Gunma Prefecture will resume applications for its free GUNMA PASSPORT pamphlet on June 29, 2026, through the prefecture’s official LINE account [3].
The move follows an unexpected surge in demand for the travel guide, which serves as a tool to encourage tourism and regional exploration within the prefecture. The high volume of requests indicates a strong public interest in structured local tourism initiatives.
Officials said that the initial print run of 10,000 copies [1] sold out on the first day of availability. This rapid depletion of stock prompted the local government to increase the supply to accommodate more residents and visitors.
To meet this demand, the prefecture is printing an additional 30,000 copies [2] of the pamphlet. This expansion represents a three-fold increase over the original production volume.
Applicants must use the official LINE account to request the passport starting June 29 [3]. Following the application window, the prefecture will begin distributing the physical pamphlets on July 7, 2026 [4].
The GUNMA PASSPORT functions as a stamp-rally guide, allowing users to collect marks at various locations throughout the region. By gamifying the travel experience, the prefecture aims to distribute tourist traffic across a wider array of local sites rather than concentrating visitors in a few primary hubs.
“The initial print run of 10,000 copies sold out on the first day.”
The rapid sell-out of the GUNMA PASSPORT suggests a strong appetite for 'analog' tourism experiences, such as stamp rallies, even in a digital age. By leveraging a mobile platform like LINE for distribution, Gunma Prefecture is blending modern administrative efficiency with traditional sightseeing, potentially increasing the economic impact of tourism on smaller, lesser-known municipalities within the region.
