[DMO Activity Report February 2026] End of Subsidy Program & Initiatives to Attract Inbound Tourists

The Nasushiobara City Tourism Bureau is developing various projects with the aim of promoting the charms of Nasushiobara and encouraging more people to visit. This time, we would like to report on the end of the limited-time operation of the “Tote Horse-drawn Carriage” that was implemented in fiscal year 2025, and two initiatives aimed at attracting inbound tourists (inviting overseas influencers). ① Completion of the report on the regional tourism appeal enhancement project The “Tote Horse-drawn Carriage,” a sightseeing horse-drawn carriage in Shiobara Onsen that had been operating for a limited time since September 2025 as part of the “Regional Tourism Appeal Enhancement Project,” a subsidy project of the Japan Tourism Agency, ended its operation in December, and the report on the completion of the project was completed with the Japan Tourism Agency in February. During the operating period, courses such as the “Hot Spring Town Course,” which allowed visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Shiobara Onsen town while riding in a horse-drawn carriage, and the “Old Road Autumn Leaves Course,” which was timed to coincide with the autumn foliage season, were set up. The tours also included introductions to the history and culture of the region by storytellers, providing many tourists with a special experience. The many responses and opinions received through this project have become a valuable asset in considering future tourism policies. Thank you very much to everyone who rode with us. ② Promotion for the Thai Market! Inviting Overseas Influencers With the aim of promoting inbound tourism, Ryota and Nine, popular influencers in Thailand, were invited to Nasushiobara City from January 14th to 15th. This project mainly targeted young people in Thailand (20s and 30s) and aimed to increase awareness of Nasushiobara and stimulate interest in visiting through information dissemination on social media. During their stay, they fully enjoyed the charms of winter in Nasushiobara, including skiing and snowboarding at “Hunter Mountain Shiobara,” staying at Shiobara Onsenkyo, strolling around the hot spring town, interacting with animals at Senbonmatsu Ranch, and enjoying gourmet food. The details of their visit were posted on Ryota and Nine’s social media (Instagram, TikTok) from February to March, directly conveying the charm of Nasushiobara’s “snow, hot springs, and food” to people in Thailand.