AKITA -- Historical landmarks and tourist spots are scattered all around cities, and each place has a story to tell. But how to convey those stories?
The city of Odate, Akita Prefecture, came up with a unique high-tech method: displaying QR codes at such sites that link to information on significant episodes and historical data for tourists.
The project essentially transforms the whole city into a museum. On Nov. 9, it was awarded one of the encouragement prizes at this fiscal year's tourist promotion awards organized by chambers of commerce and industry across the country.
The Odate Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Odate city government launched the endeavor two years ago as a joint undertaking. One-meter-high posts bearing QR codes were set up at a total of 26 sites, among them the original home of the famous dog Hachiko, the Nagabashiri Wind Caves, the Hikage onsen hot spring, and the birthplace of author Takiji Kobayashi.
QR codes are two-dimensional bar codes readable by smartphones and other devices, and provide instant links to information. The concept that "anywhere you go, there is a museum" can inspire tourists to search for these codes, turning their visit into an adventure.
Foreign visitors can use the QR codes as well, accessing information in English, Chinese (both simplified and traditional characters), Korean and Thai. They also serve as an educational tool for local schoolchildren and help foster pride in the region.
The Odate Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other concerned parties have plans for five more QR code posts, among them an interactive exhibit on the Akita Dog Visitor Center, which is set to open next spring in front of JR Odate Station.
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