Hokkaido's Popular Tourist Spot "Head Daibutsu-den," Visited by 280,000 Annually, Revolutionizes Visitor Experience with Tourism DX

Japanticket Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hiroaki Tanaka) has launched the "Japachike Plus" advance reservation and payment system on July 6, 2026, at the "Head Daibutsu-den" within Makomanai Takino Cemetery in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

This initiative aims to reduce queues in front of ticket machines and create a smoother entry environment for travelers by implementing advance reservations, advance payments, and multilingual/cashless options. The goal is to achieve a comfortable reception environment for both travelers and the facility, while preserving the value of the tourist destination, serving as a model case for tourism DX in Hokkaido.

[About "Head Daibutsu-den"] "Head Daibutsu-den" is a worship space designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, located within Makomanai Takino Cemetery in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It is known for its unique design where only the head of the Great Buddha is visible from the lavender hill, attracting many travelers from Japan and abroad through social media and other channels, making it a popular tourist spot in Hokkaido. Approximately 280,000 people visit annually (400,000 for the entire cemetery), making it one of Hokkaido's representative architectural and tourist attractions.

Background of Implementation

In recent years, with the increase in inbound tourists, "Head Daibutsu-den" has faced challenges in its reception environment, such as queues forming in front of ticket machines during the peak tourist season. Furthermore, as it is also a cemetery where many people visit to pay respects to their ancestors, there was a need to enhance traveler convenience while preserving the facility's inherent quiet environment and value. In response to these challenges, Makomanai Takino Cemetery has introduced "Japachike Plus" to alleviate congestion through advance reservations and payments, and to support multilingual and cashless transactions. The aim is to promote tourism DX that balances improved traveler convenience and reduced operational burden with the preservation of the site's appeal as a tourist destination, serving as a model for improving reception environments in Hokkaido.

Changes with the Introduction of "Japachike Plus"

"Japachike Plus," introduced this time, is an owned reservation system that allows for advance reservations and payments through the facility's official website. Inbound travelers can purchase tickets even before arriving in Japan through a multilingual reservation page that supports languages such as English, Chinese, and Korean. On the day of their visit, they can enter simply by presenting a QR code, allowing them to enjoy their sightseeing smoothly without the burden of language barriers or waiting in line at ticket machines.

▼ Head Daibutsu-den Admission Reservation Page https://e.japanticket.com/shops/7444

For the facility, it is expected to alleviate queues in front of ticket machines during the tourist season and reduce the burden of reception operations. Furthermore, by utilizing reservation and visitor data, it will be possible to understand congestion levels by time slot in the future, leading to more efficient reception and operations.

In the future, JapanTicket plans to gradually expand its sales channels to major overseas OTAs (Online Travel Agents) with which JapanTicket collaborates. By creating an environment where reservations are easy not only through the official website but also through travel booking services commonly used by travelers worldwide, the company aims to capture further inbound demand.

This initiative will provide a "easy to book, no-wait" tourism experience for travelers and an environment that "expands sales channels, reduces congestion, and is easy to operate" for facilities, all while preserving the value of the tourist destination and offering a more comfortable travel experience.

For details on Japachike Plus, click here: https://www.japanticket.com/inbound-tickets/

About JapanTicket (https://japanticket.com/)

JapanTicket is a tourism DX platform that delivers tourist experiences, dining, and cultural experience content from various parts of Japan to travelers worldwide. Leveraging its network with OTAs and travel agencies globally, it supports businesses in expanding sales opportunities and improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, by collaborating with various partners such as accommodation facilities and web service companies, it is working to create new systems that connect travelers with local regions. With the mission of "Supporting businesses' hospitality with people and technology, and spreading 'chic experiences' to the world," it delivers the charm of various regions of Japan to the world.

◾️ Company Overview

【Japanticket Inc.】

Japanticket Inc. is a travel tech company within the Japan Ticket Holdings Group. Through the digitalization of tourist experiences and various services, and sales support, it provides total inbound marketing support for businesses across Japan. Additionally, under the luxury brand "JapanTicket PRESTIGE," with the concept of "UNCOVER JAPAN," it plans and develops high-value-added experience content centered on encounters with culture, nature, and people in various regions of Japan.

Official HP: https://japanticket.com/

JapanTicket PRESTIGE: https://prestige.japanticket.com/

【Japan Ticket Holdings Inc.】

Japan Ticket Holdings Inc. is a corporate group that supports businesses in the food service, tourism, and experience sectors through technology. With its core services being the reservation management system "ebica" for restaurants and the inbound marketing and e-ticket business "Japachike Plus," it provides integrated support from sales to operations and data utilization. It also engages in the creation of high-value-added experiences utilizing local resources and cultural experiences. Under the mission of "Supporting businesses' hospitality with people and technology, and spreading 'chic experiences' to the world," it is working to create an environment that translates the value of various regions of Japan into sustainable profits.

Location: 1-20-18 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Santomi Building Shinkan 8F Representative: Hiroaki Tanaka, President and CEO Business Activities: ・Operation of "ebica," a reservation management system for restaurants ・Operation of "Japachike Plus," an inbound marketing support service ・Support for planning high-value-added experiences and tours for inbound affluent travelers (JapanTicket PRESTIGE business) ・DX support for businesses in the food service, tourism, and experience sectors

Official HP: https://japanticket-holdings.co.jp/