We want to eliminate the “experience gap.” Turning a hotel’s idle time into learning opportunities for children One year since its launch in Kobe, the “After-School Hotel” has created “authentic experiences” in collaboration with over 20 local organizations and companies In preparation for recruiting its third cohort, the program will hold trial sessions and information sessions on October 12 and 13

"Gakudo Hotel," operated by Holonic, a nonprofit general incorporated association (located in Higashinada Ward, Kobe; Representative Director: Ichiro Nagata), will hold an information session and hands-on experience event on Monday, October 12 (a national holiday) and13 (Tue) at Hotel Setre Kobe-Maiko.

After-School Hotel Main

The “After-School Hotel” was launched in 2025 by utilizing the hotel’s closed days, driven by a desire to help bridge the “experience gap”—the disparity in opportunities children have based on their family circumstances.By opening the hotel—an extraordinary space—as a “third place” for children, we have provided “authentic experiences” that cannot be found in school or at home alone, including career exploration led by hotel staff and collaborations with local producers, businesses, and experts.

Yakult: Building Healthy Tums

About a year has passed since we began. Our activities have expanded from in-hotel experiences to learning opportunities that connect with the local community and businesses, and now include challenges where children themselves think, plan, and share their ideas with society.

In Phase 3 as well, through encounters with diverse people, professions, and the local community, we will continue to provide experiences that nurture each child’s desire to “try this” and “learn more,” thereby broadening their future options.

Street Performance Workshop

■ Experience & Information Session Overview

After-School Hotel: Phase 3 Recruitment “Experience & Information Session” ~ Scheduled to Begin in November! ~

Date and Time: October 12, 2026 (Mon, Holiday) and 13 (Tue)

Eligibility: Third-, fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade elementary school students residing in Kobe City

　　　　　　　 *If the number of applicants exceeds the available spots, participants will be selected through a fair lottery.

Participation Fee: Free

Program: • October 12 (Mon, Holiday), Session 1: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

　　　　　　　 “Treasure Found in the Ocean!? Marine Debris Hunters & Sparkling Kaleidoscope Making” by Ms. Chiho Sato

　　　　　　: ・October 12 (Mon, Holiday), Session 2: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

　　　　　　　 “Where Do Eggs Come From?” by Kitazaka Poultry Farm (Awaji)

　　　　　　: • October 13 (Tue), Session 2: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

　　　　　　　 “Tummy Exploration Team! Gut Health Starting in Childhood” by Hyogo Yakult

* Session 1: Approximately 2 hours * Approximately 15 participants per session

Venue: 11-1 Kaigan-dori, Tarumi-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

　　　　　　　 Inside Hotel Setore Kobe-Maiko, “Bettei Residence”

Inquiries: info@gakudohotel.or.jp

[Children’s Program Details]

Duration: Approximately 120 minutes

(1) Opening Remarks

(2) Hands-On Program: Table Manners Lesson Taught by Hotel Professionals

(3) Special Experience Program: *Varies depending on the date and time of participation

(4) Kids: Snack Time Presented by a Pastry Chef

　 Parents: Information Session on the Second Intake

(5) Closing Remarks | End of Event

*Registration opens 30 minutes before each session, so please arrive at least 10 minutes early.

▼ Gakudo Hotel Official Website

https://www.gakudohotel.or.jp/

▼Click here to register for the After-School Hotel Information Session & Trial Experience

Application for the 3rd Cohort Trial Session

Kobe Setore Maiko

Villa & Residence

■Because every aspect of the experience connects to the “future”

We want to provide opportunities for “encounters” and “enriching learning” that touch the heart

Turning the community into a “school” for all children

We offer special after-school programs that only a hotel can provide

■What Is an After-School Hotel?

Every day for children is a series of “firsts.” However, the reality is that opportunities for these experiences vary depending on a child’s home environment.The After-School Hotel was launched at Hotel Setre Kobe-Maiko with the goal of narrowing this experiential gap, even if only slightly. In the unique setting of a hotel, we provide a space where children can discover their “passions” and “strengths” through real-world work and encounters with people.

Furthermore, seeing their children thrive brings peace of mind to parents. As a “third place” that fosters learning, experiences, and interaction, the After-School Hotel will continue to spread a circle of smiles throughout the community.

How It Works

■ One Year Since Launch: From the Hotel to the Community—Children’s “I Want to Try” Spirit Is Spreading

In 2025, the “After-School Hotel” launched by utilizing the closed days of Hotel Setre Kobe-Maiko.

Initially, the program began with career experiences unique to a hotel setting, such as exploring the hotel, making beds, and cooking with a chef.

Since then, connections have formed with a diverse range of “adults”—including local producers, businesses, and experts—and the scope of experiences has expanded beyond the hotel to include food, nature, crafts, sports, music, the environment, and careers.

