#Japan #Hitachinaka #Tezufu #Hitachinaka Seaside Railway

Revitalizing Ibaraki's Hitachinaka City with 'Tezufu'

Hitachinaka City, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, has recently launched an innovative initiative known as 'Tezufu'. This program focuses on local consumption-based hometown tax payments and aims to enhance the visibility of the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway, which runs through the city and attracts both locals and tourists alike. The railway, which spans 14.3 kilometers from JR Katsuta Station to Ajigaura Station, offers a nostalgic experience with its retro trains and picturesque landscapes viewed from the windows.

Currently, the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway is undergoing an extension project that will connect Ajigaura Station to the popular tourist destination, the National Hitachi Seaside Park, with plans to open the new segment by spring 2031. This extension is anticipated to increase foot traffic and promote both the railway and the surrounding communities, positioning Hitachinaka as a focal point for local transportation development.

What is 'Tezufu'?

The 'Tezufu' project is part of a broader initiative to stimulate visits to regions with railways across Japan. It aims to encourage consumption within these areas, allowing visitors to use digital vouchers derived from hometown tax donations. This initiative's goal is not only to promote railway usage but also to invigorate the local economy by increasing consumer spending at various establishments along the railway line.

As of its launch on July 22, 2026, 'Tezufu' will allow participants to utilize digital vouchers at five specific locations in Hitachinaka, including spots that offer local delicacies like dried sweet potatoes. The city plans to gradually expand the list of participating businesses to around 20 locations by the end of the year, aiming to stimulate interest in the ongoing railway extension.

The initiative is managed by Travel Yomiuri Publishing, in collaboration with TOPPAN Inc., which provides a cashless payment platform called 'Chihou Pay® for Hometown Tax', and various other companies involved in supporting local growth through community-based financial solutions. These collaborations have helped 'Tezufu' launch successfully, which has already been recognized with a special award by the 24th Japan Railway Awards committee in October 2025.

Upon making a hometown tax donation through an official site, participants will receive digital vouchers equal to 30% of their contribution, which can then be redeemed in participating stores in Hitachinaka. These vouchers can be used for a wide array of local products, dining experiences, railway merchandise, and exclusive railway-related activities, facilitating direct engagement with the community.

Moreover, the digital vouchers can be utilized down to the last yen, making it convenient for users to spend their contributions effectively. However, it is important to note that participation in 'Tezufu' requires a smartphone, as transactions are processed digitally.

Where to Redeem 'Tezufu' Vouchers

The participating businesses where 'Tezufu' digital vouchers can be redeemed are:

• - Railway Experience: Hitachinaka Seaside Railway Nakaminato Station.
• - Confectionery & Sweets: POTATO LABO, Daimaruya, Confectionery Workshop Sakaba, Great Leaf.

For more information on store hours, available products, and specific services, it is advisable to contact the individual establishments directly. This innovative project sets a precedent for local governments looking to harness the potential of rail travel as a means of promoting community engagement and economic revitalization.

With 'Tezufu', Hitachinaka City is taking significant strides towards building a sustainable and vibrant future, leveraging its historical railroads to create unexpected economic opportunities for both residents and visitors alike.