Nissan announced a collaboration with Kobe City to commence a field test of an autonomous mobility service. The initiative, scheduled to begin in January 2026, targets the Nada Gogo area to address local transportation challenges and provide new mobility solutions.
Highlights
- The pilot program will operate from January 19 to January 23, 2026, in the Nada Gogo area.
- Nissan LEAF vehicles will execute a 20-minute loop connecting major sake brewery museums.
- The roadmap targets paid operations in 2027 and full commercial operation by 2030.
Strategic Objectives and Regional Impact
The Nada Gogo area is a globally recognized destination known for traditional sake brewing. This test leverages autonomous driving technology to enhance the travel experience for visitors touring these breweries.
The service aims to improve convenience for tourists while exploring opportunities for regional revitalization. Nissan intends to use this project to validate how autonomous mobility can create experiential value and promote tourism in Kobe.
Feedback gathered from local residents and visitors during this pilot will be used to refine the service design. This expansion to Kobe builds upon previous trials, such as the EasyRide project in Yokohama, representing a new model for addressing regional issues.
Operational Roadmap and Expansion
Nissan has outlined a multi-phase strategy for deploying autonomous services in the region.
- Fiscal Year 2026: Plans include expanding the service area and adding boarding points.
- Technology Upgrade: On-demand operations will be introduced using Serena-based Level 2 autonomous vehicles.
- Commercialization: Paid operations are set to begin in 2027, with full commercial operation in Nada Gogo targeted for 2030.
Long-term goals include deploying autonomous vehicles for community public transportation within Kobe City new towns.
Pilot Program Specifications
The upcoming test is organized by Kobe City and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., in partnership with the Nada Gogo Sake Brewers Association.
Vehicle and Route Data
- Vehicle: Nissan LEAF.
- Capacity: Two passengers per trip (one front, one rear).
- Route: A 20-minute continuous loop with no intermediate stops.
- Key Landmarks: Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan, Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum, and Hamafukutsuru Ginjo Kobo.
- Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Participant Eligibility and Registration
Participation is restricted to Kobe City residents who are of elementary school age or older and meet height requirements.
- Registration Period: November 28, 2025, to December 19, 2025.
- Slots: Limited to 50 participants.
- Selection: A lottery will be conducted if applications exceed capacity, with results announced in late December.
Learn more at https://event.city.kobe.lg.jp/event/Zga5Rf86orikHcmZWcrP.
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