Hyakusenrenma

Hyakusenrenma, Inc., established on June 19, 2012, operates at the intersection of tourism and regional revitalization in Japan. The company was founded by Kazuhiro Uehara, who serves as the President and CEO. His background includes a tenure as an executive officer at Rakuten Travel, Inc., and as a director at KLab Inc., experiences that provided him with a deep understanding of online travel and business development. This foundation was pivotal in launching Hyakusenrenma with a mission to create "extremely clear travel purposes" and promote sustainable tourism rooted in local life and culture.

The company's core business revolves around its online vacation rental platform, STAY JAPAN, which was launched as the first website to offer legal short-term rentals in the country. STAY JAPAN distinguishes itself by exclusively listing properties that are officially licensed and compliant with Japanese law, including the National Strategic Special Zones Regulation and the Hotel Business Act, ensuring a layer of safety and reliability for travelers. The platform caters to a diverse clientele, from solo travelers to large groups and families, seeking authentic accommodation experiences. The business model generates revenue by charging a commission on bookings from property owners and a processing fee from travelers. For hosts desiring a hands-off approach, the company also offers full property management services for a higher commission.

STAY JAPAN's inventory is notably diverse, featuring unique lodging options beyond standard apartments. Travelers can book stays in traditional Japanese farmhouses for an agricultural experience (Nohaku), temples (Shukubo), historic 120-year-old renovated houses, and even Japan's first-ever castle stay at Hirado Castle. These offerings are designed to provide immersive cultural experiences, such as making homemade pizza, practicing yoga in nature, or living in a World Heritage Gassho-Zukuri village. This strategy directly supports the company's goal of regional revitalization by attracting tourism to rural areas. Over the years, Hyakusenrenma has secured significant funding, raising $22.6M to expand its property portfolio and enhance its global marketing efforts. The company has also forged strategic partnerships with major corporations like Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA Sales to create package tours that bundle flights with these unique, experience-based stays.

Keywords: vacation rental, Japan travel, authentic accommodation, farm stay, Nohaku, temple stay, Shukubo, castle stay, licensed minpaku, regional revitalization, sustainable tourism, Kazuhiro Uehara, Hirado Castle, traditional Japanese house, cultural experience travel, rural tourism, inbound tourism Japan, STAY JAPAN, accommodation booking platform, Japanese guesthouses