98% Occupancy Rate in March: Why the 'Simple Charm' of Washinmura's Satoyama is Being Chosen Today. Plus, the Student-Only Plan is Now Permanent!

Hello from Washinmura.

Recently, when walking through the village, we often see a particular sight: young people from the city leaving their stylish backpacks behind, carrying bamboo baskets on their backs, and slowly walking along the satoyama (rural landscape) paths.

Thanks to your support, the 'Student-Only Plan' we proposed has received an unimaginable number of reservations, reaching an 89% occupancy rate in February and 98% in March.

Why is this 'simple' satoyama being chosen now, as people intentionally leave behind the convenient and glamorous city? We would like to share our thoughts on a new form of travel that has become apparent through our daily interactions with guests.

■ 89% in February, 98% in March. What Surprised Us More Than the Numbers.

Thanks to you, we recorded an 89% occupancy rate in February, and during the graduation trip season in March, we have been nearly fully booked at 98% (as of March 6th).

While we are of course delighted to be chosen by so many students and young people, what surprises and moves us most is 'how' everyone is spending their time here.

In a previous blog post, we suggested, 'Why don't you escape from everyday life for a little while?' However, you are not simply 'escaping'; instead, you are proactively finding your 'own enriching time' right here.

■ Why the 'Simplicity' of Satoyama Over the 'Glamour' of the City Now?

In today's world, whenever you open social media, it is overflowing with 'glamorous correct answers' everywhere. But constantly decorating oneself and comparing oneself to others every single day unknowingly wears down the heart.

The words we consistently hear from visitors to Washinmura are, 'The simple fact that there is nothing here is exactly what makes it so good.'

- The unstructured warmth of 15 cats purring under a kotatsu (heated table).
- Leaving a stylish backpack behind to walk the satoyama path with a bamboo basket.
- The simple effort of chopping wood with your own hands and nurturing a fire.

These are the polar opposites of urban 'convenience' and 'glitz.' However, seeing everyone's smiles, we became convinced that this unadorned touch is exactly the 'authentic rest' that young people today have been seeking from the bottom of their hearts.

There is another new trend we have become certain of through this response. It is the overwhelming increase in people who come 'to spend time at Washinmura,' rather than 'staying over just to go somewhere else.'

From the moment guests receive the 'Satoyama Tashinamicho' (Guidebook to Appreciating Satoyama) handed to them at check-in, the main focus of their trip shifts from the 'outside' to 'inside the village.'

Stroking a goat's chin, placing a hand on a large dog, and appreciating the true, unadorned nature of living creatures. Rather than busily touring sightseeing spots, they fully utilize this simple, deep time. Everyone has taught us the comfort of such a 'trip where the accommodation is the destination.'

■ Smartphones Not for Chasing Information, But for 'Memories.'

- The weight of a cat that has climbed onto your lap.
- The flickering of the fire you kindled yourself.
- The sound of the wind blowing through the forest.

Smartphones are being used as important recording tools to carefully capture these 'now' moments that will never come again. Taking temporary refuge from the waves of information and capturing the richness right in front of them using only their own sensibilities—seeing everyone do this looks incredibly independent and beautiful.

■ In Conclusion: Bringing this 'Simple Richness' to More People.

At the beginning of February, we never imagined that the 'simple' daily life of a satoyama would resonate so deeply with the sensibilities of young people.

If you ever feel just a little bit tired of convenience and glamour, please come back to Washinmura anytime. The unadorned animals and 15 cats are waiting for you, ready to provide the same 'simple and enriching time' as always.

We have decided to make the Student-Only Plan a permanent offering.

Reservations made through our official website guarantee the 'lowest price.'

We look forward to seeing you all amidst the tranquility of the satoyama.