#Japan #Chofu #Shirikaba Lake #Community Plus #Suzuran Onsen

Reviving a Community Treasure: Suzuran Onsen at Shirikaba Lake

In 2024, the famous but closed Suzuran Onsen at Shirikaba Lake will be brought back to life by Community Plus Inc., led by CEO Yuri Kuriyama. After struggling with an annual deficit of 40 million yen, the onsen will reopen as "Akari-Yu Suzuran" on June 27, 2026, aiming not only to provide a place for bathing but also to become a center for meals, gatherings, and community connections.

To kickstart this revival, Community Plus has initiated a crowdfunding campaign starting April 8 that focuses on building a community space and a child monitoring area. Early supporters, including regular visitors and local businesses, helped achieve the first funding goal of 1.5 million yen within just one week. Despite challenges posed by rising fuel and material costs, they are now targeting a second goal of 3 million yen to ensure affordable access to the facility for locals and regulars.

The Importance of Onsen: More Than Just Leisure

The Shirikaba Lake area is known for its harsh winter climate, where temperatures can drop to minus 15°C. For residents and vacation homeowners, the onsen is not merely a source of entertainment but a crucial part of their daily lives. During its time as a city-run facility, the Suzuran Onsen faced a significant financial struggle, ultimately leading to its closure. However, CEO Yuri Kuriyama, drawing from her personal experience of being supported by regular visitors during the demanding days of raising twins, is committed to keeping the community's spirit alive by transitioning to private management.

A New Cycle: Akari-Yu Suzuran's Vision

The revival of Suzuran Onsen is not just a reopening; it's an evolution into a community-integrated hub that promises to enrich local society. Here are some of the transformative elements that will contribute to this new model:

1. Food Revival: The facility will feature a dining area focused on fermented dishes and high-altitude vegetables sourced directly from local farmers and producers.
2. Community Space: Dedicated areas for local residents and families will promote daily interaction among residents and provide a coworking space for their convenience.
3. Innovative Management: By leveraging technology, the management will implement new ways to visualize community engagement and introduce community points and decentralized governance principles.

Details of the Crowdfunding Campaign

• - Initial Goal: 1.5 million yen extended to a new target of 3 million yen.
• - Funding Use: Investment in furniture and equipment for community spaces, child monitoring space flooring and fencing, sales area shelving, sauna recovery chairs, and community discounts for local residents and regulars.
• - Project Page: Visit here for more details

Exciting Rewards for Supporters

Supporters can choose from a variety of rewards that encourage collaboration with local businesses, allowing them to feel personally connected to the project and its success.

A Message from CEO Yuri Kuriyama

"People often say that only major companies can succeed with such deficit-ridden facilities. However, what drives me is the warmth I received from our regular customers that helped me during challenging times of raising twins. Witnessing locals engage in activities like lawn mowing, cleaning, and planting in anticipation of our reopening reaffirmed my belief. This isn’t just an onsen – it serves as a beacon for our community. My goal is to protect the spirit it represents and ensure it continues for generations to come. I genuinely hope to collaborate with everyone to envision a brighter future for Shirikaba Lake, with our new venture."

About Community Plus Inc.

CEO: Yuri Kuriyama
Location: Chofu City, Tokyo
Business Focus: Building community connections through technology and physical venues
Website: Visit here

For inquiries:
Contact the Akari-Yu Suzuran Press Team
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 090-7244-4689