Interview of
Nishinomiya Tourism Association

Miyatan was the character as a tourist character for Nishinomiya Machitabi-haku to gather children and make the atmosphere lighten. Miyatan was created by Mr. Takai who was a professional designer and lives in Nishinomiya. Also, he succeeded his career. We do not know how many people more come to the events in Nishinomiya and how influential Miyatan is, but there are fans of the mascot character and they comes to the events just to see Miyatan. Therefore, the character is for the fans and children to have a great time at the Nishinomiya events.

Nishinomiya Tourism Association is a part of Nishinomiya City Hall. They basically work with City Brand Division which is outer group of Nishinomiya. Their main work is to make booklet which would help to promote popular sightseeing spots or interesting events in Nishinomiya. Also, they do phone correspondence in their office.

MACHITABI NISHINOMIYA is the official guidebook which Nishinomiya Tourism Association publish once a year. It started in 2011 as NISHINOMIYA MACHITABIHAKU. In the guidebook, there are 117 programs that everyone would be able to take part in (you need to make a reservation beforehand).

You can take this booklet for free at main stations in Nishinomiya and tourist information centers. They hope more people would take MACHITABI booklet and more people would take part in some events.

Also, Nishinomiya Sakura Festival is famous especially in Shukugawa. Nishinomiya Tourism Association manages this festival and publishes some booklets which include maps around Shukugawa, timetable and so on.

If there are some events which Miyatan would visit, they announce through guidebook or homepage.  events which is little children are expected to come, such as Summer Festival or handcrafting. Miyatan plays an especially important role to liven up .

One problem is that  Nishinomiya since the city is between Kobe and Osaka and visitors do not actually explore in Nishinomiya.  The representatives of Nishinomiya Tourism Association want them to come to Nishinomiya and explore the area more. Also, more and more foreign visitors will come to Nishinomiya ,so they need to do better things for them to feel welcome in Nishinomiya such as offering translators and  Nishinomiya tour guides as well as events for foreign Visitors etc.