Alt x Kotori: Pop-Up Coliving in Japan
A pop-up coliving in the heart of Japan, blending inspiring encounters and the nomadic rhythm. Here’s the story of Alt x Kotori.
When John met Yoti, when Alt Coliving crossed paths with Kotori, a unique nomadic adventure was born in Japan: a pop-up coliving!
This short-term living format, blending accommodation, coworking, community, and curated activities, had already made waves in Europe.
In 2025, Alt and Kotori launched it in Japan for the very first time… and I had the chance to be part of this first chapter.
It All Began at Bansko Nomad Fest
One was already established in the digital nomad world. The other was eager to step in and make an impact. Their meeting, as spontaneous as it was timely, sparked a bold idea. When John met Yoti, when Alt Coliving met Kotori, a new story began. And my luck? I got to live its prologue, and now share it.
Yoti, business developer for Koto Bus (which includes Kotori Coworking and Hostel), first discovered the digital nomad scene during a trip to the Bansko Nomad Fest. It was the perfect place to network, plant seeds, and dream up new ideas.
His enthusiasm and big smile quickly caught the attention of John Ho, founder of Alt Coliving (behind Alt Chiang Mai and Alt Ping River). Their visions clicked instantly: the same goals, the same energy, the same drive.
“John wanted to bring something fresh to Chiang Mai’s nomad community during the low season: a pop-up coliving in Japan with the Alt style. He had the idea, but no partner,” Yoti recalls.
“On our side, Kotohira was unknown. Hardly any digital nomads came here. We needed someone who could bring people and help us showcase the town.”
The collaboration didn’t happen overnight, but the timing was right. A few months later, John was on a family trip to Osaka, just three hours from Kotohira on a Koto Bus. He decided to visit. Twenty-four hours on site were enough: the town was charming, the community welcoming, the potential obvious. The project was ready to begin.
A First Test: 7 Nomads, 1 Pop-Up Experiment
The project came together quickly. Alt and Kotori joined forces, with The DECK Coworking also on board. The next challenge was finding the very first participants for this pilot adventure.
Jasmine, Alt’s Community Manager, designed a detailed program and reached out directly to digital nomads. Word spread fast through Alt Chiang Mai, Alt Ping River, and across social media. A WhatsApp group formed, video calls followed, and about fifteen people showed interest.
One month later, six nomads had committed. The rendezvous was set for April 1st in Kotohira, right in the middle of cherry blossom season.
On site, Yoti handled logistics, scheduling, and events, tailoring the program to participants’ interests and setting up meetups with locals. Amy, representing Alt in person, supported him while fully immersing herself in the experience. Meanwhile, John stayed connected through weekly Zoom calls.
“I was watching everyone’s Instagram stories. By the second week, they were clearly having fun together. I thought, alright, they’re doing great!” jokes John.
After work, the group often gathered for game nights, movie evenings or spontaneous hangouts. Weekend trips gave them even more chances to bond.
“ The most inspiring part was seeing people who were strangers at first becoming friends, doing things together, discovering the town differently. They hosted amazing sessions: AI workshops, talking circles, mind-mapping… That’s the real strength of a group of digital nomads. ”. – Yoti.
After one intense month, there was no doubt: this test edition of the Alt x Kotori pop-up coliving was a real success.
The Community: The Heart of Alt x Kotori
“ Why come here? For an experience you won’t get in Tokyo. To meet a 28th generation candy artisan, to share a moment with a Buddhist monk…” - Yoti
What makes Kotohira, a small town in rural Japan, so special? Its deep sense of community.
Yoti has spent years building close ties with local entrepreneurs, artists, and long-standing family shop owners.
Joining this coliving isn’t just about staying in a new place, it’s a rare opportunity to genuinely connect with Japanese people. Not only as a visitor or customer, but as part of their daily lives.
Shared dinners, karaoke nights, hikes, board games… each moment became a chance to laugh, share stories, and form lasting friendships.
” The goal wasn’t just to host travelers. It was about letting people discover Kotohira differently, connect with locals and create a real shared space.” - Yoti
The participants left inspired by the journey, the place, and above all, the people.
Still, there’s room for improvement.
“It was hard to get locals to attend the events. They often said ‘yes’ but didn’t show up,” Yoti notes. “We probably need clearer communication beforehand.”
John also reflects: “How do the locals really perceive our presence in town?”
What’s Next? Pop-Up #2 Is on the Way
You only learn by doing, and this first edition built the perfect foundation to make the next one even better.
Pop-Up Coliving Alt x Kotori #2 is back for round two. From November 10 to December 10, 2025, John and Yoti are excited to welcome a new group of nomads.
” You want to live something like this in Japan? Come to Kotori! ” - Yoti
Need to Know
Location: Kotohira, Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku Island, Japan.
Access: By bus with Kotobus (approx. 3h30). By train from Takamatsu (approx. 50 min) or Okayama (approx. 1h45). Nearest station: Kotohira Station.
Type of Accommodation: Kotori Hostel — coliving & coworking with shared spaces, private or shared rooms, and a fully equipped work area.
Ideal For: Travelers, digital nomads, and creatives looking for connection and an immersive pace of life in Japan.
When? The next pop-up coliving starts on November 10, 2025! Kotori Hostel is open all over the year.
Useful Links :
Alt x Kotori pop-up coliving
On Instagram : Kotori.kotohira, nomadkotohira, Alt coliving
