Castle lovers now have a new opportunity to spend a night at a Japanese castle from July, as the city of Marugame in western Japan has added a "shirohaku" accommodation plan to its list of return gifts under the nationwide hometown tax program.
Taxpayers who donate 4.22 million yen to the city under the program will receive vouchers for an overnight stay for two at Marugame Castle as a return gift, with breakfast and dinner included. Applications can be made through any of the 12 portal websites contracted by the city.
The aim of the hometown tax scheme, known as "furusato nozei" in Japanese, is to aid rural economies by enabling people to make donations to municipalities where they do not reside. In addition to receiving tax breaks, they can get selected return gifts such as local foods or experiences.
The "shirohaku" accommodation plan includes not only a one-night stay at Marugame Castle's Enjyukaku Bekkan annex, but patrons can also enjoy a drumming performance to welcome them upon their arrival at the Oteichinomon gate, have access to a night lounge at the castle’s main keep, which is a designated national important cultural property, and enjoy breakfast at Nakazu Banshoen Garden in the city.
The hometown tax return gift voucher covers the above basic plan for two, normally costing 1.265 million yen. Once donors have completed their donation under the program, they can make reservations for the castle stay via telephone or the QR code provided on the voucher sent by the Marugame municipal government.
Additional fees apply for optional services such as a Japanese "wagashi" sweets-making workshop.
As of May 29, the city had received eight inquiries about the castle stay plan, including three from overseas, but had yet to get any actual confirmed bookings.
"Patrons can immerse themselves in the atmosphere as a feudal lord and enjoy Marugame's food, history and culture, which were established by the Kyogoku clan," an official of the city's tourism section said. "We hope people will become interested."
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