JTB and Hitachi have reached an agreement to work together for tourism digital transformation to improve travelers’ conveniences and tourism operators’ profitability for sustainable businesses. The first trial will begin in Shodoshima on August 1 2025 by testing ‘tebu-Ride PASS,’ an biometric authentication-based tour digital ticket.

tebu-Ride PASS allows a user to use transportations and tourist facilities seamlessly with a smartphone only, including walk-through entry with a hands-free ticketing system using the beacon technology or the facial recognition technology. Also, the pre-payment system will be introduced to simplify payment procedures in traveling. 

For the partnership, JTB is responsible for planning and developing tour contents and promotions with operators and local governments, and Hitachi for designing, developing and installing the digital ticketing system.