Japanese micro-mobility pilots to combat overtourism

In October 2026, multiple Japanese municipalities began pilot programs utilizing next-generation micro-mobility to address overtourism and improve local transportation.

In Asuka Village, a project involving BRJ Co., Ltd. launched to manage traffic congestion and tourist manners in the Asuka-Fujiwara no Miyako World Cultural Heritage area. The initiative features a sharing service for 20 three-wheeled electric seatboards available at three specific hubs. To protect the local living environment, the vehicles use geofencing technology to restrict access to certain areas and are prohibited from operating at night.

Simultaneously, Yawata City in Kyoto initiated a demonstration experiment for ‘TOCKLE’, a similar three-wheel electric seatboard. This project, also supported by the Japan Tourism Agency, aims to solve ‘last-mile’ transportation issues where a high concentration of visitors settles in limited locations. By providing 20 electric vehicles, the city seeks to encourage tourists to visit more dispersed historical sites, thereby increasing local consumption. Like the Asuka Village project, these vehicles utilize geofencing and nighttime operational restrictions for safety.