Ghost of Yōtei Sparks Tourism Surge as Japan Turns Game Hype into a Travel Boom
The unstoppable rise of Ghost of Yōtei, PlayStation’s epic samurai action title, is now moving beyond the gaming world and into Japan’s tourism strategy. According to local media, the Japanese government is preparing to leverage the massive success of the game as a promotional tool to attract visitors to Hokkaido, the region that inspired its stunning in-game landscapes. Following its PS5 launch last week and nationwide sales explosion, the game’s cultural momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
The economic and tourism wave driven by Ghost of Yōtei is already visible. A staff member at a Yodobashi store in Sapporo reported that the game is “selling like crazy,” with analysts predicting it will become one of the highest-selling PS5 titles in Japan this year. Its popularity is directly benefiting local businesses in Hokkaido, where souvenir shops are now selling officially licensed merchandise such as carved wooden keychains and Ghost of Yōtei coasters, quickly becoming must-have collectibles for tourists and fans alike.
Authorities see an even bigger opportunity ahead. Inspired by how Ghost of Tsushima once revitalized the island of Tsushima, the Japanese government is aiming to use Ghost of Yōtei as a centerpiece of its travel campaigns, hoping to attract even more domestic and international visitors to the region. Sucker Punch, the studio behind Ghost of Tsushima, famously received an honorary award from Japan for its contribution to tourism, and a similar recognition could be on the horizon for this new chapter.
In a strategic move, PlayStation has partnered with travel platform Klook to launch a special tour package, taking players on real-world journeys through the game’s iconic locations across Hokkaido. The tours will highlight key landmarks that fans will instantly recognize, making it a dream experience for gamers eager to step into the world they explored on screen.
The phenomenon surrounding Ghost of Yōtei is proving to be far more than a gaming milestone. It is becoming a cultural and economic force. Both government and private sectors are working together to harness its momentum, with Hokkaido emerging as a new national hotspot. Much like how Ghost of Tsushima once turned a small island into a global destination, Ghost of Yōtei is now poised to write a new chapter in Japan’s tourism success story.
Originally announced in 2024, Ghost of Yōtei is a standalone experience set 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima. The story follows Atsu, a lone mercenary on a relentless quest for vengeance through the breathtaking and unforgiving northern countryside of 17th-century Japan. With a new protagonist, a deeply emotional storyline, and an expansive new region to explore, the sequel promises to deliver a fresh, unforgettable adventure that blends cinematic storytelling with cultural authenticity, now with real-world impact far beyond the console screen.
