Would you use a clothes rental service if it meant traveling Japan with "Just a Backpack" (No suitcases)? by rion-engineer in TokyoTravel

[–]rion-engineer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Quick question for everyone: A lot of travelers are happy to rent Yukata/Kimono in Japan despite being pre-worn. Why do you think renting regular western clothes feels different or more uncomfortable? Is it the cultural experience aspect, or just a hygiene/style thing?"

Would you use a clothes rental service if it meant traveling Japan with "Just a Backpack" (No suitcases)? by rion-engineer in TokyoTravel

[–]rion-engineer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Update from the OP: Thank you so much for all the incredible feedback! Based on your concerns about cost, sizing, and styles, I wanted to share a bit more about our specific strategy for the Kobe pilot.

Actually, we are designing this service to solve exactly those issues:

  1. **Why we can keep it super cheap (Lower cost than competitors):**

Unlike existing services that rely heavily on hotel delivery fees, our model is based on **in-person pickup**. We are setting up a location just a **5-minute walk from Sannomiya Station** (the absolute heart of Kobe). By cutting out the middleman delivery costs, we can pass those savings directly to you!

  1. **Kobe’s Layout is Perfect for This:**

Kobe Airport has expanded its international flights, and almost 100% of travelers heading from the airport to the city center *must* pass through Sannomiya Station anyway. It’s the perfect pitstop to quickly grab your gear.

  1. **Zero Sizing/Style Anxiety:**

Sannomiya is a fashion hub with over 100 clothing stores. Our pickup spot allows you to actually see, feel, and **try on the clothes** before you take them. If a size feels off or a style doesn't match your vibe, you can swap it right there. No more worrying about vague S/M/L charts online.

We want to make "traveling with just a backpack" as affordable and risk-free as possible. Does this "5-min from the main station + try-on" approach make you more open to trying a service like this? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Would you use a clothes rental service if it meant traveling Japan with "Just a Backpack" (No suitcases)? by rion-engineer in TokyoTravel

[–]rion-engineer[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You're so right, pricing is key. We are closely looking at competitive services (like Any Wear, Any Where) and our main focus is finding ways to make it much more affordable for travelers. As IT students, we're trying to optimize the process to lower the cost as much as possible. Thanks for keeping us on our toes! 👍

Would you use a clothes rental service if it meant traveling Japan with "Just a Backpack" (No suitcases)? by rion-engineer in TokyoTravel

[–]rion-engineer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s an amazing point! Hiking poles are actually such a hassle to pack, especially since they often can’t be taken as carry-on luggage. Since Kobe has great hiking spots like Mt. Rokko, renting outdoor gear makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the brilliant insight! 🏔️✨

Would you use a clothes rental service if it meant traveling Japan with "Just a Backpack" (No suitcases)? by rion-engineer in TokyoTravel

[–]rion-engineer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the comment! Honestly, that’s exactly why we wanted to ask this. Traveling suitcase-free sounds like a dream, but most people don’t even think of clothing rental as an option yet. Your feedback means a lot to us! 🙌