Since the end of COVID-19, Japan has become a popular destination for travelers from around the world. Additionally, the value of the yen in 2024 has continued to decline, making it an attractive and affordable time to visit Japan.
In this feature, we introduce SANU 2nd Home, a home subscription service, which is also a great option for tourists. SANU 2nd Home has branches in major tourist destinations throughout Japan, such as Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, and Karuizawa. Many more branches are planned for 2024, including locations in Niseko, Tateyama, and Izu. This accommodation is popular among both domestic and international tourists.
SANU 2nd Home was created with the vision of harmonious living with nature, enabling people and the environment to coexist seamlessly. It offers a new and enjoyable way of life that is environmentally friendly. The accommodations are conveniently located near major cities, allowing members to drive to any branch across the country by paying a monthly membership fee. This gives them the feeling of having a second home amidst beautiful natural surroundings, including the sea, mountains, and lakes.
The architecture of SANU 2nd Home is particularly noteworthy. The entire structure is made of wood, constructed without the use of nails or glue. It blends naturally into its surroundings and can be disassembled and decomposed without harming the environment. The featured accommodation in this feature is from Lake Shirakaba (白樺湖) in Nagano Prefecture.
Fully-Equipped Kitchen
Each branch of SANU 2nd Home offers rooms with unique touches, yet they all evoke a comforting, home-like atmosphere. Upon entering, you are greeted by a well-equipped kitchen. The kitchen features a counter for cooking and a full array of appliances, including a refrigerator, microwave, oven, rice cooker, kettle, and even a coffee grinder for drip coffee enthusiasts.
The stove is an IH system, allowing all three burners to be used simultaneously. A small dining table completes the setup, making it feel just like home. After cooking, you can easily serve meals from the counter to the dining table, creating a warm and cozy wooden ambiance.
Bathroom and Toilet
To the left of the entrance is the toilet and bathroom. Inside this wooden building, a well-established water system ensures convenience without compromising on the natural experience. The toilet is a modern, easy-to-use model. The bathroom is equipped with a bathtub, showerhead, and complete body cleansing amenities, so there's no need to bring anything. It truly feels like being at home.
Towels and other essentials are provided at the entrance to the bathroom, with plenty of towels available since stays can last up to four nights without needing cleaning services.
Please note, there is a cleaning fee of 3,300 yen after each check-out.
Views of Nature
From the middle of the room, you can enjoy stunning nature views through a large window that is 3.5 meters high, giving you the feeling of being immersed in nature. The accommodation shown in the photo is from Lake Shirakaba, where you can marvel at the beauty of Lake Shirakaba from the comfort of your room. Whether you're relaxing on the sofa, lying in bed, or taking a stroll on the balcony, you are always close to nature.
Each SANU 2nd Home branch has a unique design, so some may look exactly like this, while others offer a different ambiance. If you wish to change the atmosphere of your stay, you can choose branches with distinct structures and designs.
Comfortable Bed for At-Home Relaxation
The property's beds are positioned next to windows, offering natural light and scenic views. The beds are designed with curved corners and a light shade at the head, ensuring that light doesn't disturb your sleep. This setup allows you to stay close to nature while enjoying a very relaxing environment.
A power socket is conveniently located at the head of the bed, allowing you to charge your phone or other electronic devices. Additionally, a romantic bedside light creates a calming ambiance, helping you unwind before sleep.
Sitting Area
A small table and a curved sofa near the large window provide another perfect spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy the natural surroundings. Whether you're sipping coffee or simply admiring the view, this cozy nook brings nature right to your doorstep.
This thoughtful design element adds a unique charm to the room's interior. The interior design was crafted by ADX, a renowned Japanese design company, ensuring both style and comfort.
Workstation for Remote Work
At the far right side of the room, there is a dedicated workspace. With excellent Wi-Fi, it includes a work desk, a work table, a chair, speakers, as well as USB Type-A, B and C cables, ensuring you have everything you need without having to bring your own. This setup was designed to help people work more efficiently in the post-COVID era.
While many countries are returning to office-based work, Japan continues to support remote work, allowing employees to maintain a balanced lifestyle. SANU 2nd Home caters to this need, providing a comfortable and productive environment for remote workers from both Japan and abroad.
Pets Welcome
Another highlight of this accommodation is its pet-friendly policy. You can notify the hotel in advance if you're bringing pets, and the accommodation will provide bowls and basic pet cleaning supplies for a service fee of 3,300 yen per stay. Originally designed for residents of Japan, SANU 2nd Home also caters to foreign tourists who plan to visit Japan regularly for more than two months.
The accommodation service requires a minimum contract of three months, with a stay of up to eight nights per month for a price of 55,000 yen. Additional costs apply for stays exceeding eight nights. Detailed information can be found on the SANU 2nd Home official website.
While this property may not be suitable for short-term stays, it offers a great option for those seeking monthly accommodations or planning regular trips to different provinces. Enjoy a new style of accommodation and have a wonderful time exploring Japan.
Details
⚫︎ Monthly membership fee: 55,000 yen (Minimum 3-month contract)
Additional costs:
Weekend accommodation: An additional 5,500 yen per night.
Cleaning fee: 3,300/stay
Pet fee: 3,300 yen/stay for up to 2 dogs
Sauna fee: 5,500 yen/night
⚫︎ Number of guests: No limit
⚫︎ Maximum stay: 4 nights per booking
Official website: https://2ndhome.sa-nu.com
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