#Japan #Furusato Tax #Matsuura City #Matsuura #Tetsu-furu

Matsuura City Introduces 'Tetsu-furu': A Local Consumption Furusato Tax Initiative

In an exciting development for both locals and travelers, Matsuura City in Nagasaki Prefecture, known as the sacred land of fried horse mackerel, is participating in the innovative 'Tetsu-furu' program. This initiative is implemented by the Yomiuri Travel’s subsidiary, Ryokou Yomiuri Publishing, headed by President Tsutsumi Tadao.

What is 'Tetsu-furu'?

'Tetsu-furu' is a collective project aimed at invigorating regions with railway lines across Japan. The primary goal is to attract railway enthusiasts and local consumers by offering digital vouchers that can be used for purchases at participating local shops. This not only promotes railway use but also stimulates economic activity in the surrounding areas.

When individuals donate through the 'Tetsu-furu' program, they receive immediate digital vouchers worth up to 30% of their donation amount. These vouchers can be used at designated member stores in Matsuura City, allowing visitors to buy railway-themed goods, local specialties, and even unique railway experiences. The program necessitates the use of a smartphone to access the digital vouchers.

Exciting Offers in Matsuura City

Among the exciting offerings available through the 'Tetsu-furu' initiative are the exclusive Mont浦 Railroad stamps and certificates commemorating visits to the Sacred Land of Fried Horse Mackerel. Donors can enjoy tantalizing local dishes, craft custom slacks, buy souvenirs, and even book accommodations using the vouchers.

Digital Voucher Usage

The detailed list of places where the digital vouchers can be used includes:

• - Railway Goods: Matsuura Railway Station
• - Experience Content: Matsura Party Exchange Public Corporation
• - Restaurants: Obachan's House, Sakanaichi Shokudo, Nagomi Unagi Kappo, Kiraku, Shun Mi Hyakuden, Tairyo Restaurant Shun, Matsukura (inside Matsura City Hotel)
• - Confectionery: Iwamoto Seika, Fukui Seika, Hyakueda Seika
• - Fashion: Eminent Slacks Kyushu Matsura Factory Live Shop
• - Miscellaneous Stores: Toki Ichiba, Matsuo Nouen + Coffee, Matsuura Seaside Heritage Pavilion
• - Accommodations: Amista Hotel, Matsura City Hotel

For exact store hours and detailed information on product offerings, customers should check with each establishment directly.

An example of how to experience Matsuura thoroughly includes donating through 'Tetsu-furu', receiving digital vouchers, exchanging them at Matsuura Station for the Sacred Land of Fried Horse Mackerel certificate, enjoying local fried horse mackerel at nearby restaurants, and purchasing local sweets or booking a stay before heading back home.

Organization Behind 'Tetsu-furu'

The management of this project is coordinated by Ryokou Yomiuri Publishing in collaboration with various payment service partners. TOPPAN’s cashless payment platform 'Chiiki Pay® for Furusato Tax', S2's furusato tax website 'Furusato Plus', and DG Financial Technology’s credit card payment solutions all contribute to the effectiveness of this service. Notably, the 'Tetsu-furu' initiative won a special award in the 24th Japan Railway Award selection committee in October 2025.

This initiative not only aims to increase tourism in Matsuura but also promises to enrich the local economy by encouraging consumers to explore and enjoy everything the city has to offer.