FamilyMart Teams With Airbnb in Japan

The partnership allows hosts to leave keys for store pickup by incoming guests.

May 23, 2018

TOKYO – With demand for renting apartments expanding in Japan, Airbnb has partnered with FamilyMart to make checking in even easier, NHK reports. Starting next month, FamilyMart will offer Airbnb users a check-in service at Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, stores. The convenience store chain estimates that 150 locations will be participating by next February.

At those FamilyMart locations, Airbnb guests will access their keys from lock boxes that verify user identity via a tablet photo and passport scan. Guests will also be able to return keys to the stores.

 “I believe there will be more foreign tourists coming to Japan. If they use Airbnb and have a good time shopping at our stores, that would make us happy,” said Takashi Sawada, executive vice president of FamilyMart.

Lawson has a similar service for vacation apartments at some Tokyo locations. In June, 7-Eleven will also offer key pickup through a partnership with JTB, a travel agency. With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the country is bracing for a surge in tourists in the months surrounding the games.

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