World Heritage first as Sengan-en offers WHILL mobility service in Kagoshima

Sengan-en, a World Heritage site in Kagoshima, will introduce a personal mobility service from 1 October, making it the first such site to offer the comprehensive programme. It is a collaboration between operator Shimadzu Ltd. and Kagoshima Toyota Motor Corporation, and will utilise WHILL Inc.’s short-distance mobility devices to enhance accessibility across the historic garden’s vast grounds.

The popular spot covers approximately 50,000 square metres, and features terrain such as gravel paths and slopes that have been preserved to maintain historical authenticity. The introduction of the WHILL service is a push to enhance accessibility, allowing a wider range of visitors to explore the grounds in comfort without altering the traditional landscape. The goal is to offer a more fulfilling visitor experience, making time spent at Sengan-en and the Shoko Shuseikan museum more enjoyable for a greater number of people.

The service will feature two models: the premium WHILL Model C2, a chair-type device known for its ability to navigate uneven surfaces and turn on the spot, and the WHILL Model R, a high-performance scooter model. Both devices are noted for their safety features and a high-quality design that blends naturally with the elegant scenery of Sengan-en.

The service will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, with a rental fee of 2,000 yen in addition to the standard admission price. Devices can be rented on the day at the garden entrance, subject to availability and weather conditions.