Ise-Shima BFTC and WHILL to Launch Short-Distance Mobility Rental Service in the Ise-Shima and Toba Area on May 29, 2026

The Ise-Shima Barrier-Free Tour Center, a specified nonprofit corporation based in Toba, Mie Prefecture and chaired by Hajime Nakamura, and WHILL, Inc., headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo and led by President and CEO Satoshi Sugie, announced that they will begin offering rental services for WHILL short-distance mobility vehicles on Friday, May 29, 2026. WHILL vehicles require no driver’s license and can be used in pedestrian areas. The service is intended to improve mobility around the Ise-Shima and Toba area, which has many tourist attractions but can involve distances that are challenging to cover on foot. By creating an accessible environment where everyone can enjoy strolling and sightseeing, the partners aim to enhance hospitality services amid accelerating diversification driven by aging demographics and growing inbound tourism demand. Many people hesitate to travel due to concerns about mobility. If such inconveniences were resolved, the potential nationwide market for universal tourism is estimated at around 42 million people as of 2023, about 1.4 times the actual market size. Both the actual and potential markets are expected to continue expanding through 2035 against the backdrop of population aging. Meanwhile, Ise-Shima, including Ise Jingu Shrine, attracts more than 10 million visitors annually and continues to grow as one of Japan’s key tourism areas. In light of demand forecasts, legal revisions requiring reasonable accommodation, and the recent increase in visitors to Japan, establishing a reception system that enables everyone to fully enjoy tourism has become an urgent priority. Mie Prefecture has promoted barrier-free tourism earlier than many other regions in Japan. Among these efforts, Ise-Shima BFTC was established as Japan’s first barrier-free tourism information center. In addition to sharing and introducing barrier-free information, it provides services such as the “Ise Omotenashi Helper” program using WHILL vehicles and other travel-related support services. The new WHILL rental service is part of these initiatives. The adopted model is the WHILL Model F, a foldable mobility vehicle that is compact, convenient to load into cars, and easy to carry. It can be operated easily with one hand by a wide range of users and travels at about walking speed, allowing users to go with family members or companions from Toba Station to destinations that are slightly far on foot, such as Toba Aquarium and Mikimoto Pearl Island. By loading the vehicle into a rental car or taxi, users can also enjoy strolling at destinations farther away. Ise-Shima BFTC and WHILL will continue to work closely together to expand comprehensive and inclusive accessibility environments so that people of all kinds can move short distances safely and comfortably anywhere. Service overview: rentals begin on Friday, May 29, 2026. The lending location is inside the Ise-Shima Barrier-Free Tour Center, on the first floor of Toba Ichibangai in front of Kintetsu Toba Station. The rental model is the foldable WHILL Model F. Fees are 5,500 yen per day including tax, or 9,900 yen including tax for two days and one night. Eligibility conditions include a body weight of 115 kg or less, the ability to place both feet on the footplate while seated, and sufficient attention and ability required for operation. Advance reservation by phone is required, though same-day rentals may be available if vehicles are open. Contact: NPO Ise-Shima Barrier-Free Tour Center, 1-2383-13 Toba, Toba City, Mie Prefecture. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed Thursdays. TEL: 0599-21-0550, FAX: 0599-21-0585, E-mail: iseshima@barifuri.com. Details are available on the official Ise-Shima BFTC website: https://www.barifuri.com/support/rental/whill_model-f . Service details are subject to change without notice. WHILL is a short-distance mobility vehicle that requires no license and can travel in pedestrian areas. Model F is a lightweight foldable model convenient for carrying and loading into vehicles. WHILL Mobility Service is a corporate service that enables the introduction of safe, secure short-distance mobility vehicles inside and outside facilities. By packaging insurance, maintenance, and vehicle management systems, it reduces the burden on operators while providing flexible support tailored to the environment of each installation site, helping operators manage vehicles reliably and improve customer experiences. Ise-Shima BFTC is a private nonprofit organization based in Toba, Mie Prefecture. As Japan’s first barrier-free tourism information center, it introduces barrier-free information on lodging and tourism facilities in Mie Prefecture for people who feel anxious about going out due to disability or age, as well as their families and companions, while also offering advice and proposals for barrier-free travel based on each customer’s physical condition and preferences. WHILL’s mission is to make mobility fun and smart for everyone, and it aims to become the global leader in short-distance mobility solutions. Through service experiences that combine hardware and software, WHILL is working to build a world where everyone can enjoy free and comfortable mobility and outings regardless of physical condition or age.