Kagoshima Prefecture began offering a subsidy of approximately ¥10,000 for one-way Shinkansen fares from Hakata Station to northern Kagoshima stations in February 2026. The subsidy applies to foreign tourists who book travel packages including accommodation, aiming to promote convenient connections from Fukuoka and attract visitors from countries without direct flights [1, 2, 3, 4].

Within around one month of announcing the policy, Kagoshima received roughly 600 public complaints. Critics labeled the subsidy unfair favoritism towards foreigners and a misuse of taxpayers' money [2, 3, 4]. A prefecture official responded, "We can only patiently explain the policy content while continuing to attract domestic and foreign tourists" [2]. Another official added the government will continue to clarify the policy's aims and hopes to stimulate the regional economy by expanding visitor numbers [4].

Other local governments have rolled back foreign tourist discounts amid similar backlash. Nara Prefecture cancelled free admission for foreign visitors to four prefectural museums in April 2024. Governor Shin Yamashita said, "There were many voices on social media saying 'only foreigners get free admission is unfair' and many foreign tourists only learned about the free entry on site, so the actual effect on tourism was limited and it was difficult to gain resident support" [2, 3, 4].

Shimane Prefecture had 33 cultural facilities offering foreign tourist discounts as of 2019 but started cancelling or scaling back these discounts from 2023 citing rising complaints and changes in tourism demand. However, 11 popular facilities such as the Adachi Museum of Art and Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center still offer discounts [2, 3, 4]. Shimane also introduced discounted high-speed bus fares between Osaka and Shimane in 2025 to draw international visitors during the Osaka-Kansai Expo [2, 3, 4].

Local governments face tough choices balancing economic gains from foreign tourist incentives with public opposition over perceived unfairness and use of public funds [1, 2, 3, 4]. Kagoshima Prefecture plans to keep explaining its subsidy policy to the public while encouraging visits to support local businesses [2, 4].