#Japan #Hitachi #Utsunomiya #SAKULaLa #Tobu Hotel

Launch of 'SAKULaLa' Biometric Payment Service

On June 12, 2025, the Utsunomiya Tobu Hotel Grande will unveil 'SAKULaLa', a cutting-edge biometric payment service, in its four on-site restaurants. This innovative service is a collaboration between Hitachi and Tobu Railway, designed to make cashless payments simpler and more secure for all customers.

How 'SAKULaLa' Works

Customers can easily register by entering their name, date of birth, and credit card information. After linking this data to their unique finger vein information using a specialized device, guests can complete payments or verify their age simply by holding their finger over the scanner. This approach caters to individuals who may find digital technologies intimidating, ensuring a user-friendly experience that ultimately helps bridge the digital divide.

Special Launch Campaign

To celebrate the introduction of 'SAKULaLa', the Utsunomiya Tobu Hotel Grande is launching a campaign that includes giveaways of Tobu gift vouchers and a 20% discount on restaurant bills for users of the new service. Here are the details:

1. Gift Voucher Campaign - New users who register for 'SAKULaLa' and link their biometric data will receive a gift voucher worth 1,000 yen, usable at various Tobu Group facilities. This offer applies only to new registrations made at the Tobu Card Center located on the fifth floor of the Utsunomiya Tobu Department Store.

2. Payment Discount Campaign - Customers using 'SAKULaLa' at designated restaurants within the hotel will receive a direct discount of 20% on their total bill. Unlike the voucher campaign, this offer is available without a limit on the number of times it can be used during the promotional period.

3. Campaign Duration - The promotional activities will run from June 12, 2025, to July 31, 2025.

Participating Restaurants

The following restaurants are included in the promotional offer:

• - Cafe Restaurant Oasis

Breakfast: 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Lunch/Cafe: 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM

• - Japanese Cuisine Suiren

Lunch: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Dinner: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
(Closed on Sunday evenings and all day Monday)

• - Teppanyaki Shimono

Lunch: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Dinner: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• - Chinese Cuisine Chikuen

Lunch: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Dinner: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

For more information on operating hours and potential changes due to exceptional circumstances, please refer to the Tobu Hotel website.

Biometric Registration Counter

New users can register their biometric information at the Tobu Card Center on the fifth floor of Tobu Utsunomiya Department Store. Registration hours are from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This registration point will continue to operate beyond the campaign period.

Broader Implementation of 'SAKULaLa'

Hitachi and Tobu are committed to enhancing convenience and enriching daily life through improved societal infrastructure. Starting from April 2024, 'SAKULaLa' will be introduced to supermarkets, restaurants, and electronics retail outlets with plans for broader applications across various industries, including railways and department stores. This initiative aims to address societal challenges related to digital disparities and identity fraud.

Conclusion

As the cashless payment landscape continues to evolve, 'SAKULaLa' represents a significant advancement in biometric technology, providing safe and seamless transactions for everyone. With the promise of further enhancements, including multi-modal identification technologies, users can look forward to an ever-evolving digital experience that emphasizes convenience, security, and inclusivity.

For more information about 'SAKULaLa', visit the official websites for general users and businesses.