#Japan #Tokyo #autumn travel #Otetabi #Work and Travel

Embrace Autumn with Otetabi's 2025 Leaf-Peeping Series

As the air turns crisp and leaves metamorphose into brilliant hues of red and gold, solo travelers have a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of autumn in Japan through a blend of work and travel. Otetabi, a pioneering platform that matches travelers with temporary job opportunities, has launched its 2025 Autumn Leaf-Peeping Series aimed at alleviating labor shortages in tourist hotspots while also making travel more affordable and enriching.

Combining Work and Leisure

The Autumn Leaf-Peeping Series presents a curated list of short-term job openings in regions known for their stunning fall foliage. Participants can earn an income while being immersed in the breathtaking scenery of Japan's autumn, effectively minimizing their travel costs. This approach not only facilitates budget-friendly travel but also enhances the overall experience by allowing individuals to connect with the local culture and community.

Despite travelers needing to cover their transportation costs, they can enjoy free accommodation and have the chance to explore the area during their free time, making it a win-win situation. Otetabi aims to create meaningful interactions among travelers and local residents, amplifying the joy of travel through shared experiences and stories.

Meeting Regional Demands

In recent years, many regions across Japan have struggled with labor shortages, especially during peak seasons like autumn. As international tourism rebounds sharply, many tourist destinations have found themselves overwhelmed and in need of extra hands. The Otetabi platform not only helps fulfill these labor needs but also encourages sustainable tourism development by ensuring that local businesses can adequately serve their guests.

Participants can work periods ranging from a single night up to two months. The flexibility in job duration, timing, and responsibilities allows both workers and employers to tailor their experiences based on mutual needs. Furthermore, working while traveling encourages participants to engage deeply with their surroundings, ultimately driving economic activity within those regions.

A New Kind of Solo Travel

Impressively, about 95% of Otetabi participants embark on their journeys solo, underscoring the platform’s adaptability to solo travelers. While the appeal of solitary exploration is significant, the unexpected friendships formed during these work placements often create lasting connections. Many travelers discover that what started as an individual adventure blossoms into enduring relationships, enriching their travel experiences and fostering community connections.

As of September 2025, Otetsutabi has experienced substantial growth, with its user registrations skyrocketing from 5,000 in 2021 to 85,000 today. With over 2,000 registered businesses, the platform now spans diverse sectors, from traditional accommodation services to agriculture, fisheries, and even local restaurants and guesthouses.

The Vision for the Future of Otetabi

At its core, Otetabi is poised to transform regional labor shortages into a source of new opportunities for deeper human connections. The platform not only invites travelers to explore the rich tapestry of local lives but also nurtures local economies through its innovative approach to tourism. By establishing a new network of dedicated travelers, Otetabi anticipates cultivating a continued interest in local culture long after the travelers leave.

Leveraging Japan’s societal shift towards better work-life balance and remote opportunities, Otetabi is also attracting a more diverse demographic of users. While its core audience remains younger generations, an increasing number of individuals aged over 50 are turning to this platform as both a means of affordable travel and a chance for