#Japan #Tokyo #Ota City #eGift Platform #Travel Tax Donation

Ota City Launches Travel Tax Donation Program

In a remarkable move to invigorate local tourism and economic activity, Ota City in Tokyo has adopted the "e-town platform®" initiated by Giftie Inc. This innovative digital platform aims to address various regional challenges, thereby enhancing the community's appeal to both residents and visitors. As part of this initiative, the travel tax donation program, known as the "travel tax donation®", will officially commence on November 13, 2025, allowing visitors to support the local economy in a unique way.

Additionally, contributors can receive electronic gift certificates called the "Ota City Hanepyon Gift", which they can use at local partner businesses. Ota City becomes the second municipality in Tokyo to adopt this program, making it part of a growing network of 116 municipalities participating nationwide.

Understanding Ota City’s Unique Appeal

Ota City is situated at the edge of the Musashino Plateau, flanked by both sea and river, making it remarkably hospitable throughout its history. The city is rich in cultural heritage, featuring historical sites such as the Omori Shell Mound and the Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple. It also boasts vibrant local traditions and performing arts, including Mizudome-no-mai and Negi-no-mai dances.

With the bustling infrastructure of Haneda Airport and an extensive network of public transport, Ota City is a nexus of commerce and industry, home to a plethora of shopping streets—the highest number among Tokyo's 23 wards. The new program aims to enhance knowledge of Ota City's attractions, thereby fostering increased interaction and supporting local industries.

Features of the Travel Tax Donation Program

The travel tax donation® in Ota City simplifies contributions, enabling visitors to donate via their smartphones before or during their travels. Donors can instantly receive 30% of their contribution back in the form of "Ota City Hanepyon Gift" certificates, valid at participating local establishments.

Contributions are easily made through the official travel tax donation website or via QR codes found in partner locations, allowing for seamless credit card transactions.

The "Ota City Hanepyon Gift" serves as a vibrant reminder to enjoy local attractions while simultaneously bolstering the economy. Initially usable at 16 participating restaurants and lodgings, the number of businesses accepting the gift is expected to grow. Subscription amounts range from ¥5,000 to ¥1,000,000, yielding gift values from ¥1,500 to ¥300,000, making it a flexible option for all donors. Transactions can be settled without requiring an app download.

Payments can be processed through two methods: the static QR authentication and the giftee STAMP. The QR process allows users to display the gift's QR code on their phone, scan a merchant's code, input the amount, and show the completed payment screen to the store personnel to finalize the transaction. With the giftee STAMP method, users simply enter their desired amount, which gets confirmed through a digital stamp from the merchant—ensuring a smooth and secure transaction.

Both methods effectively mitigate potential misuse, providing instant feedback by digitally marking tickets as used upon payment completion.

The Broader Vision of Giftie Inc.

Giftie Inc. is committed to promoting this fresh donation framework alongside local economic revitalization. The company envisions enriching the connections between people and their communities by continuously enhancing the e-town platform®. Each upgrade aims to create more valuable services that contribute to regional vitality and the unique experiences of travelers.

Through their innovative offerings, Giftie aims to empower municipalities throughout Japan, integrating digital solutions to tackle local issues while facilitating engaging visitor experiences.

Conclusion

The travel tax donation® represents a pioneering approach to community engagement and economic support in Ota City. By merging digital innovation with local tourism, this program not only promotes regional exploration but also strengthens the bonds between visitors and local businesses.

For more information, visit the official site here: Ota Hanepyon Gift.