Airbnb looks to launch upscale arm in Japan
Home sharing giant Airbnb is planning to launch a separate accommodation booking service in Japan offering traditional upscale hotels and inns.
It marks a strategic shift for Airbnb in one of its fastest growing markets.
Airbnb is reportedly teaming up with online travel service Evolable Asia for the service which will likely launch in the summer.
Evoluble Asia subsidiary Rakuda currently lists about 1,500 Japanese hotels and inns, many of which feature iconic Ryokan accommodation.
The new service will focus on services and amenities not currently available to typical Airbnb users such as onsen-style wellness facilities.
Evolable Asia will embark on a marketing drive to sign up more properties ahead of an official launch, the Nikkei Asian Review reported.
Airbnb users will be able to book rooms in the same way they do for home sharing, with the two companies splitting a 10% commission charged to the properties.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season