New app-based mobility vehicles boost accessibility in Okinawa’s Nanjo City

The Nanjo City Tourism Association in Okinawa has launched a new mobility service to improve accessibility to its key cultural and natural landmarks, including the Sefa-Utaki UNESCO World Heritage site. This collaboration with WHILL Inc. and Okinawa Toyota Motor Corporation will offer app-based rentals of short-range mobility vehicles starting 25 July.

Nanjo City’s natural terrain, which includes a 500-metre gentle incline to the Sefa-Utaki entrance and uneven paths to the scenic Cape Chinen Park, has previously been a barrier to exploration. According to the tourism association, many visitors, not just those with physical concerns, were reportedly forgoing visits to these sites. This collaboration offers a solution to overcome that.

The association is introducing two models of WHILL’s licence-free mobility vehicles: the chair-type Model C2 and the scooter-style Model S. Both are designed to handle slopes, uneven ground and bumps of up to five centimetres, allowing users to travel at a walking pace alongside their companions.

The rental system is managed entirely through the “WHILL Rental” smartphone app, enabling an unmanned, contactless process. Users can locate, unlock, and pay for the vehicles digitally, which streamlines operations for the association and reduces the burden on staff. The service will be available from the Ganju Station Nanjo tourist information centre, with rental fees set at 1,000 yen for four hours.

Looking ahead, the Nanjo City Tourism Association is also considering the introduction of a GPS-linked audio guide. This future enhancement aims to compensate for a shortage of local guides due to Japan’s ageing population and to add further value to the tourist experience.