Can a new kind of hotel save Japan’s dying towns?

In Japan’s major cities, tourism can feel like a well-oiled machine. Many hotels offer all-inclusive amenities and room service. Others offer the convenience of staying near one-stop shop megamalls. The draw for tourists heading to Shizuoka? Its raw, undiscovered charm. This episode of MORE takes a look at how hotel Birupaku turns unused commercial spaces into guest lodgings in downtown Shizuoka. It doesn’t offer much outside of accommodation. Instead, it encourages guests to explore their surroundings, dine at nearby restaurants and engage with the local community. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for free here: https://sc.mp/subscribe-youtube Follow us on: Website: https://scmp.com SCMP Knowledge: https://www.scmp.com/knowledge Facebook:   / scmp   Twitter:   / scmpnews   Instagram:   / scmpnews   Linkedin:   / south-china-morning-post