Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has announced a landmark collaboration with Kobe City to launch an autonomous mobility field test in the culturally rich Nada Gogo district. Set to run from January 19 to 23, 2026, the pilot marks a significant step toward redefining regional mobility while supporting one of Kobe’s most renowned tourism assets: its historic sake breweries.
Autonomous Mobility Designed for Community and Tourism
Nestled between the Rokko mountains and the Harumi coast, the Nada Gogo area is internationally celebrated as the heart of Japan’s traditional sake brewing. By introducing autonomous mobility solutions into this heritage-rich district, Nissan aims to create a seamless new travel experience for visitors touring the iconic breweries that define the region’s identity.
The pilot leverages Nissan’s advanced autonomous driving technologies to address local transportation challenges, support visitor movement between attractions, and explore new opportunities for regional revitalization. With brewery tours often spanning long walking distances, the autonomous service is designed to enhance convenience and accessibility—especially for tourists seeking a deeper, more effortless exploration of Nada Gogo’s cultural landmarks.
Collecting Insights to Shape Future Mobility
Nissan and Kobe City will gather insights from participating residents and riders to refine the service design and identify opportunities to expand mobility access across the region. These findings will form the foundation for future development:
- Fiscal Year 2026: Expansion of service areas and boarding points
- Introduction of on-demand operations using Serena-based Level 2 autonomous vehicles
- 2027: Rollout of paid operations
- 2030: Full commercial operation in the Nada Gogo area
Beyond tourism, Nissan also envisions using autonomous vehicles for community transport solutions in newer residential districts within Kobe City, supporting broader municipal mobility goals.
Pilot Program Overview
Organizers:
- Kobe City
- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Partners:
- Nada Gogo Sake Brewers Association
- Moplus (planned)
Testing Period:
- January 19 (Mon) – January 23 (Fri), 2026
Route:
A non-stop, approximately 20-minute autonomous loop connecting:
- Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan
- Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
- Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum
- Hamafukutsuru Ginjo Kobo
Operating Hours:
- 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Test Vehicle:
- Nissan LEAF (2-passenger capacity: one front, one rear)
Test Ride Registration Details
Registration Period:
- November 28, 2025, 4:00 PM – December 19, 2025, 5:00 PM
Eligibility:
- Residents of Kobe City
- Elementary school age or older
- Minimum height: 150 cm
Available Slots:
- 50 participants
- 40 general
- 10 under the “Children’s Future” category
If registrations exceed capacity, a lottery will determine the participants, with results announced in late December.
Driving Toward Safer, Freer, More Inclusive Mobility
Nissan’s latest initiative builds on years of research and real-world autonomous driving trials, including the EasyRide mobility service pilot launched in 2018 in Yokohama. The Kobe demonstration represents the next phase of Nissan’s mission to deliver cleaner, safer, and freer mobility for all, while showcasing how autonomous technology can actively contribute to tourism development and community well-being.
By pairing innovation with local culture, Nissan and Kobe City are shaping a new model of mobility—one that supports regional identity, enhances visitor experiences, and lays the groundwork for sustainable transportation solutions across Japan and beyond.
