A year into the coronavirus pandemic, many businesses are still adjusting to the concept of remote work. It was previously uncommon in Japan but, as the country’s second state of emergency is extended, teleworking is being strongly encouraged by the Tokyo government, which has declared February a Telework Emergency Strengthening Month.
It might sound silly, but it’s leading to some seriously cheap hotel deals. To promote remote work, hotel rooms in Tokyo are being offered for day use at only ¥500 – yes, you read that right. Selected hotels within Western Tokyo will be offering 20 rooms each for anyone who lives or works in Tokyo, at a fixed cost of ¥500 per day until March 20. Rooms are available between 9am and 7pm (times may vary depending on the hotel), and have to be booked in advance through the hotel’s official website.
All you need to do is prove your home address, by submitting your driver’s license or My Number card, or submit documents confirming that your workplace is located within Tokyo. You'll also need to show an official document from your workplace stating that you're allowed to work remotely. Below is the list of hotels participating in the promotion.
R&B Hotel Hachioji (from Jan 20 to Feb 18)
Toyoko Inn Tachikawa Station North Exit (from Jan 20 to Feb 18)
Hotel Matsumotoya 1725 (from Jan 20 to Feb 18)
Hotel Resol Machida (from Jan 20 to Feb 18)
Keio Plaza Hotel Tama (from Jan 20 to Feb 18)
Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji (from Feb 19 to Mar 20)
Tachikawa Grand Hotel (from Feb 19 to Mar 20)
Marroad Inn Tokyo (from Feb 19 to Mar 20)
Toyoko Inn Machida Station Odakyu Line East Exit (from Feb 19 to Mar 20)
Link Forest (from Feb 19 to Mar 20)
Free wifi is included at all the hotels, plus something most remote offices don’t have: a comfy bed right by your desk. Better book quickly, though – several hotels are already booked out on weekdays.
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