Bounce Expands Its Services Through MACHI HOP PROJECT in Kyoto City

Bounce, operated by Bounce Japan LLC, is proud to announce its participation in the second phase of the MACHI HOP PROJECT, beginning its operations in Kyoto City on November 28, 2025. With a presence in over 4,000 cities and 35,000 locations worldwide, Bounce provides essential luggage storage services. The project aims to promote circular tourism by combining luggage storage, exploration encouragement, and guide services to alleviate issues such as over-tourism and excessive concentration of tourists in popular areas.

The Need for Improved Circular Tourism in Kyoto City

Kyoto City faces significant challenges due to the inflow of tourists, including crowded public buses, traffic on residential roads, unauthorized photography, noise, and littering. These problems impact the quality of life for local residents. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors to Japan is projected to reach a record high of 3.267 million by September 2025, intensifying the need for balanced tourism distribution.

The MACHI HOP PROJECT aims to eliminate the burdens associated with luggage, lowering the barriers for tourists to explore on foot or transition to subways. This initiative will lead tourists not only to central areas like Gion and Higashiyama but also to less-visited districts such as Arashiyama, Kyoto Station, Ohara, and Nanzenji, thus promoting a more widespread engagement with the city.

Bounce's Role in the Initiative

Bounce is set to enhance the luggage storage experience in Kyoto by expanding its network of storage points in collaboration with hotels, shops, cafes, and commercial facilities. The company’s main contributions include:

- Expansion of Storage Points: Initiating stations (MACHI HOP POINTS) where travelers can conveniently store their belongings at various services.
- Reduction of Portability Burdens: Addressing the psychological and physical challenges faced by travelers lugging large bags, thereby making it easier to visit historically significant spots.
- Collaboration with AIRPORTER: Integrating same-day delivery services, which enable travelers to move smoothly around the city.

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Hand luggage storage is a critical element impacting the initiation of any travel experience. Bounce’s commitment to providing 'hands-free tourism' benefits all travelers while easing congestion in popular tourist areas and revitalizing local economies.
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The Key Features of the MACHI HOP PROJECT

1. Luggage Storage Services: Collaborating with Airporter to provide seamless luggage delivery and storage services at hotels, cafes, and commercial facilities. Expanding storage points ensures a comfortable exploration experience for tourists who can rely on easy luggage storage.
2. Exploration Promotion: Highlighting compact alleys, small-scale shops, and cultural experiences through guides and maps. A ‘MACHI HOP MAP’ will be freely distributed at storage points, linking with Google Maps.
3. Information Dissemination: To boost recognition among inbound tourists, Bounce will leverage dedicated tags on social media and travel sites to share information on its storage spots, along with an array of experience content on the MACHI HOP Kyoto version website.
Explore here.