Ghost of Yōtei Merchandise and Tours Aim to Convert Players Into Visitors
Niseko has partnered with an intellectual property (IP) collaboration firm to develop Ghost of Yōtei merchandise and expand collaborations with local businesses. Kumagera Seisakusho, a workshop that crafts products from Hokkaido-grown timber, has already introduced themed wooden pin badges and magnets.
Additional collaborations with local businesses are also under discussion.
The town is also evaluating guided tours to locations that inspired areas featured in the game. A Niseko official stated that the goal is for players to experience “the scenery in spring, summer, and autumn through the game,” before visiting the region themselves.
The strategy also addresses Niseko’s seasonal tourism imbalance. Luxury hotel rates that approach JPY 200K (~$1.2K USD) per night during the winter ski season can fall to around JPY 10K (~$62) in summer, making year-round attractions an economic priority.
AloJapan.com