New Tourist Experiences in Joetsu Myoko Expand with Seamless Travel Between Cars and Personal Mobility Devices! "WHILL" Rental Service, No License Required, Launched at Furusatto Commercial Facility Near the Station

Hokushinetsu Regional Resources Research Institute Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, Representative Director: Tadashi Hirahara, hereinafter "Hokushinetsu Lab") and WHILL Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director, President & CEO: Osamu Sugie, hereinafter "WHILL") are pleased to announce that a mobility service using WHILL, a foldable personal mobility device that can be used in pedestrian areas without a license, will begin on July 16, 2026 (Thu) at "Furusatto" (Operated by Hokushinetsu Lab), a commercial facility located just a short distance from JR Joetsu Myoko Station. The area is popular for winter sports, and many visitors travel to various spots by car starting from the station. Amidst accelerating diversification due to factors such as an aging population and increasing inbound demand, by introducing WHILL, which is easy to load into a car, we aim to create a seamless accessibility environment from door to door, proposing travel experiences that allow everyone to enjoy the diverse seasons regardless of age or physical condition.

The Joetsu Myoko area is dotted with attractive tourist spots, including the Myoko Plateau, where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons, the historic Takada Castle Ruins Park, and the seaside town of Naoetsu. While these locations can be reached by car, many of these attractions involve "walking long distances within the premises or after arrival." For those concerned about long-distance walking or stamina, the elderly, and their families, mobility within pedestrian areas can often be a hurdle to travel. Furthermore, in recent years, Joetsu Myoko has seen strong demand for winter ski inbound tourism (Note 1), while also focusing on developing year-round, wellness-oriented tourism that is not dependent on specific seasons or customer demographics. This service will support this trend of "tourism that everyone can enjoy at any time" from a mobility perspective.

Myoko Plateau in Summer

The model to be introduced is the "WHILL Model F," which is compact and foldable, making it convenient for car transport and carrying. Anyone can easily operate it with one hand and it travels at a walking pace, allowing you to enjoy strolling not only around the station with family and companions but also by loading it into rental cars or taxis to explore your destination even when traveling far.

Strolling around Takada Castle Ruins Park with WHILL

Hokushinetsu Lab and WHILL will continue to deepen their collaboration to promote the development and expansion of comprehensive and inclusive accessibility environments, enabling everyone to move around comfortably and safely over short distances anywhere.

◼️Overview of WHILL Mobility Service in Joetsu Myoko Area

Rental Start Date

July 16, 2026 (Thu)

Rental Location

Furusatto Apps & Cafe (within Furusatto)

Rental Model

Foldable mobility "WHILL Model F"

Available Hours

9:00 - 17:00

Price

5,500 yen per day, 8,800 yen for 1 night and 2 days *All prices include tax

Usage Conditions

Weight up to 115kg, feet can reach the footrest when seated, possess the necessary attention for operation, etc.

How to Use

For on-site rentals on the day, payment can be made in cash or via PayPay.

Payment is also possible when booking online. https://bicycle.furusatto.com

Contact Information

Furusatto (TEL: 025-520-8777)

Notes: Joetsu Myoko Town Information "Foreigner Use of Ski Resorts in the Prefecture Reaches All-Time High, Domestic Visitors Also Return to Pre-COVID Levels" https://joetsu.yukiguni.town/uncategorized/222361/ and Niigata Prefecture "Survey Results on Foreign Tourist Trends in Myoko City" https://www.pref.niigata.lg.jp/uploaded/attachment/180461.pdf

About WHILL

WHILL is a personal mobility device that can be used in pedestrian areas without a license. The Model F is a lightweight, foldable model that is convenient for carrying and car transport. About the product: https://whill.inc/jp/

About WHILL Mobility Service

This is a corporate service that allows the introduction of safe and secure personal mobility devices inside and outside facilities. By packaging insurance, maintenance, and a fleet management system, we reduce the introduction burden for operators and establish a system that flexibly adapts to the introduction environment. The introducing company can manage the fleet and operate stably with peace of mind, improving the customer's stay experience.

Details: https://whill.inc/jp/mobility-service/how-it-works/onsite-fleet-service

<About Hokushinetsu Lab>

Hokushinetsu Regional Resources Research Institute Co., Ltd. (Hokushinetsu Lab) is a regional producing company based at the commercial facility "Furusatto" in front of Joetsu Myoko Station, engaged in business creation utilizing regional resources, startup support, and tourism content development. Positioning the station as a "Gateway Community to the Region," we promote new regional development that connects diverse people and regions. Official HP: https://hokushinetsu-lab.jp

<About WHILL Inc.>

WHILL Inc. aims to be the global No.1 in personal mobility solutions with the mission of "Making mobility fun and smart for everyone." Through a service experience that fuses hardware and software, we are building a world where everyone can move and go out freely and comfortably, regardless of their physical condition or age. Official HP: https://whill.inc/jp