A stay in this Japanese hotel will cost you next to nothing, so long as you’re happy to be live-streamed on the internet throughout the entire duration of your stay.
We know — it’s a lot to take in, so let’s rewind.
The Asahi Ryokan in Fukuoka, on the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island, allows guests to occupy room 8 of the traditional ryokan hotel for the price of just ¥100 (around AU$1.35 at the current conversion).
The only caveat in securing a bargain stay is you must agree to be live-streamed for 24 hours on the hotel’s YouTube channel, which at the time of writing has 12,800 followers.
While it sounds lewd, guests are informed upon check-in that nudity on camera is strictly prohibited. The bathroom is located outside of the camera frame, and a small dressing area sits adjacent.
Guests are allowed to switch the lights off at night and are told not to display any personal effects like passports or credit cards within the camera frame for their own privacy concerns.
The live-stream is also video-only, so conversations are not recorded.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_D6eaNz6fU
It’s all part of a new initiative from 27-year-old ryokan owner Tetsuya Inoue, to improve business and attract a new audience to his accommodations.
“This is a very old ryokan and I was looking into a new business model,” Inoue tells CNN.
“Our hotel is on the cheaper side, so we need some added value, something special that everyone will talk about.”
Since first marketing the ¥100 stay in October, the hotel owner has hosted 10 guests in room 8.
Question is: Would you allow your (almost) every move to be watched by the world in order to save some coin on a hotel room?