Sunday, August 4, 2024 Izu Peninsula railway partners with Taipei Metro to attract global tourists, highlighting local attractions and culinary delights. In an innovative partnership, a private railway on the Izu Peninsula, located south of Tokyo, is joining forces with Taipei Metro to attract international visitors, showcasing local attractions and culinary specialties along its route. Recently, a packed resort train on the Izukyu Line journeyed towards the peninsula’s tip, bustling with tourists on a weekday, and not just any day—a Friday.
Impressively, about 70% of these travelers were from abroad, and their hefty luggage was neatly stowed beneath the seats. The Izu Peninsula has traditionally been a favorite among European and American tourists, but lately, it’s witnessing a surge in visitors from other Asian countries. In a strategic move to draw even more Asian tourists, Izukyu cemented a ‘friendship agreement’ with Taipei Rapid Transit in late April.
By May, they rolled out the Ma Ji Train, adorned with Taiwanese landscapes both inside and out. A promotional offer in late July saw both companies slashing ticket prices by 30% for Izukyu’s Shimoda Ropeway in Shizuoka and Taipei Rapid Transit’s Maokong Gondola, rewarding travelers who explore both destinations. Local tourist sites are evolving with these new trends.
For instance, the Atagawa Onsen in Higashiizu now lights up its evenings with red lanterns, creating an ambiance akin to Jiufen, a renowned spot.