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The vacation rental market, particularly in Japan, is booming, given the improved currency exchange rates and affordability of items for tourists and travellers from across the globe. The country, famous for its automotive and other innovative brands and concepts, is experiencing a post-pandemic surge in tourism. In Japanese, ‘Min’ means people, while ‘paku’ means staying. Over time, the combination of these two words was adopted for use in the short-term rental business. While some prefer the buzzing excitement of big cities like Tokyo for its central location and easy access to major, popular sites and amenities, there are others who like to explore the serene, tranquil, and off-the-beaten path regions such as Gunma Prefecture. So, if you’re looking for a private lodging that will take you to remote, lesser-known gems, you may want to consider renting in the short-term at a spot on the beautiful stratovolcano Mount Akagi in Gunma. Or, if you’re like me, dreaming of a second trip to Gunma, minus the hotel experience, this might just be up your alley.

It’s also worth highlighting that if you’ve ever played the street racing game “Tokyo Xtreme Racer: Drift 2” and/or ever watched and/or read the manga and/or anime series, “Initial D”, you would have been familiar with Mount Akagi. Then again, experiencing it for real, beyond just the screen(s), would be different, refreshing and exhilarating.

To understand the situation better, I initiated contact with Chiharu Yanai-Payne, who will be accepting her first guest(s) from April 2027 onwards. As a local living in Gunma Prefecture, she has expressed her intention that she would love for Malaysians, especially Malaysian hikers and nature lovers, to explore the beauty of Mount Akagi and Gunma Prefecture.

• What does ‘minpaku’ mean?  What made you want to be in the ‘minpaku’ business?

Minpaku (民(mín) 泊(pō)), in the context of short-term vacation rental market, refers to the practice of providing paid lodging services to travelers or those seeking accommodation by utilising vacant rooms in detached houses or condominiums, or the entirety or part of private residence. It all started when I built a vacation home with hot springs on Mt. Akagi. Living there myself, it’s absolutely fantastic. When the manager told me about a great deal on a pre-owned property, I made an immediate decision and bought another one.

• What are the steps or laws or rules to run a ‘minpaku’ in Japan? Are there different/specific rules or laws that apply to run one in Gunma Prefecture?

As I am looking forward to receiving guests in 2027, I am required to pass a certification test for management responsibility and apply to the Japanese government and Gunma Prefecture.

• Where is the ‘minpaku’ located?

It’s on Mt. Akagi in Gunma Prefecture. It’s inside Maebashi City, a large city of about 300,000 people in the central part of Honshu, Japan.

• What are the attractions nearby the ‘minpaku’?

The most famous attraction is a park called “Senbon Sakura” which means “1,000 Cherry Trees.” There’s a nice road with 1000 cherry blossom trees that bloom in April. Also, Akagi Shrine (a Shinto shrine), Flower Park (a facility to see hundreds of kinds of flowers from around the world), Michino-eki (a nice shop that sells local foods and souvenirs), barbecue place.

• Malaysians who love nature and walking would enjoy hiking. What would be the factors for Malaysians to go hiking in Japan?

There will be some interesting trekking paths around Mt. Akagi. We need to investigate this though.

• How long can a person or a group of nature lovers/hikers rent your place near Mt. Akagi?

Two days or more.

• How would you deal with issues like safety, security, noise, and hygiene?

It’s a nice house in a quiet corner of rural Japan. Near the house there are several other homes, some are vacation homes for people from Tokyo, but several people live there full-time. There should be no noise in a quiet place like this. Perhaps the cherry blossom viewing season in late March through April might be an exception. Anyway, it should be a quiet place. The house will have been cleaned between each use.

• Where can the listing of the property for vacation rental be found?

I am planning to use either Airbnb or StayJapan. For now, it has not been decided yet.

• How many occupants can stay in your lodging provided? What’s your target market? Locals outside of Gunma? Tourists?

Two to four people are appropriate. City dwellers from Tokyo, international visitors, retirees, couples, anyone who wants to spend some quiet time in a peaceful corner of Japan.

• What are the facilities you’re planning to have?

Hot spring bath, free Wi-Fi, access to streaming channels (but not traditional Japanese TV), air conditioning, hairdryer, futon, and frozen food, which will incur an extra charge.

• How are the rental rates determined?

They’re decided based on market price.

• Anything else you’d like to add as a host of the upcoming ‘minpaku’?

It’s a very out of the way place, so anyone who’s planning to stay here would have their own transportation. Or, it’s possible that we could pick them up at Isesaki Station and deliver them up there. But there are no stores immediately nearby.