Visit Hokkaido island of Japan with subsidy on accommodation costs

The Japanese government offers discounts to people to visit the northern island of Hokkaido, in order to reinstate tourism in the region, which was affected by a major earthquake early last month.

The program named ‘Hokkaido recovery discount’ is for both Japanese and overseas visitors.

Hokkadio during autumn

For Japanese people, the government will bear 50 per cent of the accommodation costs for a one night stay, with a maximum subsidy of about USD 180.

If the tourists stay at 2 locations, the subsidy will cover 60 per cent of the accommodation costs per night, with a total discount of not more than USD 270.

If they stay at 3 locations, the subsidy covers 70 per cent of the accommodation costs per night, with a total discount of not more than USD 310.

For tourists from abroad, the government will bear 70 per cent of the accommodation costs for up to 5 nights, regardless of the number of locations.

Foreign tourist’s visit to Hokkaido had been in an increasing trend prior to the earthquake. With the discounts, the government aims at helping revival of tourism in the island.

Winter fun in Hokkadio

The government is also assisting Chinese and South Korean travel agencies in developing attractive travel packages.

The discounted tour package sale, using the government subsidy has started last Thursday. It has been reported that more than 50 reservations have made before noon in an agency at Sapporo in Hokkaido.

The town of Biei is issuing its own discount coupons, which can be used at 55 facilities. It will cover around USD 27 of the accommodation cost per person for  one night stay.

Tourism industry of Hokkaido expects the discount programme will help to reinstate tourism in the island. The authorities plan to run the subsidy program throughout the current fiscal year ending March 2019.