Campaign Period: Friday, May 15, 2026 – Friday, July 31, 2026
Additional Coupon Release: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – (Note: Second round planned for autumn)
The Akita Prefecture Tourism Strategy Division announces the release of the first batch of additional coupons for the 'Akita, Still Not Discovered' Tokutabi Campaign (https://tokutabi.akita-fun.jp/) starting Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
The first round of coupons saw over 70% of the total value redeemed within just four days of distribution starting May 7, with high-end plans selling out rapidly. Despite the slogan 'still not discovered,' Akita's tourism potential is clearly being revealed.
Tokutabi Campaign (https://tokutabi.akita-fun.jp/)
A tourism powerhouse with summer charm! Akita's appeal is finally being recognized.
Despite excellent access from major cities (about 60 minutes from Tokyo by plane, about 90 minutes from Osaka), Akita Prefecture has remained an 'undiscovered gem' due to a perception of being 'far away.' With 7 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage sites, Japan's top production of junsai (water shield), hidden hot springs like Nyuto Onsen and Tamagawa Onsen, and rich food culture featuring Inaniwa Udon, Hinai-jidori chicken, and premium sake, Akita truly shines in summer. Adventure activities such as rafting, canoeing, SUP, horseback riding, and paragliding come alive against the backdrop of nature.
Born from this concept, the 'Akita, Still Not Discovered' campaign has seen its first round of Tokutabi coupons nearly sell out within a month. Even more impressively, high-end plans sold out first, exceeding expectations.
Akita's charm is gradually being revealed. We invite you to experience Akita tourism using the additional coupons now on sale.
Main Contents of Additional Coupons
Additional coupons will focus on accommodation plans that include experiences, meals/local sake, and local specialties.
Examples:
Kayaking Experience Stay Plan Private Sauna Rental Stay Plan
Local Sake Inclusive Stay Plan Hard Cider Brewery Tour & Tasting Stay Plan
Shirakami-Sanchi Hiking Guided Tour Stay Plan Fireworks Factory Tour & Fireworks Model Making Experience Plan
Campaign Overview
Campaign Name
Akita Prefecture 'Tokutabi Campaign'
Catchphrase
Akita, Still Not Discovered.
Additional Coupon Distribution Period
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 10:00 – Thursday, July 30, 2026 ※ Jalan.net
Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 10:00 – Thursday, July 30, 2026 ※ Rakuten Travel
Eligible Stay Period
Check-in Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – Check-out Friday, July 31, 2026
※ For Rakuten Travel: Check-in Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – Check-out Friday, July 31, 2026
Maximum Discount
Up to 12,000 yen off per person per booking (when using addon coupons)
Eligibility
Those who book eligible facilities and plans via designated reservation sites (please check each site for conditions)
Eligible Booking Sites
Jalan.net / Rakuten Travel / Ikyu.com / Agoda
※ Maximum 12,000 yen discount applies only to Jalan.net and Rakuten Travel
Discount Amounts
Accommodation Fee (per person per booking)
Discount Amount
With Addon Coupon
6,000 yen and above
1,000 yen off
3,000 yen off
10,000 yen and above
3,000 yen off
5,000 yen off
15,000 yen and above
5,000 yen off
7,000 yen off
30,000 yen and above
10,000 yen off
12,000 yen off ★ Maximum
※ Addon coupons apply to accommodation plans that include experiences, meals/local sake, or local specialties.
※ The availability, discount amount, and rate of addon coupons vary by booking site and method. Some sites may not qualify for the maximum 12,000 yen discount.
※ Day-use (same-day return) stays are not eligible. Discount applies only to overnight stays.
Must-See Now! Featured Spots from 'Akita, Still Not Discovered'
Unshoji Temple (Otari City)
Best Viewing Period: Mid-June – Early July
(Peak around late June)
Features: Located on the Oga Peninsula, Unshoji Temple has become a sensation on social media and in the media for its vast fields of blue hydrangeas ('aoichimen'). It is a quintessential early summer scenic spot in Akita, attracting many tourists not only from Japan but also internationally.
This year, a newly created 'Japan's first 3D ceiling painting made with real flowers' is also drawing attention.
Karamatsugiri Gorge (Semboku City)
Best Viewing Period: Mid-June – Late August (fresh greenery season)
Features: Known as the 'Yabakei of Tohoku,' this scenic spot features a mystical blue stream (Karamatsugiri Blue) flowing through a beautiful gorge.
In early summer, visitors can enjoy a refreshing walk along the nature trail, surrounded by lush greenery, and view scenic spots such as the 'Mikaeri no Taki' (Looking Back Waterfall).
Moriyoshi Mountain Forest Terrace 'Firefly Viewing' (Kitaakita City)
Event Period: June 19 – July 19
Features: At the 'Forest Terrace' on the foothills of Mt. Moriyoshi, where rich nature remains, you can enjoy watching fireflies dance magically for only one month. This is a hidden, heartwarming summer night event unique to Akita.
Yuri Kogen Railway 'Tanabata Train' (Yurihonjo City)
Operation Period: June 20 – July 7
(Until Tanabata Day)
Features: Local trains, including the 'Toy Train,' running along the foothills of Mt. Chokai, are decorated in Tanabata style. Popular among families with children and railway fans, this is a summer tradition featuring the chance to create original Tanabata decorations onboard.
Mitane Sandcraft (Mitane Town)
Sculpture Creation Period: July 11 – 24
Exhibition Period: July 25 – August 31
(Main event on July 25)
Features: 'Mitane Sandcraft' celebrates its 30th anniversary. The charm of the sand sculptures changes with the time of day—enjoy them in daylight, at sunset, and illuminated at night.
Stakeholder Comments
We believe the success of Akita Prefecture's Tokutabi Campaign stems from the effective alignment between current traveler demands, Akita's tourism resources, and the campaign's design.
Akita Prefecture possesses many tourism assets highly valued in today's travel market—hot springs, fermentation culture, sake, local cuisine, and abundant nature—and is highly compatible with the growing desire among travelers to 'avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxed stay.'
By promoting these assets with the compelling catchphrase 'Akita, Still Not Discovered,' actively using media and SNS for PR, and designing diverse, detailed coupons that emphasize 'experiential value' and 'stay value' to meet demand for high-value stays, we believe these elements have synergistically driven success.
Travel Agency in Charge of the Project
The fact that high-end plans sold out first, followed by the rapid sell-out of coupons, is proof that Akita's tourism potential is genuine.
The challenge for Akita's tourism has never been 'charm' but rather 'image' and 'information volume.' Since last year, Akita Prefecture has established a Marketing Strategy Office to actively disseminate information
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: キャンペーン
- Organizations: Agoda