&AND HOSTEL AKIHABARA – High-Tech Lodging With The Internet Of Things

&AND HOSTEL – Experience the Internet of Things

Picture courtesy of &AND HOSTEL

Send a photo from a digital camera automatically to your smartphone. Record television programs even when you are outside. Turn the air conditioner before you get back to your room. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network that connects objects to the internet, making our lives more convenient.

What kind of experience would you have with the IoT?

&AND HOSTEL is a smart hostel brand utilizing cutting edge IoT devices. The hostel operates by having guests experience IoT-made devices themselves, making it a pleasant and memorable stay.

Locations are found in Fukuoka, Asakusa, and Ueno along with locations opened in 2018 in Akihabara and Kanda This article features the Akihabara branch where we stay at the ever evolving &AND HOSTEL.

Match Your Space to Your Mood with Smart Speakers

Smart speakers are recently introduced devices to the Akihabara and Kanda locations. A smart speaker is a speaker with built-in artificial assistant functions and will assist you in voice or action in response to your instructions or questions.

&AND HOSTEL smart speakers utilize Google Home. Activate Google Home by saying, “OK, Google”. You can also access &AND HOSTEL contents by saying “connect me to &AND HOSTEL.”

The two main &AND HOSTEL functions are as depicted below.

* Smart speakers provide support in English and Japanese.

1. Create a Comfortable Environment with your Command

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Before you go to sleep, be sure to say “good night” to the smart speaker. Upon doing so, the curtains will automatically close, the lights will dim, and you will experience a pleasant aromatic fragrance. This is perfect if you are feeling tired from your travels.

Aside from the "good night" function, there are six other ways to use the smart speaker: “good morning,” “relax,” “concentration,” “theater,” and “going out.” When you say these commands, seven IoT devices (lighting, aroma, music, curtains, air purifier, air conditioner, and television) will adjust the room to make a suitable environment in accordance to each respective mode.

2. Find Out Information in Real Time

A sensor placed in the lounge will react to the amount of other guests gathered there and will inform you of the state of the lounge. Be sure to head over if people are gathering there.

You can also find out if the shower room is crowded, so you can avoid the inconvenience of getting ready only to find the showers to be full.

Everything can be Operated by Smartphone

Picture courtesy of &AND HOSTEL

At &AND HOSTEL, you will be given a special smartphone when you check in. With this single device, you can control the appliances in your room, including the lock, lighting, television, and air conditioning, through an application installed on the smartphone.

It is typical to use several separate remote controls for each appliance, but it was very convenient to be able to do it all with just one device. Try experimenting using the smartphone along with the smart speaker function.

Experience &AND HOSTEL AKIHABARA!

Choose Between Two Lodging Styles: Dormitory and Private Rooms

Picture courtesy of &AND HOSTEL

Picture courtesy of &AND HOSTEL

The room that we previously introduced, where you can experience the IoT space for yourself, is the IoT Double Room (starting from 9000 yen, plus tax). The Standard Double Room is arranged in the same way as the IoT room but is without the IoT devices, and starts from 8000 yen plus tax.

If you want to stay at the hostel at a lower price, be sure to choose the Smart Dormitory (3600 yen and up, plus tax). You’ll be able to use Wi-Fi and will be provided with a private curtain, so you’ll have a completely relaxing space in a semi-private room.

IoT Technology in Weather-Changing Hallways

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Even the hallways use IoT technology. In cooperation with myThings, an application by the Yahoo! Japan Corporation, the lighting in the corridors is designed to change depending on the weather. The hallway will be white on sunny days and blue on rainy days.

Cultural Exchange in the Lounge with Guest and Staff Members

Picture courtesy of &AND HOSTEL

The lounge is a place where guests can communicate with each other at &AND HOSTEL AKIHABARA. With the aim of making your stay memorable, the lounge tries to be actively promote interactions between staff and guests and between fellow guests themselves.

As a result, there are guests who are reluctant to leave when they check-out. If you buy your food or drink from outside the hostel, definitely try coming out to the lounge to dine. An unexpected encounter may be waiting for you!

&AND HOSTEL AKIHABARA Reservations and Access

Reservations

Reservations to stay at &AND HOSTEL, including the Akihabara location, can be made through Booking.com.

Location

&AND HOSTEL AKIHABARA is located a five minute walk from the Tokyo Metro Line at Akihabara Station. Exit the Showa-dori Gate at JR Akihabara Station, cross the pedestrian crossing, and continue left of the pharmacy. &AND HOSTEL’s distinctive & mark will come into view.

Make Your Trip More Exciting at &AND HOSTEL

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Guests who tried the IoT space themselves were amazed by the smart speakers and special smartphones.

&AND HOSTEL is a place that allows its guests encounter a futuristic space, as well as have once-in-a-lifetime encounters between guests and staff. The hostel will be expanding to over ten locations in the future.

If there is a &AND HOSTEL in the area you’ll be traveling to, definitely try staying there!

＆AND HOSTEL AKIHABARA

Made in cooperation with &AND HOSTEL