Tackling Overtourism in Kawagoe: Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration Launches Puzzle-Solving Event on April 28, 2026

Regional Design Lab Saitama (President: Takafumi Sonoda; hereinafter "Labotama"), a member of the Resona Group, has planned and supported a round-trip puzzle-solving event organized by the Koedo Kawagoe Tourism Association. This initiative is a new tourism strategy addressing the challenge of overtourism in the popular destination of Kawagoe City. This project is a collaboration between industry, government, and academia to rediscover regional charms. Local students have participated in information gathering and promotional activities, creating a new Kawagoe experience from a youthful perspective. Sales for this event will begin on April 28, 2026.

### Purpose of the Event
While Kawagoe is a popular tourist destination, visitors tend to concentrate on the famous "Ichiban-gai" (Warehouse District), posing challenges such as low visit distribution across the wider region and short stay durations, which limit the growth of local tourism spending. This initiative designs a course that encourages visitors to disperse through puzzle-solving, allowing them to experience the broad charms of Kawagoe. Since the puzzles are solved at various spots, the walking tour is expected to prolong stay duration, creating opportunities for dining and shopping in the vicinity, thereby improving the tourist experience and expanding local consumption.

### Collaboration with Local Schools
As part of the industry-government-academia collaboration, students from four local schools participated in workshops to learn about Kawagoe's tourism charms and challenges in preparation for creating the puzzles. Students not only deepened their learning but also engaged in practical activities such as gathering information for event content and promotion. We plan to continue promoting this initiative alongside the local community, incorporating the flexible ideas unique to students in promotion and sales activities.

### Labotama's Tourism Initiatives
Labotama is actively promoting initiatives to enhance regional tourism value. Last year, we implemented a puzzle-solving tourism attraction measure in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, which contributed to attracting visitors who usually do not visit Hanno. We also develop various tourism support measures, such as regional tourism development through cooperation with tourism associations and DMOs, and consulting for the creation and sale of experience content for inbound tourists. Utilizing this expertise, we are supporting the Koedo Kawagoe Tourism Association in this project to promote Kawagoe's charm and solve tourism issues.

### Future Outlook
Regarding the puzzle-solving measures in Kawagoe, we are considering a series development in collaboration with students based on this year's efforts. By having students involved in creating actual tourism content while learning about regional charms and issues, we aim to establish a new model where the community and the younger generation create value together.

Furthermore, Labotama emphasizes "support starting from regional tourism challenges" in overall tourism measures. We will develop initiatives tailored to each region, such as challenges in attracting visitors, overtourism, and creating experience value. We plan to promote sustainable tourism community development through planning support for tourism measures suited to regional realities and collaboration with various entities, including students.

### Event Overview
- **Name:** Kawagoe Nazotoki Kitan: Memories and Mysterious Rituals in the Castle Town
- **Period:** April 28, 2026 (Tue) – March 31, 2027 (Wed)
- **Content:** A round-trip event where participants solve mysteries scattered throughout the castle town using the "Book of Mysterious Rituals" found in an old bookstore. Enjoy a story created by puzzle creators while exploring Kawagoe.
- **How to Participate:** Purchase a dedicated booklet and solve the puzzles set up in the city.
- **Notes:**
- A smartphone with internet access and the LINE app is required. Communication costs are the responsibility of the participant.
- A commemorative gift will be presented to those who complete the puzzle.
- Recommended age is 13+ (junior high school students and older). Estimated time is approx. 2.5 hours.
- **Sales Location:** Kawagoe Station Tourist Information Center, Nakamachi Tourist Information Center
- **Price:** 2,200 yen (tax included)
- **Organizers:**
- Host: Koedo Kawagoe Tourism Association
- Planning/Inquiry: Regional Design Lab Saitama Co., Ltd.
- Cooperation: Machidukuri Kawagoe Co., Ltd., City Kawagoe High School, Prefectural Kawagoe Girls' High School, Hoshino High School, Shobi Gakuen University
- Support: Kawagoe City, Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.
- Puzzle Creator: Yuya Hirano