Control room facilities via smartphone – a brand-new smart hostel experience

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Shun | Photo credits: Asakusa North & AND HOSTEL

The Internet of Things (IoT) was once seen as a far-fetched fantasy — a network that connects all ordinary objects capable of independent function through various information carriers, which many believed was just the wild idea of daydreaming engineers. But as time has passed, the concept of IoT has gradually become a reality in daily life. Located in the Asakusa North area of Japan, &AND HOSTEL ASAKUSA NORTH opened in April, using IoT concepts to create a smart youth hostel where guests can operate many room devices via smartphone — offering one of Japan’s most cutting-edge IoT experiences.

Primarily targeting foreign visitors to Japan, &AND HOSTEL has partnered with and factory to offer guests an IoT experience. This includes using a smartphone to control room keys, TV, air conditioning, and air purifiers; checking the status of showers and public washing machines, reserving shower cubicles, using sunrise-linked curtain automation as an alarm function, enabling a night mode for a comfortable sleeping environment, and detecting room temperature and humidity to issue alerts when necessary.

The first floor of Asakusa North &AND HOSTEL features a bar, restaurant, and lounge area, providing a space for international tourists to interact. Additionally, guests can choose from four different room types based on their needs, ranging from an economical ¥3,000 option to a private room at ¥8,500. Visitors can experience a digital lifestyle that feels like the future.