt_', will launch the third edition of 'Alt_ PopUp in Kotohira' from May 12th, an international demonstration program where digital nomads stay in Kotohira Town for one month. This initiative aims to revitalize the local economy and foster a 'relationship population' by leveraging the digital nomad visa system.
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- 📰 Published: May 9, 2026 at 00:48
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Kotohira Bus (Headquarters: Kotohira Town, President: Taijiro Kusunoki), which operates tourism and regional exchange businesses based in Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture, will collaborate with Coliving Concept (Headquarters: Chiang Mai, Thailand, President: John Ho), which operates the international coliving community 'Alt_' (Alt_) based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Together, they will implement the third edition of the international demonstration program 'Alt_ PopUp in Kotohira,' where digital nomads (people who travel the world while working remotely) will stay in Kotohira for approximately one month, from May 12th to June 11th.
From Tourism to Stay – Digital Nomads Expanding the Local Economy
Japan's 'Digital Nomad Visa' system began in March 2024. Its main objectives include attracting high-income, highly skilled individuals from around the world, increasing local consumption through long-term stays, evolving inbound tourism from 'sightseeing' to 'stay-type,' and fostering a 'relationship population.' Since 2023, our company has conducted six international remote worker acceptance programs (including collaborations with 'Alt_') from Taiwan, Thailand, and other regions, with a cumulative total of approximately 70 participants. In last year's demonstration, 35 participants stayed for an average of three weeks, with the longest stay being three months. In Kotohira, where general tourists tend to stay around Omotesando, long-term residents venture deeper into the town, visiting areas usually not explored, and expanding their consumption into surrounding regions. This new model of 'relationship population,' where workers from around the world revitalize the local economy, is attracting attention.
Rare Nationwide: 'Attracting Entire Communities, Not Just Individuals'
While efforts to attract digital nomads are increasing nationwide, our company distinguishes itself with a model of 'attracting entire communities.' Unlike measures that temporarily accept individual travelers, accepting established communities like Alt_ makes long-term stays easier through mutual support among residents, and significantly increases the density of interaction with local residents. Our company is not merely a provider of accommodation; as a DMC (Destination Management Company), we are responsible for coordinating the entire town. Furthermore, the on-site operation of this program is handled by our DMC business team. A resident program coordinator consistently handles everything from resident orientation to daily support, working with Alt_'s community manager to create an environment where residents can integrate into the community.
Community Collaboration – One Month of Interaction with Kotohira Residents Based at Kotori
During the program period, local residents will be invited to community dinners held at Kotori coworking & hostel, providing a place for residents and local people to interact around the dining table. Community exchange events with local residents are also planned. By having residents engage with the town not as 'consumers' but as 'temporary residents,' it also becomes an opportunity for local residents to gain international perspectives and inspiration.
'Alt_PopUp' Program Content
The theme for this edition is 'Find Your Core in Kotohira, where 1200 years of history breathe.' There will be three participants (up to seven planned), and the stay period will be approximately one month, from May 12th (Tuesday) to June 11th (Thursday).
*Current participants: 2 from Thailand, 1 from the Netherlands, male-to-female ratio 1:2
*Recruitment for a 10-day course is also underway, and the number of participants may increase during the period.
The program during the stay includes:
- Introspection workshop
- Community lunch
- Community dinner
- Self-introduction session 'Microcosmos'
- Community exchange events with local residents
- Family meetings among residents
Program Overview
Item | Content
---|---
Name | Alt_PopUp in Kotohira (3rd Edition)
Period | May 12, 2026 (Tuesday) - June 11, 2026 (Thursday)
Location | Kotohira Town, Nakatado District, Kagawa Prefecture (Kotori coworking & hostel, etc.)
Participants | 3 people
Organizer | Kotohira Bus Co., Ltd.
Collaboration | Coliving Concept Co., Ltd. (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
Cumulative Acceptance Record | Approximately 70 people (since 2023)
Partner Overview
Coliving Concept Co., Ltd.
• Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
• President: John Ho
• Business: Operation of international coliving communities 'Alt_Chiang Mai / Alt_Ping River'
• URL: https://www.altcoliving.com/
Representative's Comment
Kotohira Bus, while conveying the history, culture, and warmth of the people of Kotohira Town to both domestic and international audiences, is dividing tourism and mobility.
From Tourism to Stay – Digital Nomads Expanding the Local Economy
Japan's 'Digital Nomad Visa' system began in March 2024. Its main objectives include attracting high-income, highly skilled individuals from around the world, increasing local consumption through long-term stays, evolving inbound tourism from 'sightseeing' to 'stay-type,' and fostering a 'relationship population.' Since 2023, our company has conducted six international remote worker acceptance programs (including collaborations with 'Alt_') from Taiwan, Thailand, and other regions, with a cumulative total of approximately 70 participants. In last year's demonstration, 35 participants stayed for an average of three weeks, with the longest stay being three months. In Kotohira, where general tourists tend to stay around Omotesando, long-term residents venture deeper into the town, visiting areas usually not explored, and expanding their consumption into surrounding regions. This new model of 'relationship population,' where workers from around the world revitalize the local economy, is attracting attention.
Rare Nationwide: 'Attracting Entire Communities, Not Just Individuals'
While efforts to attract digital nomads are increasing nationwide, our company distinguishes itself with a model of 'attracting entire communities.' Unlike measures that temporarily accept individual travelers, accepting established communities like Alt_ makes long-term stays easier through mutual support among residents, and significantly increases the density of interaction with local residents. Our company is not merely a provider of accommodation; as a DMC (Destination Management Company), we are responsible for coordinating the entire town. Furthermore, the on-site operation of this program is handled by our DMC business team. A resident program coordinator consistently handles everything from resident orientation to daily support, working with Alt_'s community manager to create an environment where residents can integrate into the community.
Community Collaboration – One Month of Interaction with Kotohira Residents Based at Kotori
During the program period, local residents will be invited to community dinners held at Kotori coworking & hostel, providing a place for residents and local people to interact around the dining table. Community exchange events with local residents are also planned. By having residents engage with the town not as 'consumers' but as 'temporary residents,' it also becomes an opportunity for local residents to gain international perspectives and inspiration.
'Alt_PopUp' Program Content
The theme for this edition is 'Find Your Core in Kotohira, where 1200 years of history breathe.' There will be three participants (up to seven planned), and the stay period will be approximately one month, from May 12th (Tuesday) to June 11th (Thursday).
*Current participants: 2 from Thailand, 1 from the Netherlands, male-to-female ratio 1:2
*Recruitment for a 10-day course is also underway, and the number of participants may increase during the period.
The program during the stay includes:
- Introspection workshop
- Community lunch
- Community dinner
- Self-introduction session 'Microcosmos'
- Community exchange events with local residents
- Family meetings among residents
Program Overview
Item | Content
---|---
Name | Alt_PopUp in Kotohira (3rd Edition)
Period | May 12, 2026 (Tuesday) - June 11, 2026 (Thursday)
Location | Kotohira Town, Nakatado District, Kagawa Prefecture (Kotori coworking & hostel, etc.)
Participants | 3 people
Organizer | Kotohira Bus Co., Ltd.
Collaboration | Coliving Concept Co., Ltd. (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
Cumulative Acceptance Record | Approximately 70 people (since 2023)
Partner Overview
Coliving Concept Co., Ltd.
• Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
• President: John Ho
• Business: Operation of international coliving communities 'Alt_Chiang Mai / Alt_Ping River'
• URL: https://www.altcoliving.com/
Representative's Comment
Kotohira Bus, while conveying the history, culture, and warmth of the people of Kotohira Town to both domestic and international audiences, is dividing tourism and mobility.