The Akita Prefecture Tourism Strategy Division launched a new initiative to convey the message of 'Akita Prefecture, not yet discovered'—a place that is actually close and amazing, just not well known—and began distributing coupons for the first round of the 'Tokutabi Campaign' on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Immediately after the announcement, the response drastically exceeded expectations, and high-value coupons on major OTAs sold out one after another. Within about three weeks from the start of distribution, most of the total funding was utilized, and the campaign effectively came to an end in less than a month. In response to this greater-than-expected demand, Akita Prefecture decided to inject additional coupons. Distribution of the new coupons will begin on Tuesday, June 16.
URL: https://tokutabi.akita-fun.jp
Despite having excellent access from major cities (about 60 minutes by plane from Tokyo; about 90 minutes from Osaka), Akita Prefecture remains a 'hidden gem' due to a preceding image of being 'far away.' It boasts 7 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages, Japan's highest production volume of Junsai (water shield), hidden hot springs like Nyuto Onsen-kyo and Tamagawa Onsen, and a food culture featuring Inaniwa Udon, Hinai Jidori chicken, and Japanese sake. When summer arrives, outdoor activities such as rafting, canoeing, SUP, horseback riding, and paragliding come to life in the great outdoors. Whether it's the food, the hot springs, or the activities, everyone who visits agrees that 'it was much better than expected.'
This is how the 'Akita Prefecture, not yet discovered' Tokutabi Campaign was born. However, the first batch of coupons was almost completely used up in less than a month. Furthermore, we received an unexpected response where the high-priced plans sold out first.
The hidden charms are already being discovered. Please take this campaign as an opportunity to experience summer in Akita.
Preliminary Data Speed of Use: Usage rate within 1 week of release High-priced plans are popular: Coupons almost completely used up in less than 1 month, early usage prioritizing high-value coupons Coupon usage reached approximately 70% in 1 week * The utilization status is very strong, with about 70% of the total funds being used in a short period from the start of sales. In particular, the use of high-value coupons is leading the way, tying into demand for higher-grade accommodations.
Comment from the Governor of Akita Prefecture "To be honest, I didn't expect them to sell out this quickly. Moreover, the fact that high-priced plans are selling out first is proof that Akita's tourism potential is real. Akita has many charms that you won't understand until you come here. Following this result, we have decided to issue additional coupons!" Kenta Suzuki, Governor of Akita Prefecture
Comment from Travel Agency "In the travel industry, when a discount campaign is implemented, it generally tends to move starting from products in a more accessible price range. However, in this Akita Prefecture 'Tokutabi Campaign', we are seeing a characteristic movement where the high-value coupons are being used first. I feel that this reflects the customers' need to 'enjoy a slightly luxurious trip, including hot springs, food, and nature, since they are going all the way to Akita.' Through this response, I feel that Akita Prefecture is beginning to gather attention in the travel market as a 'destination that will be chosen from now on.'" Travel Agency in charge of this project
Access to Akita ('Surprisingly Close' is also Akita's greatest hidden charm) Tokyo (Haneda) -> Akita Airport: approx. 60 minutes / Osaka (Itami/Kansai) -> Akita Airport: approx. 90 minutes / Sendai -> Akita (Shinkansen): approx. 2 hours
Campaign Overview Campaign Name: Akita Prefecture 'Tokutabi Campaign' Catchphrase: Akita Prefecture, not yet discovered Additional Coupon Distribution Period: June 16, 2026 (Tue) 10:00 - July 30, 2026 (Thu) *Jalan net, Ikkyu.com June 17, 2026 (Wed) 10:00 - July 30, 2026 (Thu) *Rakuten Travel Eligible Stay Period: Check-in on June 16, 2026 (Tue) - Check-out on July 31, 2026 (Fri) *For Rakuten Travel: Check-in on June 17, 2026 (Wed) - Check-out on July 31, 2026 (Fri) Maximum Discount: Up to 12,000 yen discount per person per reservation (when using add-on coupons) Eligibility: Those who book eligible facilities/plans from designated booking sites (please check each site for conditions) Eligible Booking Sites: Jalan net / Rakuten Travel / Ikkyu.com / Agoda *The maximum 12,000 yen discount applies only to Jalan net and Rakuten Travel
Discount Amount List This is a list of discount amounts based on accommodation fees. When using an add-on coupon (plans that include experiences, meals/local sake, special products, etc.), an even larger discount is applied. - Accommodation fee 6,000 yen or more: 1,000 yen discount (3,000 yen discount when using add-on coupon) - Accommodation fee 10,000 yen or more: 3,000 yen discount (5,000 yen discount when using add-on coupon)
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: キャンペーン
- Organizations: Agoda