To offset the damage to Hokkaido's tourism, the central government is planning to offer discounts to all travelers who visit the quake-hit prefecture.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a tourism-related meeting Friday that the plan involves subsidizing discounts on hotel stays.

Some details — including the initiative's budget, the timing of its rollout and how to apply the special rates — are still being worked out, but the government plans to act fast, an official at the Japan Tourism Agency said.