Furthermore, rather than simply “being given” experiences, the children have taken on the challenge of thinking for themselves, discussing ideas with peers, planning activities, and sharing them with the local community. Over the past year, the After-School Hotel has evolved into a place where children can connect with society and their community while discovering what they “like,” what they’re “good at,” and what they “want to try.”

Musical Instrument Experiences

■ “A Year in Review”

2025 | After-School Hotel START

　　　　Phase 1 | Encounters with “the real thing”—made possible by the hotel

2026 | Expanding the Field of Experiences to the Community and Local Businesses

　　　　Toward Experiences Where Children “Create” Themselves

November 2026 | Phase 3 Begins

From “Experiencing” to “Thinking, Taking on Challenges, and Connecting with Society.”

■ Overview of the After-School Hotel

Operator: Holonic General Incorporated Association

In Collaboration With: Holonic Co., Ltd. / Local Companies and Organizations / Volunteers

Eligibility: 30 elementary school students (3rd–6th grade) residing in Kobe City

Dates: Every Tuesday

Location: “Bettei Residence” within Hotel Setore Kobe-Maiko

■Social Issues Addressed by the After-School Hotel

“Eliminating the Experience Gap” “Providing Parents with Peace of Mind and Free Time”

Front Desk Job Experience

● Enriching experiences for every child. We want to eliminate the “experience gap.”

There are significant disparities in the quantity and quality of experiences children can have, depending on their family’s financial situation and environment. This “experiential gap” affects learning opportunities and future choices.

At After-School Hotel, we leverage the unique, out-of-the-ordinary setting of a hotel to provide authentic experiences that allow children to engage with local people, culture, and nature.

We deliver opportunities for inspiring learning and meaningful encounters to every child.

The “experiences” children have are not equal

One in three children from low-income households has never had an out-of-school experience

Percentage of children with no out-of-school experiences

Source: https://cfc.or.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cfc_taiken_report2307.pdf

If parents have no such experiences, one in two children has no such experiences

When parents have had such experiences, the participation rate among children doubles

Percentage of children participating in out-of-school activities

Source: Chance for Children

https://cfc.or.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cfc_taiken_report2307.pdf

Factors Contributing to the Experience Gap: Economic Disparities, Regional Disparities, Parental Experience, and Parenting Styles

The experience gap affects children’s social development, as well as their social class and future occupations

When children have limited experiences due to environmental factors beyond their control, their potential is narrowed, and they are unable to fully realize it

● Give parents some breathing room in their minds and schedules.

In today’s world, with the increasing number of dual-income families and households with multiple children, how children spend their time after school has become a major challenge for parents.

“There’s nowhere I can leave my child with peace of mind until I finish work.”

“I want to give my child more opportunities to experience new things, but I don’t have the time or flexibility.”

—We hear these kinds of concerns frequently.

Gakudo Hotel is not just a place to leave children; it is a “space for learning and growth” where parents can entrust their children with peace of mind, bringing them a sense of relief.

Furthermore, when children spend their time in a fulfilling way, parents themselves gain “time for themselves” and “a breather,” leading to warmer, more positive parent-child relationships at home.

The Rise of Dual-Income Households

Source: National Institute for Labor Policy and Training

https://www.jil.go.jp/kokunai/statistics/timeseries/html/g0212.html

Source: Kumamoto Living Support Newspaper

https://spice.kumanichi.com/other/137693/

■ Here are some comments from parents who have actually used the service

“It’s such a relief to be able to leave my child there with peace of mind, knowing they’ll even take care of dinner.”

“After coming home, all we have to do is take a bath and go to bed. Both my child and I look forward to the days we use the After-School Hotel.”

“Seeing my child speak up on their own in a different environment than usual made me realize how much they’ve grown.”

Providing children with enriching experiences and giving parents peace of mind and free time.

Achieving both of these goals is the “third place” that the After-School Hotel strives to be.

■What Only Hotel Setre Can Offer

01 Experiences Only a Hotel Can Offer

The opportunity to experience the “extraordinary” and the “authentic.” For example, cooking alongside top chefs or trying their hand at the work of hotel staff. In special spaces and with services they wouldn’t normally encounter, children learn through their five senses and discover what they “like” and what they’re “good at.”

02 Connections with the Local Community

We create opportunities for children to connect with their community through interactions with local adults—such as farmers, artisans, and fishermen. By experiencing the region’s charm and wisdom, children develop a deeper appreciation for the town where they grew up.

03 Relaxation Spaces

We provide a “relaxation space” where children can feel at ease in the open, airy atmosphere unique to a hotel. In a comfortable environment different from home or school—such as the spacious lobby or the terrace where they can feel nature—children can relax and let their minds and bodies unwind.

