New XR Experience Bus Tour "XploreRide" to Launch in New York Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States

H.I.S. Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo; hereinafter referred to as HIS), in a joint project with NAKED, INC. (Headquarters: Shibuya, Tokyo; hereinafter referred to as NAKED) and RideVision Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter referred to as RideVision), will commence operations for the XR technology-based tourism entertainment tour "XploreRide New York produced by NAKED, INC." on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

XploreRide is an experiential entertainment tour that leverages XR technology. HIS is the organizer, NAKED is responsible for planning, direction, and production, and XR technology company RideVision provides the mobility XR platform "RideVision®" integrated into the bus vehicles. Since its launch in Hawaii in February 2025, it has been highly acclaimed as new tourism content, attracting not only tourists from Japan, the US mainland, and around the world, but also local residents.

This second phase, launching in New York, is a new tourism entertainment experience created to coincide with the historic milestone of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States (America250) in 2026. Set in New York, a city that symbolizes freedom, diversity, and challenge, attracting people worldwide, the tour fuses the real urban landscape with digital performances through XR technology. Guests can experience the "story of freedom" that has been etched into this city over 250 years with an immersive sense, as if they have stepped directly into that history. Furthermore, in conjunction with cultural and tourism initiatives related to America250, it will be developed as new tourism entertainment to promote the charm of New York to the world.

On this tour, guests will embark on a time-traveling journey through 250 years of New York's history, guided by "Liberty," the spirit of freedom. The tour will take place at iconic Manhattan landmarks such as the New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, Broadway, and Times Square, where guests can experience the "story of freedom" hidden in each location through XR performances.

Additionally, the tour features participatory content unique to New York, such as the photo-taking function "XploreRide Snap," where guests' avatars appear in the XR space after being photographed before the tour, and a costume experience where guests can become the Statue of Liberty. Guests can experience New York's "story of freedom" as the protagonist entering that world.

XploreRide Snap (Image)

XploreRide New York produced by NAKED, INC.

Launch Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Number of Services: 6 services per day

Capacity: 40 people per service

Duration: Approximately 45 minutes

Tour Route: Major tourist areas in Manhattan

(Approximately 3.4 km)

Tour Languages: Japanese, English

Participation Fee: Adults (12 years and older): $60~

Children (7-11 years old): $30~

Sales Method: Online sales

(https://xploreride.com/jp/)

*Operations will be handled by HIS's local subsidiary, H.I.S. International Tours (NY) Inc.

*XR experience is for ages 7 and up. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.

*Children 6 years old and under can ride for free but cannot participate in the XR experience.

*As an opening special, tickets will be sold at a 50% discount until July 11, 2026.

XploreRide synchronizes content in real-time with the location of the vehicle and passengers, allowing for high-precision overlay of XR visuals onto the actual cityscape. This minimizes the discrepancy between visuals and physical sensations, significantly reducing motion sickness, a common issue with traditional VR experiences. As a result, guests can experience unprecedented immersion, as if the real and digital worlds have become one.

HIS will continue to explore new possibilities in tourism through the utilization of cutting-edge technology, offering unparalleled experiential value to travelers from Japan and around the world.

Comment from New York City Tourism + Conventions

"As New York City joins the nation in celebrating the 250th anniversary of America's founding, we are thrilled to support innovative experiences that bring the history of our city to life in new and compelling ways," said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions. "XploreRide offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with New York City's rich history and vibrant spirit while touring some of Manhattan's most iconic landmarks. We look forward to welcoming travelers from around the globe during this historic year and encourage them to discover the magic across all five boroughs."

XploreRide (Image)