[WHILL Co., Ltd.] Katsuoji Temple is the first in the country to introduce a mobility service using “WILL”, a short-distance mobility service that does not require a license
WHILL Co., Ltd. Press release: November 14, 2024 Katsuo-ji Temple is the first temple in the country to introduce a mobility service using Will, a short-distance mobility service that does not require a license. ~ Presenting the image of “worship visits” that should be commonplace in Japan in the future: In line with the increase in visitors during the autumn leaves season, we will develop and expand the accessibility environment to support pilgrimages and sightseeing for all people ～
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short-distance mobility vehicle that does not require a license. Against the backdrop of strong travel demand from a wide range of generations and inbound travelers, and the accompanying growing momentum for inclusive accommodation, the vast grounds with varying heights are a natural and comfortable place for all people, regardless of disability, age, nationality, etc. By creating an accessible environment for pilgrimages and sightseeing, we are proposing a new form of “worship visit” that will become commonplace in Japan in the future. Katsuoji Temple is visited by a variety of people, from the elderly to people who have difficulty walking, to tourists from far away, who come to pray and sightsee. Recently, the area has become increasingly popular among young people and three-generation families due to its spectacular autumn leaves and abundance of photogenic spots, and the number of visitors has become more diverse. On the other hand, due to the characteristics of the area where temples and shrines are built, it is necessary to walk long distances with differences in elevation from the entrance to the main hall, and there are also many spots to stop at, such as Benzaiten Shrine, Kachi Daruma Offering Shelf, and Katsuo Temple Cemetery. Because the shrines are scattered all over the place, some visitors were sometimes seen waiting near the entrance for their companions to visit the shrine, rather than going up the stairs due to concerns about their physical strength or legs.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11151/209/11151-209-d690ae57b4a1b189bf589aaef3de68b9-3900×2600.jpg At Katsuoji Temple, we have been promoting barrier-free improvements such as installing slopes for some time, but in order to create an even more comfortable transportation environment for everyone, including not only the guests themselves but also their families who rent wheelchairs on-site and push them, WHILL Mobility Service has been adopted. The four models that were introduced were praised for their safe and secure design, which allows Will to be treated as a “pedestrian,” and for its high design that blends into the surrounding landscape, as well as its ability to maintain a constant speed at all times when going up and down slopes. Of these, the “WHILL Model C2” was selected as the most suitable because it combines the running power backed by technologies such as omni wheels and high-output motors, and the ability to turn in a small radius around the rear wheels. By making the site fully barrier-free and accessible for those using wheelchairs and strollers, we have also made it possible to use wheelchairs, making it possible to visit and sightsee even though the temples and shrines are built in locations that are difficult to access. We provide an opportunity for people who want to visit us easily and stay longer and more comfortably.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11151/209/11151-209-105c0dcd0eaa8641735a5acdc2ea9d17-3900×2600.jpg By deepening their collaboration, Katsuoji Temple and WHILL will continue to present a new form of worship that should become commonplace in Japanese society in the future, while providing safe and comfortable access to temples and shrines for all people at any time and place. We aim to realize an inclusive future where people can travel long distances. ◼️Overview of WHILL mobility service at Katsuoji Temple Operation start date Tuesday, November 26, 2024 Rental location Worship entrance reception Provision model 3 Model C2 Reception hours Weekdays/Sundays/Holidays: 8:00-17:00 (last reception 16:30) Saturday: 8:00-18:00 (last reception 17:30) *Night illumination period until 20:30 (last reception 20:00) Usage fee Free How to use Please let us know if you would like to use the service on the day of the event. After signing the consent form at the reception and explaining how to use it, we will lend it to you. Terms of use Must weigh less than 115kg, have enough footrest when seated, and have the necessary attentiveness for operation, etc. *Contents may change without notice. ■About Will Will is a short-distance mobility vehicle that can be driven in walking areas without the need for a license. Of the four models available, the Model C2 features a high design, the ability to overcome 5cm bumps, the ability to turn around the rear wheel on the spot, and a smooth ride thanks to its rear suspension. About the product: https://whill.inc/jp/model-c2
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11151/209/11151-209-973b8768613e1c3ff255e9dc47a412f9-3900×2600.jpg ■About WHILL mobility service This is a service for corporations that allows short-distance mobility with a safe and secure design to be introduced inside and outside of facilities. By packaging
insurance/maintenance/aircraft management systems, we reduce the implementation burden on operators and create a system that can flexibly respond to the environment of the installation destination. Companies that have introduced this service can safely and comfortably manage their aircraft and operate them stably, improving the guest’s stay experience. Details:
https://whill.inc/jp/mobility-service/how-it-works/onsite-fleet-service Inquiry via form: https://whill.inc/jp/mobility-service/contact Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11151/209/11151-209-619075ceb2aea159177ce8e1322aa490-1920×1080.jpg The founding of Katsuo-ji Temple dates back to the 4th year of Jinki (727) during the Nara period, when twin monks Zennaka and Zensan set up a hermitage on this sacred mountain and built “Miroku-ji Temple.” During the Heian period, during the reign of Emperor Seiwa, Gyojun Shonin, the sixth head of the temple, prayed for the health of the emperor who was lying ill, and was impressed by its remarkable efficacy. Emperor Seiwa himself named the temple Katsuo-ji, “the temple that won over the king,” saying, “The dharma power of this temple has surpassed me, the king (emperor) who rules this country.” . However, the temple authorities thought that “defeating the king” was too scary, so they changed the word “o” to the character “tail” and changed the name to Katsuo-ji. [Katsuoji Official Website] https://katsuo-ji-temple.or.jp/ [Katsuoji Official Instagram] @katsuoji.temple WHILL was founded in Japan in May 2012 and has developed short-distance transportation products and services in approximately 30 countries and regions with the mission of “making transportation fun and smart for everyone.” Our main businesses are the development and sale of short-distance mobility Wills, which are characterized by high design and operability, and mobility services (corporate rental/self-driving) that utilize Wills to provide a casual transportation experience. WHILL builds a world where anyone can connect to any place by covering short distances and walking areas (sidewalks, indoors and outdoors) that cannot be reached using other means of transportation, based on two core businesses. I will.