04 Meals Prepared by Our Chefs

We serve safe and delicious meals prepared by professional chefs—a hallmark of our hotel. Using seasonal ingredients and designed with nutritional balance in mind, our menus offer a special yet familiar taste that children will enjoy. These meals also spark new discoveries and inspire wonder.

■“Authentic Experiences” That Have Expanded Over the Past Year: From the Hotel to the Community. To Society.

01 Meeting Hotel Professionals: Career Experiences Only a Hotel Can Offer

Children learn about various jobs—such as making beds, guest service, cooking, and pastry making—from professionals actually working at the hotel. By doing it themselves rather than just watching, they experience both the joy and the challenges of the work.

02 Encountering the “Real” Local Community: Learning from Producers and Experts

Students learn directly from local adults working in fields such as agriculture, fishing, food, nature, and the environment. Rather than relying on textbooks, this is an experience of getting to know the region through encounters with people, places, and things.

03 Connecting with Businesses, Understanding Society: Bringing “Authentic Learning” from Companies to Children

Collaboration with local businesses is also expanding. Companies open up their jobs, technologies, personnel, and facilities as learning resources for children, providing opportunities to experience careers and social structures they would not normally encounter.

04 From “Experiencing” to “Creating on Their Own”: Channeling Children’s “I Want to Try!” into Society

Moving beyond simply participating in experiences, children are now engaging in activities where they think for themselves, discuss ideas with peers, make preparations, and share their work with the local community. At the Niji-iro Kids Market, children take on the challenge of planning, preparing, and running the event themselves.

Positioning

After-School Hotel Overview

Daily Schedule

■ Experience Programs Expanded Even Further in Phase 2

Kobe Mazda | Future Mechanic Experience

Children get hands-on experience with real tools and the work of mechanics, learning about the appeal of car manufacturing and craftsmanship.

Leo Foundation × The University of Tokyo | ESD Experience: Reflecting on Life and Food

Using local ingredients as a starting point, participants reflect on the cycles of life, food, and nature.

Hotel Chef | Cooking and Pastry Experience: Savoring the Joy of Creation

Work alongside professional hotel chefs to explore ingredients and create your own dishes and desserts.

Niji-iro Kids Market | Planned and Run by the Children Themselves

Building on past experiences, this is a hands-on opportunity for children to “think for themselves and give it a try.”

Support Program

■ Partnership Programs for Individuals and Corporations

Partnership Options

■ Media Tour Information

We are pleased to invite members of the media to the “After-School Hotel: Phase 3 Recruitment Experience & Information Session,” to be held on Monday, October 12, 2026 (a national holiday) and Tuesday, October 13, 2026. During the event, you will have the opportunity to cover the children as they learn directly from local producers and businesses and engage in hands-on activities.

We will also provide an overview of the initiatives undertaken in the approximately one year since the After-School Hotel launched, our collaborations with the local community and businesses, and the activities we aim to pursue starting with the third cohort.

[Details]

Date and Time: ・October 12 (Mon, Holiday) Session 1: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

　　　　　 “Treasure Found in the Ocean!? Marine Debris Hunters & Sparkling Kaleidoscope Making” by Teacher Chiho Sato

　　　　: ・October 12 (Mon, Holiday), Session 2: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

　　　　　 “Where Do Eggs Come From?” by Kitazaka Poultry Farm (Awaji)

　　　　: • October 13 (Tue), Session 2: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

　　　　　 “Tummy Exploration Team! Gut Health Starting in Childhood” by Hyogo Yakult

　　　　: *Session 1: Approximately 2 hours

Location: “Bettei Residence” inside Hotel Setre Kobe-Maiko

Details: Tour, dessert tasting, individual interviews, overview of the after-school hotel

How to Register: Please register using the QR code below.

　　　　　 Please use public transportation whenever possible.

　　　　　 , so if you plan to use the parking lot,

　　　　　 please be sure to indicate this in your registration.

Deadline: By 6:00 PM on Friday, October 9, 2026

Media Registration

■Company Overview

Holonic General Incorporated Association

Officers: Representative Director: Ichiro Nagata (Representative Director, Holonic Co., Ltd.)

　　　　: Director: Akihiko Ebata (Holonic Co., Ltd. / Currently employed at Hotel Setre)

　　　　: Director: Tomomi Kanai (Representative Director, Workers’ Cooperative “Kodomo Editorial Department”)

　　　　: Director: Yuri Nakao (Co-Representative, Hoshino Aima)

　　　　: Auditor: Junko Yabuuchi (Director, Holonic Co., Ltd.)

Date of Establishment: July 24, 2025

Address: (Headquarters) 10th Floor, Kobe Fashion Mart, 6-9 Mukaiyocho-naka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe

　　　　: (Branch) Bettei Residence, inside Hotel Setre, 11-1 Kaigan-dori, Tarumi-ku, Kobe City

Business Activities: Operation of an after-school care facility

URL: https://www.gakudohotel.or.jp/