Tokachi Information Systems to introduce facial-recognition payment “Face Pay” at Toyotomi Onsen in Hokkaido

Tokachi Information Systems Co., Ltd. announced that it will introduce “Face Pay,” a facial-recognition payment feature of its resident DX platform “Minna no Yakuba,” at the Toyotomi Onsen Fureai Center operated by the town of Toyotomi in Hokkaido on May 17, 2026. By registering facial data and credit card information in advance, users can complete identity verification and payment simply by facing a camera at the facility entrance, eliminating the need for ticket machines, cash handling, and staff confirmation work. Toyotomi Onsen will mark its 100th anniversary in 2026 and is known for its globally rare spring quality containing natural petroleum components. It attracts visitors from across Japan, especially people seeking therapeutic bathing for skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. The municipal Fureai Center had faced operational burdens related to ticket-machine purchases, cash management, daily closing work, and repeated purchase procedures for long-stay therapeutic bathers. With Face Pay, the facility expects to reduce waiting times at entry, cut cash-handling work, lower coupon-ticket issuance costs, automatically apply discount programs, and centrally manage facility usage data. Toyotomi officials said they expect the system to ease congestion during busy periods, allow users to enter without carrying cash, and propose a new style of therapeutic bathing as Toyotomi Onsen reaches its centennial. “Minna no Yakuba” is a resident DX platform for local governments, offering functions such as online applications, government office visit reservations, facility reservations, entry management, and demand-responsive transport management in addition to Face Pay. Tokachi Information Systems plans to expand facial-recognition entry management beyond hot spring facilities to sports facilities, libraries, civic centers, and other public facilities, while strengthening sales and implementation support for municipalities nationwide from 2026.