Travelers visiting Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture have a new way to explore the city, with a solar-powered micro-mobility service offering free rides around some of its best-known sightseeing areas. The initiative is part of a local trial looking at more sustainable ways to get around, and is scheduled to run until the end of March 2027.
The compact electric vehicles are fitted with solar panels that use sunlight to help recharge their batteries while parked or on the move. Although the amount of energy generated depends on weather and sunlight conditions, the technology can reduce the need for conventional charging and offers an interesting example of how renewable energy could support local tourism.
Visitors aged 16 and over can use the vehicles without a driver's license. They can be borrowed free of charge from TAGLINE cafe, next to Shimonoseki City Hall, and used within a designated area stretching from Akama Shrine to Shimonoseki Station. A refundable deposit of 1,000 JPY is required, and vehicles must be returned by 5:30pm.
There is plenty to discover along the way. Shimonoseki sits beside the Kanmon Strait, the narrow waterway separating Honshu and Kyushu. Karato Market is a popular stop for fresh seafood and sushi, while Akama Shrine has an interesting connection to the story of young Emperor Antoku and the 12th-century Battle of Dan-no-ura. The city is also famous for fugu, or pufferfish, making it an appealing destination for food lovers.
The solar-powered rides offer a convenient way to connect these attractions while experiencing a small but interesting step towards greener tourism in Japan.
