MasterCard launches Priceless Japan

MasterCard on Wednesday announced the launch of Priceless Japan. Curated by local experts, travel authorities, and professional concierges, Priceless Japan will enable even the most discerning Japanese consumer to discover opportunities and the unique features of regions across the country.

The Priceless Japan site will offer MasterCard cardholders access to exceptional shopping, travel, food and entertainment experiences, special events and offers.

Initial Priceless Japan offers include:

• EAT: The opportunity to work with an expert brewmaster from Kiuchi Brewery, which produces the award winning Hitacho Nest beer, and create your very own custom craft beer. Your customized blend will then be entered into a competition and judged by a panel of distinguished beer authorities. The winner will have their newly acclaimed beer added to the menu at Hitachino Brewing Lab in Kanda, Tokyo.

• SHOP: Gain priceless access to the Honma Golf Club Factory in Sakata, which is not generally open to the public. Following a tour, your posture, swing and grip will be measured like they do for professional players, and then, based on your individual style, a custom club will be crafted by these legendary golf artisans, yours to treasure forever.

• STAY: A VIP Membership to Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills’ legendary AO Spa, renowned for welcoming guests in a warm atmosphere that cherishes nature and celebrates the soul of Japan. By becoming an AO Spa & Club Member with Priceless Japan, you will also receive a complimentary one-night stay at the award-winning hotel, an unforgettable dinner for two high above the city at Andaz Tavern and 60 minutes of tailor-made spa services.

• PLAY: An overnight getaway where you will literally feel the heat of an extraordinary Mikkabi hand pipe firework display in the garden of the Hamanako Royal Hotel, which is situated near Lake Hamana, one of Japan’s largest lakes. Cardholders also get to avoid the crowds and take in impressive Hanabi (fireworks) dinner experiences from the bows of traditional wooden ships during both the Sumida River Summer Firework Festival and the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival.

With the announcement of Hiroyuki Fujita as the newest Global MasterCard Golf Ambassador, Japanese cardholders can also expect additional priceless Golf experiences featuring Fujita and other golf legends in the coming months.

Rob Luton, President, MasterCard Japan commented: “Japan’s discerning consumers appreciate high quality, unique experiences. Through Priceless Japan MasterCard is delighted to be able to provide cardholders with special access to a range of exclusive and curated experiences. Priceless Japan will focus on the interests of Japanese consumers as domestic travel dominates the local tourism market. Domestic tourism receipts for 2015 are estimated to be 11 times larger than receipts from foreign inbound travelers. Well-traveled Japanese consumers are seeking more and more one-of-a-kind travel experiences even when they travel domestically.”

About Priceless Cities

Priceless Cities is a core tenet of MasterCard’s world-renowned 18 year-old Priceless marketing platform that is currently available in 112 countries and 53 languages. Since the launch of the first destination, Priceless New York in 2011, five million MasterCard cardholders from around the world have taken advantage of thousands of exclusive curated experiences and special access in over 35 cities marketed in over 55 countries. Live at priceless.com, the digital experience is search-optimized and responsive across all devices – allowing MasterCard cardholders to seamlessly explore and book experiences in whichever city they choose – from Rio to Sydney, from New York to Beijing, and from Stockholm to Dubai. The program is designed to ensure travelers are not missing out on anything and can share their experiences over social media with friends and family.

© Japan Today