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Hikone City launches electric mobility pilot for tourism
Hikone City, Ohmi Railway, Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance, and BRJ Co., Ltd. have entered into a partnership to implement next-generation mobility solutions to enhance tourism and regional connectivity.
A 122-day demonstration project began on September 17, 2026, near Hikone Castle. The initiative utilizes a fleet of 20 vehicles, including five two-wheeled electric kickboards and 15 three-wheeled electric seatboards. The project aims to transition the area from a collection of isolated tourist spots into a more integrated, navigable destination, thereby improving visitor circulation and helping to mitigate potential overtourism as the city prepares for Hikone Castle’s potential World Heritage designation.
The program is funded by a 25 million yen budget, shared equally by the Japan Tourism Agency and BRJ Co., Ltd. Users aged 16 and older can access the vehicles via a dedicated app without a driver's license, provided they verify their identity using a passport, My Number card, or driver's license. The service operates from six designated ports, including Hikone Station and Hikone Port, with a pricing structure of a 150 yen base fee plus 200 yen for every 20 minutes of use.
Entities
Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance · BRJ Co., Ltd. · Hikone Castle · Hikone City · Ohmi Railway
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The partnership aims to use next-generation mobility to promote tourism and regional development in Hikone. shigayukan.com · prtimes.jp
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The base fee for usage is 150 yen, plus 200 yen for every 20 minutes. shigayukan.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The total project cost is approximately 25 million yen, split equally between the Japan Tourism Agency and BRJ Co., Ltd. shigayukan.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The project aims to prevent overtourism and improve mobility around Hikone Castle. prtimes.jp
- [● 2 SOURCES] The demonstration project is scheduled to run for 122 days, ending on January 17, 2027. shigayukan.com · prtimes.jp