A New Way to Travel: Electric Cycles Connect Sakaiminato and Mihonoseki — Matsue Tourism Association Mihonoseki Branch Introduces glafit's Compact Moped 'NFR-01 Lite' with Cross-Location Drop-Off

glafit Co., Ltd. (pronounced: Graphite, headquarters: Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, CEO: Shizuo Narumi, hereinafter "glafit") has launched its compact electric moped "NFR-01 Lite" at the Matsue Tourism Association Mihonoseki Branch in Shimane Prefecture, starting July 1, 2026. On the same day, a cross-location return service begins with Sakaiminato City Tourist Information in Tottori Prefecture, which introduced the same vehicle in April of this year.

The Mihonoseki area is a historic port town dotted with attractions such as Mihonosho Shrine and Mihonoseki Lighthouse. In May 2026, it was recommended for designation as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, highlighting efforts to preserve and utilize its historic streetscape. This introduction aims to enhance intra- and inter-regional mobility, making it more flexible and comfortable to boost tourist circulation. Following the deployment in the Sakaiminato area, the service now expands to the adjacent Mihonoseki area, incorporating a drop-off system to enable unprecedented cross-prefectural sightseeing experiences.

Introduction Background | Solving Regional Challenges and Enhancing Circulation in a Historic Port Town

Left: Mihonosho Shrine, the head shrine of Ebisu, known for blessings in business prosperity and maritime safety, and spiritually linked to Izumo Taisha. Right: Mihonoseki Lighthouse, built in 1898, the oldest stone lighthouse in the San'in region, selected for both Japan’s and the world’s “Top 100/50 Lighthouses,” and designated a National Important Cultural Property.

In April 2026, glafit’s compact moped "NFR-01 Lite" was introduced at Sakaiminato City Tourist Information, located in front of JR Sakaiminato Station. It has become a popular choice for visitors to easily access attractions like the Mizuki Shigeru Road without needing a driver’s license.

Previously, electric-assist bicycle rentals were available in the Sakaiminato area, and some tourists ventured to Mihonoseki via the Sakai Channel Bridge. However, the bridge, designed to accommodate large vessels, features a steep incline, requiring significant physical effort and time for round trips—especially during summer months.

Meanwhile, the Mihonoseki area, centered around Mihonosho Shrine, is a charming port town with narrow, atmospheric alleys. While picturesque, navigating by car requires attention to through-traffic and parking. Moreover, Mihonoseki Lighthouse, a major attraction, is located about 2.5 km uphill from the town center, with no public transportation available. The gentle but continuous uphill route has long posed a challenge for comfortable access regardless of season or physical condition.

This introduction aims to address these regional challenges. Leveraging the "NFR-01 Lite"’s ability to climb slopes effortlessly with simple throttle control—no license required for those 16 and older—the service will transform access to Mihonoseki Lighthouse and enable seamless, comfortable cross-regional touring between Sakaiminato and Mihonoseki.

Reference:

Japan Sakaiminato Tourism Association Introduces glafit’s Electric Cycle "NFR-01 Lite"! New Mobility Solution for Regional Tourism Circulation Begins Operation on April 24

Benefits of the Service | Enabling Cross-Prefectural Rides and One-Way Usage

Left: Two rocks known locally as "Meoto Iwa" (Couple Rocks), adorned with shimenawa ropes, revered for blessings in fertility and matchmaking. Right: Wild dolphins inhabit the Sakai Channel, with glimpses visible even during filming.

The launch of this "cross-location return service" enables unprecedented freedom along the scenic coastal route (Prefectural Road No. 2 Sakai-Mihonoseki Line) from Sakai Channel Bridge to Mihonoseki. The uphill climb across the bridge connecting Sakaiminato and Mihonoseki can now be navigated effortlessly with just throttle control, allowing riders to enjoy the views without strain. Crossing the prefectural border smoothly, with only the quiet hum of the motor, the sea breeze, and the sound of waves, offers a uniquely luxurious experience.

Additionally, the ability to rent in Sakaiminato and return in Mihonoseki (or vice versa)—"one-way usage"—allows for flexible itinerary planning based on stay duration. With a compact electric cycle, riders can freely stop at scenic coastal spots like the "Meoto Iwa" or dolphin sighting points, without worrying about parking—places often missed when traveling by car.

Increased mobility freedom enables visitors to explore each town’s charming spots at their own pace, turning the journey itself into a memorable part of the trip.

Both Sakaiminato City Tourist Information and the Matsue Tourism Association Mihonoseki Branch offer battery swaps (¥1,100 including tax) in addition to drop-off services. Each location stocks spare batteries, ensuring peace of mind for longer rides and extended enjoyment.

Future Outlook

Sakai Yume Minato Terminal

In Sakaiminato, glafit’s compact moped "NFR-01 Pro+" is also lent out at the Sakai Yume Minato Terminal during large cruise ship visits, serving as a popular local mobility option for inbound tourists.

Going forward, a system to flexibly redistribute vehicles among the three locations—Sakaiminato City Tourist Information, Sakai Yume Minato Terminal, and Mihonoseki—based on reservation status and demand is planned.

This cross-location return service between Sakaiminato and Mihonoseki marks a key milestone. Moving forward, glafit will continue expanding mobility solutions tailored to regional characteristics and operational frameworks. This includes promoting "WANDERIDE," a tourism DX-oriented micro-sharing service, and exploring region-specific deployment models.

Implementation Overview

Location: Matsue Tourism Association Mihonoseki Branch

Vehicles: 4 units of NFR-01 Lite

Fee: ¥3,300 per day (tax included)

Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays

Operating Hours: 8:30–17:00

Reservations: https://reserva.be/mihonoseki3710

For rental details and reservations at Sakaiminato City Tourist Information

Comments

Shuichi Adachi, Director, Matsue Tourism Association Mihonoseki Branch

"We’ve previously offered electric-assist bicycle rentals, but access to major attractions like Mihonoseki Lighthouse has been challenging due to distance and elevation. Limited secondary transportation is a shared issue across the region. With compact mopeds, even those lacking physical stamina can comfortably explore Mihonoseki. The realization of cross-location returns between Sakaiminato and Mihonoseki marks an important step toward deeper regional collaboration beyond isolated service points. We look forward to further expanding this wide-area cooperation, including the Sakai Yume Minato Terminal."

Shizuo Narumi, CEO, glafit Co., Ltd.

"Sakaiminato and Mihonoseki, connected by the Sakai Channel Bridge, now share a linked mobility service enabling cross-location returns. This is a significant achievement. Mihonoseki, with its historic streets and beautiful coastline, offers a unique experience. With compact mopeds, visitors can enjoy the scenery while feeling the ocean breeze,