Japan already has the world's smartest toilets, but now there are smart shoes, furniture and accessories.

You might remember Nissan's 2016 marketing manoeuvre, when the Japanese carmaker introduced a line of self-driving chairs that could autonomously glide together using cameras and sensors.

This time, the auto innovators have taken aim at traditional hospitality and everyday objects.

Drawing from the autonomous parking technology of the Nissan Leaf car, which debuted in October, the ProPILOT Park Ryokan hotel comes kitted out with all kinds of intuitive amenities.

Sadly, the ryokan isn't a long-term hotel but rather part of a pop-up project. It will be open for one night only, on March 24, when the winners of a social media contest will have a chance to stay and experience the automatic amenities.

Shoes on the move

Staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan (guesthouse) is a special experience.

For starters, the traditional wooden houses typically feature kimono-clad hosts, serene rock gardens, onsen (hot spring baths) and tatami mat rooms.

As one of Japan's most historic types of accommodation, ryokans are rarely associated with smart toilets, robots and sensors.

But the ProPILOT Park Ryokan -- located in the hot spring mountain town of Hakone, southwest of Tokyo -- is home to more than a few smart surprises, including slippers and furniture that seem to move with a mind of their own.

By the welcoming foyer, a collection of house slippers -- as it's customary to take off shoes before entering a Japanese home or temple -- organizes itself with the push of a button.

Then there's the in-room surprises, where guests find self-tidying furniture, floor cushions and accessories.

 

 

Nissan's self-sorting house slippers are wearable too.

From Nissan