#Japan #Taito #MACHI HOP PROJECT #Taito District #Airpoter

'MACHI HOP PROJECT': Tackling Over-Tourism in Taito District

The 'MACHI HOP PROJECT' was launched on September 30, uniting four innovative startups: Airporter, Bounce Japan, RelyonTrip, and GRACY. This collaborative initiative aims to mitigate the concentration of tourists in Taito District's Ueno and Asakusa areas, which are popular for their cultural and historical attractions. By improving luggage handling services, the project intends to promote a comfortable travel experience without the burden of heavy bags and to highlight the lesser-known charms of Taito District.

The Challenge of Over-Tourism

With a significant increase in inbound tourists post-COVID-19, Japan is experiencing a surge in visitation rates. The Japan National Tourism Organization projects that in 2024, the country will welcome approximately 36.87 million foreign visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. For instance, August 2024 marked a record of 3.42 million visitors. However, this influx has given rise to over-tourism, leading to issues such as overcrowding, littering, and the deterioration of local environments, particularly in areas like Asakusa.

The Taito District has seen a swift recovery in tourist numbers since the pandemic. However, the overwhelming concentration of visitors in Asakusa has led to various social and environmental problems, diminishing the quality of life for residents. The 'MACHI HOP PROJECT' aims to distribute tourist traffic more evenly across the district and alleviate economic disparities between popular and lesser-known areas.

Project Overview

The 'MACHI HOP PROJECT' combines the strengths of four startups:

• - Airporter: Offers same-day luggage delivery services.
• - Bounce Japan: Provides luggage storage solutions.
• - RelyonTrip: Operates the trip planning app 'Sassy'.
• - GRACY: Runs an international exchange platform that connects visitors with local guides.

These companies seek to disperse tourist traffic, avert over-tourism, and reduce economic gaps resulting from the concentration of visitors in specific areas. By expanding luggage delivery and storage services in major commercial venues, the project makes it easier for tourists to explore the district without heavy bags.

Taito has many narrow streets and small shops that can be challenging to navigate with large luggage. The project encourages visitors to discover parts of Japan that remain unique and less known while experiencing the charm of neighborhoods beyond just Asakusa and Ueno.

Economic Effects on Local Businesses

The expansion of luggage storage services is expected to bring economic benefits to participating businesses in Taito District. Stores that have already adopted these services report increased customer traffic, as tourists tend to shop while their bags are stored. Furthermore, local businesses are not only engaging with visitors but are also working together to provide services that incorporate local eateries and attractions, fostering a greater sense of community.

Promoting Lesser-Known Attractions

Through RelyonTrip's app 'Sassy', tourists can uncover the hidden gems of Taito District beyond Asakusa. Similarly, GRACY’s guide service connects foreign tourists with local guides who can lead them to unique cultural experiences in underappreciated areas like Yanaka and Kuramae.

The aim is to create a vibrant local economy by promoting the entire district as a travel destination, encouraging tourists to explore a diverse series of attractions.

Key Activities within the MACHI HOP PROJECT

1. Luggage Storage Expansion: Partnering with hotels and commercial facilities to provide ample luggage storage options, making sightseeing easier and more enjoyable for travelers.
2. Promotion of Exploration: Featuring maps and guides that highlight small alleyways and cultural spots that can be accessed carrying no luggage. A 'MACHI HOP MAP' will be distributed at storage locations.
3. Awareness and Information Sharing: Implementing dedicated tags to identify luggage storage spots and sharing this information through social media and travel sites.

Monthly Insights from Project Leaders

Taku Sugawara, the initiator of the MACHI HOP PROJECT, expressed the project’s vision: "We aim to distribute the concentration of tourists in Asakusa across the entirety of Taito District. By transforming hand-carry tourism from an inconvenient burden into a freeing experience, we hope tourists can discover the varied attractions of neighborhoods like Yanaka and Kuramae. Our ambition is to build a model that can eventually be replicated in other tourist areas across Japan."

Comments from Taito's Tourism Bureau

While we are thrilled to welcome a surge in tourists, there is a pressing need to address issues that stem from such increases. We cherish Taito District's historical significance and cultural richness, and aspire for visits to spread throughout the community rather than concentrate in specific areas. Our goal remains to cultivate sustainable tourism that appreciates not just the famous locales but the integral essence of Taito as an invaluable cultural capital.

Participating Companies

• - Airporter: Specializing in a same-day luggage delivery service aimed at enhancing traveler convenience.
• - Bounce Japan: Connecting travelers with local spaces for baggage storage, enhancing the travel experience.
• - RelyonTrip: Developing tourism-focused applications to elevate the overall visitor experience.
• - GRACY: Facilitating connections between visitors and local guides, thus enriching the exploration experience.

Conclusion

The 'MACHI HOP PROJECT' not only aims to alleviate over-tourism in Taito but also seeks to invigorate the local economy through a holistic approach to tourism that respects both the visitors and the community. By completing the tourist journey without heavy loads and by encouraging the exploration of Japan's diverse attractions, the project strives to redefine the experience of discovery itself.