#Japan #Furumachi Pay #Value Design #Gose #Gose City

Gose City in Nara Adopts Furumachi Pay for Local Donations

Gose City, located in the southwestern region of Nara Prefecture, has recently announced the introduction of "Furumachi Pay," a local donation service. Offered by Value Design, a subsidiary of PayCrowd Holdings, this service allows visitors to easily contribute to hometown taxes while enjoying the local attractions. Beginning on April 1, 2026, Gose City will start accepting donations through this innovative system, joining 27 other municipalities that have implemented Furumachi Pay.

The Concept Behind Furumachi Pay

Furumachi Pay is designed to expand the scope of donated items from traditional physical goods to experiences and services, enabling a more engaging and interactive way for visitors to contribute while experiencing the local culture. This approach not only encourages donations but also promotes economic revitalization in the region through partnerships with companies committed to local development.

In collaboration with J&J Gift, a firm specializing in regional revitalization projects, Gose City hopes to create a more stimulating environment for both residents and visitors. The initiative aims to make the act of donating more meaningful by allowing contributors to directly experience the charms of the area.

A representative of Gose City expressed optimism, stating that, "Through Furumachi Pay, we believe visitors can donate while engaging with the local community and its unique offerings. We anticipate this will contribute to revitalizing Gose City through these interactions and the patronage of local businesses."

Participating Stores and Facilities

To facilitate this program, various local businesses and facilities in Gose City have agreed to participate. These include

• - Thank You Tourism Co., Ltd.: A local travel agency that specializes in promoting Gose as a travel destination.
• - JTB: The popular travel service provider has also partnered with the city to explain and promote the benefits of Furumachi Pay.

As of the launch, there will be 23 participating locations, including East River Sake Brewery, Kamokimi-no-Yu, and Cafe & Minpaku Omoya Morimoto.

An Expanding Community Initiative

Gose City is committed to expanding the number of participating stores in the Furumachi Pay network. The initiative is aimed at creating various donation scenarios that will enhance community involvement while simultaneously showcasing local businesses. Some of the businesses that have signed on to be included in this program are:

• - Akebono
• - Umemoto Tofu Shop
• - Yamato Sushi at Kakinoha
• - Katsuragi Mountain Ranch
• - Many more, including local cafes, inns, and cultural sites.

Conclusion

Furumachi Pay stands as a bridge between local initiatives and visitors, promoting regional revitalization through direct interactions and experiences. By connecting visitors with the local culture and providing a seamless donation process, Gose City aims to foster a sustainable model that benefits both the municipality and its supporters. Future enhancements to the program will ensure that more visitors can enjoy the offerings while financially supporting the community.

For more information about Gose City and Furumachi Pay, you can visit their official website here.

Let’s look forward to witnessing the growth and success of this innovative donation platform!

About Value Design

Value Design aims to promote regional appeal and connection between municipalities and visitors through their unique services, such as cashless payment solutions. With a commitment to supporting local economies, they leverage technology to enhance the donation experience in Gose City and beyond.