The hotel "Oku Ise Forestopia" is located in the town of Odaicho, where the entire town is registered as a UNESCO Eco Park (Biosphere Reserve). You can also enjoy a natural hot spring, which is rare in Okuise. The hotel is located in the town of Odaicho, which is registered as a UNESCO Eco-Park (Biosphere Reserve).
The Workcation Experiencer this time
Five employees from Mie Chemical Industry Co., Ltd, a company that plans, develops, and manufactures cooling agents and work gloves, participated in the experience. The company is interested in telework and workcation, which have been introduced in recent years, and we invited them to participate in the program in the hope that it would provide an opportunity to incorporate them into their own company.
[Day 1: Working in a relaxed atmosphere
We arrived at "Oku Ise Forestopia" a little after noon. In the spacious lobby, we each worked on managing our schedules and checking e-mails. The lobby is so quiet that we can concentrate without worrying about the voices of other guests around us.
After that, there is a general meeting. The woody and calm space, which is different from the conference room we usually use, makes us feel relaxed and at ease.
After that, there is a general meeting. The woody and calm space, which is different from the conference room we usually use, makes us feel relaxed and at ease.
After dinner, we have a meeting outside around a bonfire. The first day is over.
[Day 2: Activities to further enhance teamwork
The second day started with a morning meeting connecting the head office and factory with ZOOM. The signal was uninterrupted, and staff members were able to share information without difficulty.
After the morning meeting, we have a meeting outdoors. It's a great place to work with a refreshed feeling. There are also rivers and nature around, so you may take a short break and go for a walk.
Back inside the room, all the staff members are doing gelatinization experiments with different water qualities. The table is quite large, so we don't have to worry about setting up a lot of materials, etc.
We finished the meeting before sunset and experienced a mountain climbing activity. Together with our guide, Mr. Noda of Verde Odai Tourism, we headed for the Hokusoumonzan Observation Hill, which is over 700 meters above sea level.
On this day, sunlight shone through the haze after the rain had stopped, creating a fantastic sight. This was the first experience for our guide, Mr. Noda.
While learning from Mr. Noda about straight plantations, thickets, and other plants, we proceeded further into the forest.
It took about 30 minutes to safely reach the summit. The day was blessed with fine weather, and we were able to enjoy a clear view of the clear Miyagawa River, the town of Odaicho, and the mountains. Since they had just finished working together, a sense of unity was born, and they seemed to be sharing the joy of the trip.
Afterwards, the group visited the glass house on the grounds of Oku Ise Forestopia to see a bamboo light space exhibit by Kawabuchi-san, a bamboo light artist living in Mie Prefecture. The balance between the different heights and sizes of the holes, and the amount of light overflowing from each one, was breathtaking. It is sure to soothe away the fatigue of the trip.
Return to the inn, have dinner, and end the second day.
[Day 3] Reconfirming the charm of the town by learning about local initiatives.
The final day begins with another work session in the lobby. After about an hour of work, we checked out of the hotel.
We paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Morimoto, Deputy Mayor of the Odaicho Town Hall, with whom we had made an appointment in advance. In addition to a presentation of the project, we will also hear about the initiatives of the town of Odaicho. It was a great opportunity to visit Odaicho on a workcation, meet more local people, and learn about the town's attractions again.
After the 3-day/2-night experience. "I don't usually spend so much time with my co-workers, so it was nice to see their private side outside of the workplace. It was also a chance to refresh myself by experiencing activities that allowed me to feel nature. Working in an area that I don't get to visit very often gives me a chance to get to know the people and companies in the area.
“The first time I went on a workcation, it was a particularly good experience for me to be able to conduct the morning meeting via zoom without any problems. Rather than immediately adopting this way of working, I would like to continue to think positively about it through trial and error." said President Yamakawa.
Those who participated in this event said they would definitely like to try it again if the opportunity arises. Workcation with a corporate team is also recommended.
[Example of how to spend the day]
[Day 1]
14:30 Arrive at "Oku Ise Forestopia". Review weekly schedule, check e-mail.
16:30 Gather for meeting, walk around, work
18:30 Dinner
20:00 Meeting around the fire
[Day 2]
8:00 Breakfast, remote company-wide (headquarters, 3 factories) morning meeting
8:30 Work
11:00 Meeting
12:00 Lunch
13:30 Attend online seminar, online business meeting
15:00 Interview, Idea generation meeting
16:00 Hike to Hokusomonzan Observatory
18:30 Onsen (hot spring), visit "Bamboo Light Shunko" spatial exhibition
19:30 Dinner
[Day 3] 7:30 Breakfast
7:30 Breakfast
8:00 Work
10:00 Courtesy visit to Mr. Morimoto, Deputy Mayor of "Odaicho Town Hall"
13:00 End of Workation
[Facilities]
Oku Ise Forestopia
993, Sono, Odai-cho, Taki-gun, Mie 519-2513
Verde Odai Tourism
308, Shimomade, Odai-cho, Taki-gun, Mie 519-2501