© Hoshino Resorts
In the era of the new normal, working remotely has become part of the everyday, with some of us still working exclusively from our desks - or beds! - at home. Now that the wave of initial excitement has long passed both in Japan and the UK, for many people it remains rather strenuous with noisy roadworks, lunches prepared in a rush, lack of human contact, days blurring into one...
How to find solace in this new norm? Well, with the rise of the 'digital nomad', WFH need not be as mundane and repetitive as it appears to have become. Our friends in Japan are enjoying an abundance of special workcation schemes that have spread over the last few years on top of taking full advantage of the unique destinations already in their backyard.
What is a digital nomad? What is a workcation?
©Hoshino Resorts
Although it is not a new concept, the unprecendented events of the last few years has seen an explosive rise of the term, 'digital nomad'. It simply refers to those who work remotely whilst travelling to different locations, thanks to technology and the internet, and therefore live a nomadic lifestyle.
The second, as the name suggests, is a glorious combination of work and vacation. Sitting at home doing work, slowly counting days and hours until your next day out of the house…
We’ve all been there. Well, with more and more people opting for a digital nomad lifestyle and workcation schemes popping up left, right and centre, you can make your dreams come true anytime and set off on an adventure while keeping safe and not missing out on any work! Instead of ticking things off your strictly timed holiday plan, you can really immerse yourself and feel the space you’re in. That’s why people all over Japan have been hooked on workcations for the last two years. They can finally enjoy a holiday without worrying about crowds, in places specifically catering to modern needs. Another advantage of a workcation is supporting the community through helping local businesses which is really important as Japan resumes full tourism!
Feeding the deers during your break
With the trend of digital nomadism becoming more widespread, people are flocking to cities all around the globe in search of the best remote-working locations. We are pleased to announce that our very own Nara city has been selected by TravelMag as one of The Best Cities in Asia for Digital Nomads!
Home to over 1000 deers that freely wander Nara Park's lush and tranquil grounds as well as a fair share of ancient temples and structures such as the famous Todaiji Temple - minus the huge crowds of the neighbouring Kyoto - it isn't hard to see why Nara should be on every digital nomad's radar.
What can be more heavenly that spending your lunch embracing Nara's incredible cultural heritage and petting the local deer as you let them eat straight out of your hand?
Video conferencing from a Ferris wheel? Yes, please.
©Yomiuri Land
If nature and temples are not your thing, how about working in a Ferris wheel? The workcation scheme that got everyone pumped came from a Tokyo-based theme park Yomiuri Land. It created special one day passes for people who want to spice up their business hours. For just around £14 per person or £26 for two, on top of other attractions people in Japan can enjoy a full working day in a poolside booth, free Wi-Fi, and a special one hour Ferris wheel ride with pocket WiFi. Just imagine the faces of people who realise that you have been video calling them from a gondola up in the sky the whole time!
A poolside work date can really make you feel like you are at an exotic resort and bring joy to your life. Maybe Thorpe Park should start considering introducing something for us?
©Yomiuri Land
Don’t get your laptop wet!
Of course, not everyone wants to work from a theme park, and again Japan can cater to those needs like no other. Have you ever regretted not being able to get away for more than a few days at a time? Savouring days and months on a secluded island has become reality! Some places like Hoshino Resorts encourage people to stay for as long as they like. It has been such a huge hit, an app called Ellcano was recently released to assist people with booking their longer stays.
© GLAMPROOK
Think about those delicious regional ryokan meals assembled on beautiful crockery during a lunch break. Work with that kind of food definitely does not feel like business as usual.
Then, after a breezy day at work you can dip into the healing waters of the hot springs and live your holiday fantasy. All necessary safety measures are in place to allow people in Japan to unwind in peace.
Secluded Heaven
Another destination that has been gaining popularity lately within the digital nomad community are self-catering villas located in the most scenic areas. Take a look at those beautiful villas in Ittogashi Village in the Oku-Aizu area that we talked about with Takako Imai. Secluded spaces like this are the best way to escape the hustle and bustle of a city working day. Each villa with its own personal charm, made from locally sourced materials, allows you to enjoy the incredible outdoor views and the local onsen in a personal way. Have you ever wondered how your life would look if you moved to the countryside? Time to check! Now you can enjoy a taste of traditional, slow life in a mountain village.
Exploration is the only way!
©GLAMPROOK
For anyone feeling a bit more active and wanting to get even closer to nature, glamping is the answer! Waking up every day to sounds of nature surely puts everything into perspective. This particular Glamping hotel is located on Shimanami Kaido, Japan’s top route for cycling enthusiasts stretching from Imabari on Shikoku to Onomichi on Honshu. After work people can hop on a bike and enjoy the beautiful sights along this 60 km path. Workcation taken to another level just by the view of this magnificent bridge from a well deserved bath.
©GLAMPROOK
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