Now the holiday travel rush is worsening labor shortages around the country, especially in the tourism industry.
But one inn has come up with a unique system to ease the effects of the problem.
Popular sightseeing spots here in Tokyo are packed with tourists. But the effects of the labor shortage can be seen all around.
A rickshaw tour business in Asakusa lost nearly half of its drivers during the pandemic.
Some have returned, but the staff is still about 20 percent smaller than its pre-pandemic size.
It has no choice but to turn some customers away.
But this inn in Shizuoka Prefecture is turning to an unlikely source of manpower – the guests themselves.
The inn has organized a “work while travel” system that pays visitors for tasks such as cleaning and serving meals.
The program also includes accommodation, food, and access to the on-site hot spring during non-working hours.
◆neural 観光業界、観光産業