City in Japan's Tochigi Pref. adds suspension bridge, zip line to hometown tax gifts

KANUMA, Tochigi -- The municipal government in Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture, has introduced a new package combining a thrilling suspension bridge walk and a zip line ride near the Nanma Dam to its lineup of rewards for hometown tax donations. The "Nanma Activity Short Course" is now offered through major tax donation websites such as Rakuten Furusato Nozei, Furusato Choice, and Furunavi.

For a donation of 19,000 yen (approximately $120), donors can experience the package, which is valued at 5,000 yen (about $32). The suspension bridge, among the longest in Japan, stands 170 meters high above the reservoir and allows visitors to walk across it at an altitude of around 30 meters. The zip line, approximately 170 meters long, enables riders to hang from a wire rope and glide while enjoying the natural scenery of the Nanma area.

The attractions opened on July 23 and attracted 377 visitors during their first month, from July 23 to August 22. Nearby Snow Peak Kanuma Campfield & Spa offers facility-use vouchers as return gifts for hometown tax donations. The city aims to create synergy between the attractions and other local facilities.

Mayor Shoichi Matsui expressed hope that the new package will attract more visitors to the city and enhance people's appreciation of Kanuma. The municipality recently established a hometown tax donation division and has expanded experience-based rewards to encourage donors to visit the city in person. The latest initiative is the third project of the division, following the "Made in Kanuma" Formula One car return gift and the launch of a free messaging app account on Line dedicated to hometown tax donations in the prefecture.

For more information, contact the city's hometown tax donation division at 0289-63-2399.