#Japan #Kumamoto #JTB #ABAL #Kuma-Mon

Discovering the Kuma-Mon Dungeon: A New Era in Tourism

Opening the Doors to a Unique Experience!

On July 1, 2026, Kumamoto will unveil the `Kuma-Mon Dungeon`, a groundbreaking tourist attraction that combines the beloved local character `Kuma-Mon` with cutting-edge XR (extended reality) technology. Brought to life through a collaboration between JTB Corporation, the Kumamoto Prefectural Government, and ABAL, this experiential project aims to enhance tourism in the region. In an effort to promote destinations throughout Kumamoto and stimulate local economic activity, this innovative attraction will officially open in Kumamoto City and coincide with the commencement of the Kumamoto Destination Campaign.

Addressing Local Tourism Challenges

Kumamoto is facing distinct challenges regarding tourism. Recent trends indicate that visitors are often concentrated in urban and Aso areas, spending less time overall in the region and not venturing to various attractions. In response to these issues, the Kuma-Mon Dungeon promises to create immersive experiences that leverage the popularity of Kuma-Mon while using ABAL’s patented `Scape®` technology. By offering coupons redeemable at local attractions and restaurants, this initiative strives to increase the economic impact throughout the region.

The Experience Awaits!

At the Kuma-Mon Dungeon, guests will don XR goggles to embark on an adventurous journey spanning five floors above ground and two below. Participants will physically navigate the facility as they explore virtual landscapes inspired by iconic sites such as Kumamoto Castle. Along the way, they will face missions and challenges from various bosses, heightening the sense of immersion similar to that of entering a video game.

The rewards for participants are enticing. Every successful encounter garners “treasures” (medals) that can be exchanged for coupons usable at several attractions and restaurants across Kumamoto, ensuring visitors can seamlessly transition from play to real-world exploration and enjoyment.

Event Details

• - Opening Date: July 1, 2026
• - Location: SAKURAMACHI Kumamoto, 3-10, Sakura-machi, Naka-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0805
• - Attraction Features: XR experience, merchandise sales, dining facilities, and promotional partnerships

y- Ticket Prices: General - ¥2,500 (incl. tax); Middle and High School Students - ¥1,900 (incl. tax); Elementary School Students - ¥1,400 (incl. tax)

• - Operating Hours: Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:30 PM), Weekends and Holidays: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:30 PM)
• - Booking: Reservations can be made via the official website (https://j-lppf2.jp/kmn-dungeon/) or in-store.
• - Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
• - Age Requirement: Suitable for ages seven and over (minimum height of 110 cm); parental consent required for children under 13.

A Collaborative Effort in Tourism

This ambitious project embodies a partnership among private sectors, local government, and technology firms. Here’s how each partner contributes:

• - JTB Corporation: Tasked with tourism planning, production, sales, and visitor inflow strategies, it builds a travel model in cooperation with local attractions and service providers.
• - Kumamoto Prefecture: Facilitates the availability of local resources and promotes collaboration among regional businesses to drive tourism initiatives.
• - ABAL: Provides state-of-the-art XR technology through its preferred platform `Scape®`, ensuring an engaging and immersive visitor experience.

Key Features of the Kuma-Mon Dungeon

• - Immersive XR technology: Experience expansive virtual realms within a confined physical space.
• - Promotional vouchers: Encourage traffic to local attractions and eateries with aligned coupon systems.
• - Sociable experiences: Designed to stimulate social media sharing, fostering user-generated content (UGC).
• - High appeal through IP: Leveraging the familiarity of Kuma-Mon to attract both domestic and international visitors.

Future Prospects

Looking towards the future, collaborative efforts will broaden with local sites and businesses to continually develop content, fostering repeat visitation and maximizing tourism spending. This initiative aims to establish a sustainable tourism model that fuses local intellectual property with digital technology, paving the way for its potential expansion to other regions.

With the opening of the Kuma-Mon Dungeon, Kumamoto is set to transform how visitors interact with traditional tourism, paving the way for an exciting future and a dynamic travel landscape.