#Japan #Shizuoka #e街プラットフォーム #ギフティ

Shizuoka Prefecture's New Digital Ticket for Local Travel

In an exciting development for tourism in Japan, Shizuoka Prefecture has unveiled its plans for a new digital ticketing system titled 'Shizu Travel Ticket' to be launched in March 2026. This initiative is part of Shizuoka's ongoing commitment to enhancing local tourism and facilitating an efficient transportation system within the region.

The 'Shizu Travel Ticket' is designed to connect various modes of transportation in the area. It integrates the Suruga Bay Ferry, local buses, and the Izuhakone Railway, providing a seamless travel experience for both residents and visitors. Passengers can explore Shizuoka effortlessly, hopping from one transport mode to another with just a single digital ticket. This holistic transport solution comes as Shizuoka Prefecture aims to boost its tourism appeal, especially to international travelers.

Collaboration with Giftee

The ticketing system is developed in collaboration with Giftee Inc., known for its e-gift platform. Giftee's e街プラットフォーム® (e-Machi Platform) has been instrumental in this project. By adopting this digital platform, Shizuoka aims to resolve regional challenges and foster economic growth through tourism.

The digital ticket will be available in four different varieties, catering to a range of travel needs. Options include a standard version, which combines a one-way ferry ticket and a two-day bus pass, and a wide version that adds a two-day free ride on the Izuhakone Railway. These tickets can be conveniently purchased through a dedicated portal where users can complete everything from payment to management of their purchased tickets.

Smart Ticketing Technology

An interesting feature of the 'Shizu Travel Ticket' is its payment method. It employs a two-dimensional code authentication for local buses and Izuhakone Railway, while the Suruga Bay Ferry uses the innovative Giftee STAMP system for ticket validation. With these smart technologies, users can interact seamlessly with the system, ensuring a user-friendly experience while cutting down on the risk of fraud by updating ticket status instantly upon use.

Enhancing the Travel Experience

Moreover, Shizuoka Prefecture has laid out extensive plans to fortify public transport networks connecting major attractions like Atami, Mishima, Shizuoka, and Hamamatsu. The Suruga Bay Ferry plays a crucial role by offering a quicker alternative to visit these locations compared to land routes. With the completion of the 'Shizu Travel Ticket', Shizuoka aims for travelers to navigate these routes more flexibly and conveniently.

The introduction of 'Shizu Travel Ticket' closely follows the successful launch of 'Travel Tax Payment' and digital coupons called 'Shizu Travel Coins' in five municipalities surrounding the Bay area, including Shizuoka City and Izut City. These prior initiatives serve as a foundation for enhancing local economic activities and underlie the importance of community-focused tourism strategies.

Conclusion

The 'Shizu Travel Ticket' represents Shizuoka Prefecture's forward-thinking approach towards revitalizing local tourism and catering to the evolving needs of modern travelers. By leveraging technology and innovative platforms like Giftee's e街プラットフォーム®, Shizuoka not only enhances its transportation infrastructure but also lays the groundwork for a more interconnected and vibrant travel experience. As the launch date approaches in March 2026, anticipation grows amongst frequent travelers and local businesses, all keen to benefit from this comprehensive digital initiative.