Airbnb: Will Japan kill the golden goose?

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BY JOHN SPIRI
DEC 16, 2015
ARTICLE HISTORY
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Individuals opening their private homes for travelers is nothing new to Japan. During the Edo Period (1615-1868), travelers such as the famed Matsuo Basho, on his journey to the far north, made use of the minpaku system.

While similar networks sprung up independently in many countries, the modern standard and the name — bed and breakfast, B&B or, more recently, BnB — were established in Britain after World War II. Today, the stereotypical “Vacancy” and “No vacancy” signs flapping in the wind have taken to the air. Travelers preferring a more homey atmosphere, a cheaper room, a country chalet — or even a night in a yurt or tent — are turning to Airbnb as they plan out their next trips.

Mutually assured assessment

Through the Airbnb website, travelers can contact hosts beforehand, see photos of the accommodation inside and out, and read reviews of the home and hosts written by other travelers. In fact, the system of reviews — word of mouth taken into cyberspace — is one aspect that distinguishes the system from the realm of traditional B&Bs.

The reviews work both ways, as owners can vet travelers as well. As Chie Davies, who recently added her third Airbnb property, one of two in rural Shiga Prefecture, explains, “Only welcoming good guests is the key.”

Although Davies has had overwhelmingly positive experiences, one bad apple slipped past her screening. A guest from Australia nitpicked about many aspects of her guest house, such as the fact that two mattresses were placed side by side and the pillow wasn’t comfortable enough. His severe demeanor led her to lower the fee for him — after all, the customer is god in Japan — but when it came time to write a review, she wanted to let other hosts know what they were getting themsleves into.

Ironically, the wife of this problem guest had been sweet all along and had written an appreciative review. To eliminate tit-for-tat exchanges, neither the owner nor the guest can view the other’s review until theirs has been submitted to the Airbnb website.


http://www.japantimes.co.jp/communit.../#.VnKfs_l97IW


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