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 ready to step in—with impact. Their meeting, as spontaneous as it was timely, led to a bold idea. When John met Yoti—when Alt Coliving met Kotori—a promising story began.
And my luck? I got to live the prologue of that story, 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 across the world—to the Bansko Nomad Fest. It was the perfect event for networking, planting seeds, and launching ideas.
With his enthusiasm and big smile, he caught the attention of John Ho, founder of Alt Coliving (behind Alt Chiang Mai and Alt Ping River).
Why did it click? Because their visions, ideas, and goals matched seamlessly.
“John wanted to offer something new to Chiang Mai’s digital nomads during low season: a pop-up coliving in Japan that reflected the ‘Alt style’. He had the idea, but no partner”, Yoti explains.
“On our side, nobody really knew Kotohira. Very few digital nomads came here. We needed someone who could bring people, who could help us showcase this place”.
It didn’t happen overnight—but the stars aligned. A few months later, John was on a family trip in Osaka, just three hours from Kotohira via Koto Bus.
He took the opportunity to visit. 24 hours on site were enough to convince him: the town was charming, the local community welcoming. The potential was obvious. Now it was time to launch the project.
A First Test: 7 Nomads, 1 Pop-Up Experiment
The project came together quickly. The teams at Alt and Kotori joined forces, along with The Deck Coworking in Osaka. All that remained was to find the first participants for the pilot experience.
Jasmine, Alt’s Japan-based Community Manager, created a detailed program and led targeted outreach to digital nomads. The word spread quickly: through Alt Chiang Mai, Alt Ping River, and on social media. A WhatsApp group was created, video calls were held, and about fifteen people expressed interest.
After a month, six nomads committed: we would meet in Kotohira on April 1st—right in the middle of cherry blossom season.
On site, Yoti took care of logistics, schedule, and events—shaping the program around participants’ interests, and organizing local meetups.
Amy, representing Alt on the ground, supported him while also fully engaging in the experience.
John stayed connected through weekly Zoom calls to check in.
“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 the workday, the group often gathered for game nights, movie evenings, or spontaneous get-togethers.
Weekend excursions helped build bonds.
“ 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 fifth-generation candy artisan, to share a moment with a Buddhist monk…” - Yoti
What makes Kotohira, a small town in rural Japan, so special is its strong sense of community.
Yoti has spent years building deep relationships with local entrepreneurs, artists, and multi-generational shop owners.
Joining this coliving experience offers a rare chance to truly connect with Japanese people—not just as a visitor or customer, but as a part of their everyday life.
Dinners, karaoke, hikes, board game nights… Every occasion became a chance to meet, share, and build real 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 with their hearts full—moved by the discoveries, the region, and especially the people they met.
But of course, 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 better communication beforehand.”
John also wonders, “How do the locals really see our presence in town?”
What’s Next? Pop-Up #2 Is on the Way
You only learn by doing—and this first edition laid the perfect foundation to improve even more next time.
Pop-Up Coliving Alt x Kotori #2 is already in the works. John and Yoti can’t wait to welcome a new group of nomads from November 10 to December 10, 2025.
” You want to live something like this in Japan? Come to Kotori! ” - Yoti
Explore Kotohira
Travel Japan
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
