So far, Japan’s hotel industry has remained relatively untouched by Airbnb because of strict government crackdowns that are only just recently lightening up.

“Japan’s watched that play out in other countries – they know this is something to take seriously,” says Rauch. And she believes the ways Japan uses space and adapts tradition for a modern era is something that other countries could learn from when it comes to differentiating or competing with short-term rentals.

At Book and Bed Tokyo, guests seem to enjoy the fact that it offers the kind of unique experience that you can’t get at an Airbnb, hostel or “regular” hotel. And places like these – hipper than hostels, cheaper than hotels and with uniquely Japanese elements – may play a key role in sustaining the hotel economy after the Olympic boom ends.

Eri Betsui, 34, who works in a mobile phone shop and lives in Tochigi prefecture, about 100km north of Tokyo, is checking in for her stay at Book and Bed for a solo holiday. She says she specifically seeks out accommodations like this when travelling.

“I don’t usually stay at a regular hotel – I want to stay at a unique place, always,” she says. “Where you stay is part of the trip.”