Xiaozhu Homestay, a Chinese short-term rental platform backed by Alibaba, held a launch event at EGG JAPAN in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward to announce the start of its overseas direct homestay operations. In collaboration with SOZONEXT, a prominent Japanese homestay management company, Xiaozhu unveiled a new accommodation management project branded as "Akatsuki".
Akatsuki is a co-developed project by Xiaozhu Homestay and SOZONEXT aimed at revitalizing Japan's accommodation real estate market. The project focuses on repurposing and renovating aging buildings to inject new energy into regional tourism.
Xiaozhu Homestay established its Japanese branch in 2019 to expand local homestay listings and provide enhanced services to Chinese tourists visiting Japan. It was among the first Chinese homestay platforms to secure a Japanese accommodation operating license.
SOZONEXT, known for its expertise in homestay operations, manages properties across key locations including Tokyo, Osaka, Niigata, Karuizawa, and Yokosuka.
Xiaozhu Homestay CEO Liantao Wang remarked, "Japan is one of the top destinations for Chinese outbound travelers. The introduction of a 10-year tourist visa for Chinese citizens highlights the Japanese government’s commitment to fostering tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations. We remain highly optimistic about Japan’s homestay market."
