In the previous article, we told you about what it's like to work at Techno Plaza Okaya, but in fact, Okaya City has a very attractive benefit called the Workcation Subsidy System.
This time, we will introduce what workcation is like by taking advantage of this subsidy system!

＜What exactly is the subsidy system?＞
If you do a workcation in Okaya (three days or more than two nights), the city of Okaya will cover half of your travel, accommodation, and rental car costs during the period (up to a certain limit).
In addition, the following benefits are also included! Every detail has been taken care of for your stay in Okaya.
・Eel voucher (?!) worth 3,000 yen
・Free e-bike rental
・Silky Bus (local shuttle bus) 1-day free pass
・Common admission ticket for five cultural facilities
・Okaya Silk Set (Silk soap and Okaya specialty sweets set)
Please also refer to: "Let's go to Okaya" About workcation
https://www.city.okaya.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/shogyokankoka/409/740/19212.html

On the morning of the second day, ITOKI members gathered at Techno Plaza Okaya and worked for about an hour before going on a workcation trip while taking advantage of the benefits!
First of all, the weather was great so we headed to Yamabiko Park to change our mood.

Torii-daira Yamabiko Park is located at an altitude of 1,020m.
This park offers a spectacular view of Lake Suwa below, and on clear days you can also see the Yatsugatake mountain range.
There is a wide expanse of well-maintained lawn where you can refresh yourself by sitting or lying down on the grass!
We were blessed with great weather that day and it felt really nice. You can get there by rental car, or on a nice day, an e-bike would be nice too.
(Facility link: https://yamabiko.okaya-park.com/)

Then, each of the four of us tried our hand at the actual work.

A member working while standing with a tablet in hand (apparently checking documents)

Members working solo in separate locations (I'm currently drafting this article!)
In the distance you can see the members starting to brainstorm ideas.

Along the way, we were interviewed by local newspapers and TV stations.

After a fulfilling morning, it was just about lunchtime.
That's right, the new workcation perk "eel ticket" is here! 

In Okaya, fishing has been active in Lake Suwa and the Tenryu River since ancient times, and eel dishes and river fish dishes are popular as local foods. Eel consumption is high nationwide, and the research and efforts of our predecessors in eel dishes, and the current eel stores that have inherited that tradition, have created Okaya's unique taste and dishes.
Okaya's eels are cooked slowly over a charcoal fire, without being steamed, and because they are so fresh, they have no unpleasant odor at all. They are chewy rather than fluffy, and very satisfying to eat. They were very delicious!
(Facility link: https://kankohso.co.jp/)

This restaurant is located on the banks of the Tenryu River, and you can see the river right from your room. The building itself is very tasteful, and it feels like you've traveled back in time. The staff were very welcoming, and we had a very satisfying lunch, both in our stomachs and our hearts.
Of course, we paid with the eel voucher that was a workcation perk! Thank you for the meal (it was the best!)

After lunch, we visited Okaya City Hall and had the opportunity to have a discussion with Mayor Imai.
We exchanged opinions from the perspectives of a local government promoting workcation and a company utilizing workcation (we will introduce this in a separate article).

After my talk with the mayor, I took some time off to visit some cultural facilities in Okaya.

Silk reeling was a major industry in Japan from the Meiji period to the early Showa period. At the time, Okaya City in Nagano Prefecture boasted the world's largest export volume of raw silk. The people of Okaya developed the Suwa-style silk-reeling machine, which was an ingenious addition to Western-style silk-reeling machines introduced from Italy and France. This technology spread throughout the country, and much of the raw silk produced in Okaya was exported, becoming known around the world as "Silk Okaya." Okaya developed into a major silk-reeling area and made a major contribution to the modernization of Japan.
We visited the Silk Fact Okaya, the Okaya Silk Museum, which houses a silk reeling factory that is still in operation today.
(Facility link: https://silkfact.jp/)

Upon entering the building, you will first see a huge timeline that clearly explains the history of the silk industry.

There is also an exhibition of silk-reeling machines that have evolved over the years.

You can also tour an actual operating factory.

Although mechanization has progressed, the process of spinning the threads is still carried out by skilled craftsmen.
The reason is that the finish of the raw silk is completely different.
Unlike the uniform silk produced by machines, the silk threads made by craftsmen have a moderate randomness in thickness, which gives the products made from the silk a warmth. At the shop next door, I was shown the stoles made from each type of silk, and it was clear at a glance. It seems that there are many fans of handmade silk products.

After experiencing the culture of Okaya at Silk Fact Okaya, we headed to a private co-working facility.
In addition to the benefits mentioned at the beginning, you can also receive subsidies for the use of private coworking spaces.

LINK LAC is a private coworking and rental space located on the shores of Lake Suwa.
Its chic and sophisticated exterior makes you think, "Is this a cafe?" at first glance, and the origin of its name, which comes from its location on the shores of a lake (LAC) and its emphasis on the connections (LINK) between people, is wonderful.
If you work remotely at this coworking space registered with Okaya City, half of the usage fee will be subsidized, up to a maximum of 5,000 yen per month.
(Facility link: https://linklac.com/)

Well, since the meeting time was approaching, I used the service right away.
Members holding a web conference with a production company in Tokyo in a private room with a large monitor

Each coworker

After my experience, I felt that this was a facility I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to work in a cafe but is concerned about security.
The interior was warm and sophisticated, and it was the perfect space to concentrate on work in a stylish space. The complimentary coffee was also delicious.

<Bonus/LINK LAC's coffee is delicious>

The coffee was so delicious (I drank it all and forgot to take a photo), so I spoke to the barista, who told me that she has an original blend of beans made just for LINKLAC by a nearby cafe, Teruterubozu, a rural roaster.
We hope you will come and enjoy our coworking space and the coffee that you can only get here!

◇　◇　◇

After finishing the workshop, we drove along Lake Suwa back to near Okaya Station and saw fireworks!
Unfortunately, the "National New Fireworks Competition" that is usually held in September has been canceled this year, so the "Lake Suwa Autumn Fireworks" will be launched on a weekend in October, with fireworks donated by local and national fireworks artists. The reflection on the lake was very beautiful.

Now, the third and final day is a Saturday, so there's no work to do and it's a fun vacation.
We will introduce it in a separate article, so stay tuned!