[VR x Accessibility] Launching "Barrier-Free 360° VR Accommodation Guide" to Visualize Pre-Stay Concerns

Simbosi Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Junya Matsuo) and office FUCHI (Headquarters: Saitama City, Saitama; Representative: Tomohiro Fuchiyama) have launched the "Barrier-Free 360° VR Accommodation Guide" to visualize barriers and accessibility features in lodging facilities.

While interest in universal and accessible tourism has grown, wheelchair users, the elderly, and those with physical concerns still face significant challenges in choosing accommodations. Even if a website claims to be "barrier-free," it often fails to convey critical information such as whether a wheelchair can pass through a specific corridor, if the bed height is suitable for transfer, or if there is enough space in the bathroom. This often leads to situations where guests realize the facility is unsuitable only upon arrival, or give up on traveling altogether due to anxiety.

To address this, the two companies developed the "Barrier-Free 360° VR Accommodation Guide," allowing users to check the facility environment from their own perspective before their stay. Users can move their viewpoint freely via smartphone, PC, or VR goggles to inspect room size, wheelchair turning space, aisle width, bed height, and bathroom accessibility. The service is highly versatile and can be used as a general facility guide when the accessibility icon is not selected.

The service has been implemented at "Tenku no Yu Nakaya Ryokan" in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture. Future plans include expanding the service to tourist spots, hot spring facilities, commercial facilities, public facilities, and transit routes.