Saiboku, a pig-themed park in Hidaka, Saitama Prefecture, saw a surge of visitors this week after offering free admission [1].

The decision to waive entry fees during the Golden Week holiday period serves as a strategic move to stimulate regional revitalization while celebrating a major corporate milestone [2].

From May 2 to May 6, the park hosted the "Tokoton Festival" to commemorate its 80th anniversary [3]. The event attracted large crowds who took advantage of the zero-yen admission fee [1]. Visitors participated in various activities and purchased discounted food items, including spare ribs priced at 580 yen [1].

One visitor said the food was delicious and noted that the price for the size of the spare ribs was cheap [1].

The trend of offering free access to attractions during major holidays is not limited to Saitama. Takahiro Inoue, a caster for TBS NEWS DIG, said there are various other facilities with free admission if one travels north on the Kan-etsu Expressway toward Gunma Prefecture [1].

By removing the financial barrier to entry, Saiboku aimed to increase foot traffic and visibility for its 80-year legacy [2]. The combination of a milestone anniversary and the holiday window created a high-density visiting period for the Hidaka-based attraction [3].

“The park hosted the "Tokoton Festival" to commemorate its 80th anniversary.”

The use of free admission during peak travel holidays like Golden Week reflects a broader regional strategy in Japan to drive tourism toward rural or specialized attractions. By leveraging anniversary milestones, businesses can convert short-term foot traffic into brand awareness and direct sales through food and merchandise, offsetting the loss of entry fees.