The Ishikari Day Pass by HokkaiGo
All-in-one pass for transport and activities.
- Encourages off-peak travel with Itsumo.
- Drives tourism revenue for Ishikari.
- Supports local businesses and economy.
See It in Action (AI Demo)
Why the Ishikari Day Pass ?
The Ishikari Day Pass is designed to optimize Itsumo's (https://itsumo-ishikaricity.jp/city/) operations, enhance financial stability, and pave the way for future mobility solutions in Ishikari that benefits first the local residents by strengthening the financials of public transportation with tourism revenue.
- Optimizing Off-Peak Capacity: Fills Itsumo's midday and summer demand gaps, improving vehicle utilization and supporting a sustainable business model.
- Balancing Vehicle Utilization: Shifts tourist demand to off-peak hours (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM), preventing strain during Itsumo's commuter peak times.
- Diversifying Revenue Streams: Introduces a new, dedicated tourist-driven income source, reducing reliance on single customer segments. (The pass price will include true cost of Itsumo rides and activities no subsidies).
- Reducing Operational Complexities: Offers a semi-fixed, pre-booked itinerary with verified stops, minimizing invalid bookings, simplifying booking with the NFC card and simplifying dispatcher tasks.
- Integrating Transport & Local Economy: Bundles transport, dining, farm-tourism, and tourism into a single economic unit, fostering cross-sector collaboration.
- Modernizing Payment & Accessibility: Encourages digital payments and ticketing (online purchase, QR code/NFC card), improving accessibility for visitors.
Who is the Ishikari Day Pass For?
This pass is designed for Japanese and international tourists (Limited number per day according to Itsumo service capacity) visiting Sapporo who are looking for a convenient, car-free day trip to explore destinations outside of the usual crowded spots.
How it Works
The Ishikari Day Pass leverages modern technology and operational foresight, thanks to the access of tourism activity data, to ensure a seamless experience for tourists while maximizing efficiency for Itsumo. Here's how it works behind the scenes:
1. The Ishikari NFC Day Pass Card
Issued by an automated machine at Asabu Station. Users scan a unique QR code (received upon online registration the night before) to receive their pre-filled NFC card. Each card has a unique identifier linked to user information, enabling precise forecasting of daily tourist numbers and easing driver provisioning and operational planning. The card also enables the user to access activities and goods included in the bundle.
2. HokkaiGo Terminals (Kiosks/Tablets at Attractions)
Strategically placed at each designated Day Pass attraction, these stations are equipped with a tablet, an NFC card reader, and robust internet connectivity. Powered by the grid or solar, they function reliably outdoors (in summer) or indoors. They allow the user to view recommended activities and book rides. HokkaiGo’s system is designed to communicate directly with the Itsumo API to request, modify, and cancel ride bookings in real-time. This allows for efficient ride coordination based on user actions at terminals and ensures that tourists are seamlessly integrated into the existing transport infrastructure without interfering with commuter operations. This automation reduces dispatcher load and improves the accuracy of demand forecasting.
Operational Flow:
Get the NFC Card
The user scans the QR code received upon purchasing the Ishikari Day Pass at an automatic NFC card dispensing machine located at Asabu Station.
Tap to Ride
The user taps their NFC card at a HokkaiGo terminal to confirm arrival at the pickup point at the time selected the previous day.
Ride
The car arrives at the pickup location and picks up the user(s).
Reserve Your Next Ride
Upon drop-off, the user taps their card at the HokkaiGo terminal at the drop-off station. The terminal displays available activities at the location. The user selects desired activities, and the system automatically suggests a pickup time, allowing the user to reserve their next ride in advance.
Collective Impact: Benefits for Our Partners & Ishikari City
The Ishikari Day Pass is a collaborative model designed to generate tangible value across the Ishikari community, fostering growth for local businesses and strengthening Ishikari's tourism and agriculture sectors while using the local cloud infrastructure and providing revenue for the local transportation solutions in off peak hours.
- Increased Foot Traffic & Guaranteed Sales: Directs a consistent flow of pre-paid tourists to designated attractions like Kapybara Onsen, the Salmon Factory, and cherry tomato farms, guaranteeing sales for meals and experiences.
- Boost for Local Producers: The included souvenir box ensures direct purchases from local makers, injecting revenue directly into the regional economy.
- Enhanced Tourism Profile: Positions Ishikari as an innovative, accessible, and car-free day trip destination from Sapporo, attracting a new segment of visitors.
- The system collects real-time data on travel demand, preferences, and spending patterns. This data is securely hosted on Ishikari's local cloud infrastructure and can support tourism development, mobility planning, and local business strategy.
- The Ishikari Day Pass pilot will begin with 10–20 tourists per day. If over 95% of users and partners report a positive experience, the model will be scaled to serve a greater number of visitors. This initiative positions Ishikari as a leader in smart mobility, rural revitalization, and tourism innovation.
- HokkaiGo’s NFC-based reservation system allows easy bookings, even for users without smartphones or internet access. By removing the need for manual calls, it reduces cancellations and significantly eases the burden on call center staff. This also benefits local residents who rely on Itsumo by improving service reliability and operator efficiency.
Pricing
The price of the Day Pass will reflect the actual cost of Itsumo rides and included experiences. Discounts may apply if local partnerships are secured