#Japan #Hiroshima #Tokyu Stay #FLOWNAVI

FLOWNAVI: A New Digital Experience at Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima

In an exciting development for travelers and hotel guests, the Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima is set to introduce FLOWNAVI, an interactive touchscreen digital signage system, on May 18, 2026. Operated by Tokyu Resorts & Stay, this innovative installation aims to foster a richer connection between guests and staff through shared experiences and local insights.

The Essence of FLOWNAVI

FLOWNAVI distinguishes itself as a participatory platform that encourages both guests and staff to post and exchange information. At the heart of this initiative is a hand-drawn map created by local illustrator Toru Funamoto, featuring a blend of Hiroshima's cultural highlights and lesser-known tidbits that truly captures the spirit of the city.

The Vision Behind the Implementation

The driving force behind this initiative is the desire to create a map that facilitates conversation between guests and hotel staff. Instead of merely providing one-sided tourist information, Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima seeks to foster a growing repository of knowledge and memories gathered from both employees and travelers, nurturing a shared narrative that evolves with each new visit.

Key Features of FLOWNAVI

1. Collaborative Content Creation
Featuring the tagline “SHARE YOUR MOMENTS,” the home screen displays an array of photographs contributed by guests and staff, showcasing their experiences in Hiroshima. With a simple scan of a QR code, users can easily upload their snapshots and comments about places they've visited, empowering everyone to participate in crafting the hotel's unique story.

2. Unveiling Local Lore
Under the section “DISCOVER HIROSHIMA,” guests can uncover local stories and cultural anecdotes, skillfully illustrated to highlight the city’s charm. The “BEYOND Hiroshima” feature promotes nearby destinations, encouraging guests to extend their journeys to lesser-explored areas such as Kure and Onomichi.

3. Hand-Drawn Exploration
The signage includes two distinct maps— a “Neighborhood Map” of the hotel’s vicinity and a broader “Regional Map” of Hiroshima, both crafted by Toru Funamoto. The warm, inviting illustrations allow users to interactively filter and explore different areas, providing a whimsical yet informative guide to their surroundings.

Insights from Hotel Management

Hiroshi Tamaki, the manager of Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima, shares:

“Hiroshima is rich with local attractions that are often overlooked by conventional travel guides. With FLOWNAVI, we now have the opportunity to share authentic information our staff routinely conveys to guests in an engaging way. We eagerly anticipate the evolving content shaped by our guests' photos and stories, further enhancing the unique character of our hotel.”

Expanding the Reach of FLOWNAVI

With its implementation at Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima, FLOWNAVI is poised to be integrated into 12 locations nationwide, demonstrating the growing demand for interactive guest engagement solutions across the hospitality industry. Some of the locations include:

• - Tokyu Stay Ikebukuro
• - HANARE by Tokyu Stay
• - Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sanjo Karasuma
• - Tokyu Stay Hakata
• - And several others!

SERVICE DETAILS

• - Service Name: FLOWNAVI (Touchscreen Digital Signage)
• - Official Website: FLOWNAVI
• - Main Features: Touchscreen illustrated maps, multi-language support (4 languages), smartphone integration (QR code)
• - Provided by: Insect Micro Agency Co., Ltd.

ABOUT INSECT MICRO AGENCY

Insect Micro Agency Co., Ltd. is based in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The company, led by CEO Naoki Akatsu, specializes in the development and provision of touchscreen digital signage for hotels and commercial facilities, aiming to enhance the guest experience through innovative technology. Find out more at Insect Micro Agency.