Criticism is mounting over a Kagoshima Prefecture plan to fully subsidize one-way shinkansen fares for foreign tourists, while officials are defending the measure as a necessary bet on inbound demand.
The program, unveiled as part of the prefecture’s fiscal 2026 initial budget proposal, would use about ¥278 million ($1.79 million) in public funds to cover one-way Kyushu Shinkansen fares — ¥11,420 for an unreserved seat — between JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka and Kagoshima-Chuo Station for eligible foreign visitors.
Participants must book through designated reservation sites and stay at least one night at accommodation within the prefecture.
AloJapan.com