Major Japanese travel agency group H.I.S has started accepting Bitcoin payments at some of its stores.
Becoming the first major travel brand in Japan to allow Bitcoin payments, H.I.S is using Japan’s largest bitcoin exchange, Bitflyer to process transactions.
Also in a first, the agency is launching Bitcoin-exclusive tour packages.
These include a special ‘Seoul 3 days’ package at a promotional rate of 16,800 yen, and a ‘Hawaii 5 days’ package.
It said Bitcoin purchases will be limited to the equivalent of 2 million yen per transaction.
H.I.S. Group has nearly 300 stores in Japan and more than 200 overseas in 66 countries.
Its 38 stores in the Tokyo metro area will initially accept payments in the digital currency with a view to rolling it to more stores in the near future.
Tokyo-based H.I.S. Group was established in 1980 and comprises several travel brands including Cruise Planet and Japan Holiday Travel which specialises in the inbond China market.
It also has interests in hotels and amusement parks.
