[WHILL Inc.] First introduction in Okayama Prefecture as part of universal tourism promotion! License-free pedestrian mobility service in the scenic area “Kurashiki Inn”
WHILL Co., Ltd. Press release: July 1, 2025 To Members of the Press Introduced for the first time in Okayama Prefecture as part of efforts to promote universal tourism! License-free pedestrian mobility service in the scenic area “Kurashiki Inn” ~Responding to the aging population and inbound tourists: Creating an accessible environment where everyone can stay~ WHILL Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Sugie Osamu; hereinafter “WHILL”) is pleased to announce that as part of its efforts to promote universal tourism, where anyone can enjoy traveling regardless of age, disability, or nationality, the hotel “Kurashiki Ryokan” (located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture), located in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, one of Japan’s leading travel destinations, will introduce a transportation service using WHILL, a short-distance mobility vehicle that operates in pedestrian areas without requiring a license. In the context of an aging and diversifying population, and an accelerating increase in inbound demand, we will continue to preserve tradition and history while utilizing mobility that incorporates cutting-edge technology to expand the accessibility environment that meets the needs of everyone and present a new form of “hospitality” that will become the norm in Japan in the future. This service will be introduced for the first time in Okayama Prefecture.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11151/246/11151-246-e7313886ca0c4ebfa8e4c89b2cbb0d9e-1920×1080.jpg As domestic travel becomes more active, the amount of spending by foreign visitors to Japan in 2024 is expected to reach a record high of 8.1 trillion yen, up 53.4% from the previous year (Note 1), and is expected to continue to increase in the future. At the same time, as the global aging and diversification of the population and the promotion of diversity understanding progress, there is a growing movement in society to improve the environment to welcome all kinds of people, such as the mandatory provision of reasonable consideration (Note 2). In fact, in Kurashiki City’s scenic area, efforts are being made to create a space that is easy to stroll and sightsee while maintaining the traditional Japanese landscape beauty woven with cobblestones and buildings. Ryokan Kurashiki is also working with Kurashiki City to promote universal tourism in the area, and is providing guests with the best possible stay experience in line with changing needs. The introduction of Will is also an effort to ensure that guests of a wider range of generations can have a comfortable stay. Of the four models, the premium model “WHILL Model C2” is used, which combines the driving power backed by advanced technologies such as omni wheels and high-output motors, and the maneuverability that allows it to turn around the rear wheels. In addition to safety and security such as speed control and solid stability, it is also characterized by a high design that naturally blends in with the interior and scenery of the Kurashiki Inn. You can move around the hotel and the sights scattered around the scenic area without hesitation with Will. WHILL will continue to work with various stakeholders, including Ryokan Kurashiki, to provide safe, comfortable and inclusive travel experiences. Note 1: Japan Tourism Agency “Inbound Consumption Trends Survey” (2024 calendar year, preliminary figures) https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001856155.pdf Note 2: As of April 1, 2024, due to the amendment of the Act on the
Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, it has become mandatory for businesses to provide reasonable
accommodation to people with disabilities.
https://www8.cao.go.jp/shougai/suishin/sabekai_leaflet-r05.html ◼️Kurashiki Inn WHILL Mobility Service Overview Availability start date Thursday, July 10, 2025 Models provided Premium model “WHILL Model C2” Usage fee Free How to use Reservations can be made in advance by phone (086-422-0730, reception hours 9:00-23:00). Please pick up your will at the front desk. If there is availability on the day, you can borrow it. Terms of Use Weight 115kg or less, feet can rest on the foot plate when seated, attention required for operation, etc. Contact us Call: 086-422-0730, 9:00-18:00 HP:
https://www.ryokan-kurashiki.jp/contact/ Official website:
https://www.ryokan-kurashiki.jp *Service content may change without notice. ■About Will Will is a short-distance mobility vehicle that can be driven in pedestrian areas without a license. The Model C2 is characterized by its sophisticated design, the ability to overcome 5cm steps, the ability to turn around the rear wheels on the spot, and a smooth ride thanks to the rear suspension (photo bottom right).
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11151/246/11151-246-4fcaa16912695d205df45df1828ea46c-1920×1080.jpg Will products are also available for test drive and purchase at car dealerships and electronics retailers nationwide, and in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, they are sold at Kagawa Nissan Motors and other stores. About the product: https://whill.inc/jp/model-c2 Find a store from the Kagawa Nissan Motor website:
https://ni-kagawa.nissan-dealer.jp/search/dealer.html ■About WHILL Mobility Service This is a service for corporations that allows them to introduce safe and secure short-distance mobility inside and outside their facilities. By packaging insurance/maintenance and aircraft management systems, we have reduced the burden on operators to implement the system and have established a system that can flexibly respond to the environment of the installation site. The introducing corporation can manage the aircraft and operate it stably with peace of mind and comfort, improving the customer’s stay experience. Details:
https://whill.inc/jp/mobility-service/how-it-works/onsite-fleet-service
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11151/246/11151-246-0f0ed00a6edd791c81fe83bfb0416a8b-1920×1080.jpg “Ryokan Kurashiki” is a long-established inn that has been loved by many guests, located at the foot of Nakahashi Bridge in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture, where the white-walled townscape is beautiful. Its exterior is an important part of the town’s scenery among the traditional preserved buildings. It was founded in 1957. It is also known as a favorite stay for Shiko Munakata and Ryotaro Shiba. All eight rooms, which combine good old-fashioned generosity with modern comfort, each have their own unique charm, and a rich time flows by with a spirit of hospitality, along with a dinner full of seasonal ingredients. Official website: https://www.ryokan-kurashiki.jp/ WHILL was founded in Japan in May 2012 with the mission of “making travel fun and smart for everyone,” and is developing products and services for short-distance travel in approximately 30 countries and regions. The company’s main business is the development and sale of short-distance mobility vehicles called Will, which are characterized by their high design and operability, and mobility services (corporate rental/autonomous driving) that use Will to provide a casual travel experience. With these two pillars of business, WHILL is building a world where anyone can go anywhere by covering travel in pedestrian areas (sidewalks, indoors and outdoors) that cannot be reached by other means of transportation, even for short distances. Official website: https://whill.inc/jp/ *This email was sent automatically, so please do not reply.
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