Hokkaido's Niseko area begins demonstration of the first autonomous driving electric bus service for local transportation – aiming to become Asia's No. 1 all-season international resort and promoting the restructuring of local transportation.

Tokyu Land Corporation (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and Board Director: Tatsuaki Tanaka; hereinafter "Tokyu Land Corporation") and Macnica (Head office: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President and Board Director: Kazumasa Hara; hereinafter "Macnica") will undertake the first ^* demonstration of a local circular bus service using autonomous driving electric buses in the Niseko area (hereinafter "this demonstration operation").
In the Niseko area, where the local transportation environment is challenging, Tokyu Land Corporation and Macnica will take the lead in introducing autonomous driving electric buses within the area. This will promote the reconstruction of local transportation through public-private partnerships and enhance the value of the stay experience in the Niseko area.
*According to research by Tokyu Land Corporation and Macnica

autonomous driving electric buses operating within the area

■Background of the initiative
In the Niseko area, including Kutchan and Niseko towns where Tokyu Land Corporation operates Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, efforts have been made to rebuild local transportation through public-private partnerships. This includes the introduction of the "Niseko Model," a pioneering initiative in the Niseko area that utilizes a system of transporting passengers outside the taxi's operating area and remote check-in, and dispatching support teams from taxi operators in other operating areas, in order to address transportation challenges such as securing transportation options during the busy winter season. On the other hand, the environment surrounding local transportation is becoming increasingly severe, including a shortage of drivers, which is a nationwide issue.
Tokyu Land Corporation has signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Kutchan Town. ^* Under this framework, we have been working to address regional issues (transportation, infrastructure, etc.) in order to build a mutually beneficial relationship through cooperation between resorts and urban areas, and to realize the formation of an all-season international resort centered on the Niseko Hirafu area.
This time, we are utilizing a subsidy program from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in the Niseko area. ^* Amid growing momentum for the reconstruction of regional transportation through public-private partnerships, Tokyu Land Corporation, together with Macnica, will work to introduce autonomous driving electric buses in the region, aiming to solve regional transportation challenges in the Niseko area and realize an all-season international resort.
This is the first time in Japan that a demonstration operation of an autonomous driving electric bus has been conducted in a snow resort area. ^* This will be our initiative.
*reference: Hokkaido's Kutchan Town and Tokyu Land Corporation sign comprehensive cooperation agreement regarding the formation of an all-season international resort to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the town's declaration as a ski town | News Release | Tokyu Land Corporation
*Press release: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: Selection of projects for FY2026 "Redesign and Full Implementation Project to Eliminate 'Transportation Gap'" (Transportation Gap Elimination Type, Collaboration and Cooperation Promotion Type, Mobility Human Resources and Organization Development Type)
*According to research by Tokyu Land Corporation and Macnica

■ Overview of this demonstration operation
(1) Project owner: Tokyu Land Corporation
(2) Operator: Macnica
(3) Demonstration details: autonomous driving level 4 in the Niseko area in the future ^* In order to facilitate operations by Niseko Tokyu
Level 2 in the area around Grand Hirafu ^* A trial run was conducted (with an operator on board).
*reference: Document 3: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Initiatives Towards the Realization of an autonomous driving Society
(4) Operating area: Niseko Hirafu area (within Kutchan Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido) *Fixed schedule and route
(5) Demonstration period: 16 days from August 8th (Sat) to August 23rd (Sun), 2026
*In fiscal year 2026, a trial run of approximately two weeks is planned even during the winter months.
(6) Vehicle used: autonomous driving EV bus "EVO" (manufactured by Navya Mobility)
- Passenger capacity of 9 people during the trial run
- Speed less than 18 km/h
(7) Fare: Free

Driving route

Vehicle wrapping

schedule

■Future developments
Based on the results of this demonstration operation, we will accelerate our efforts to introduce autonomous driving EV buses in the Niseko area in the next fiscal year and beyond, aiming for autonomous driving-round operation at Level 4 in the future. ^* This service is the first of its kind in a domestic snow resort area, and going forward, the Niseko area will continue to provide tourists from all over the world with an experience befitting Asia's No. 1 all-season international resort.
By providing the know-how gained from this pilot operation to administrative bodies in the Niseko area, including Kutchan Town, we will promote efforts to rebuild local transportation in the Niseko area through public-private partnerships. In cooperation with the government and local stakeholders, we will create an environment where local residents, tourists, and employees can enjoy themselves better, and by realizing environmental considerations such as the introduction of autonomous driving electric buses and the creation of a mutually beneficial relationship between urban areas and resorts, we will contribute to enhancing the value of the Niseko area and realizing a sustainable region.

■ Overview of the "Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu" facilities
This ski resort boasts abundant snowfall and powder snow, yet it's also an all-season nature resort where you can fully enjoy Hokkaido's natural beauty, scenery, and activities during the summer. In the summer, amphibious activities expand the range of fun. Furthermore, there are plenty of other things to enjoy besides physical activity, such as the mountaintop restaurant "NEST813" with its spectacular views and "POWDERHOOD RESTAURANT & TAPROOM" where you can savor local flavors. It's a place where you can experience Hokkaido's nature in your own way.

[Address] 5-18, 4-chome, Niseko Hirafu 1-jo, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0080
[Transportation] By car: Approximately 2 hours from Sapporo via National Route 230.
Approximately 2 hours from New Chitose Airport via National Route 276.
Train | Sapporo Station to Kutchan Station (via Otaru), then approximately 20 minutes by taxi or bus from Kutchan Station.
[Official Website] https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/
[Official Instagram] https://www.instagram.com/nisekograndhirafu/

NEST813

■ About Niseko Tokyu Resort
Niseko Tokyu Resort, including Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, is a complex resort that aims to "create the world's only all-season nature resort where people and nature coexist and resonate with each other," and provides guests with experiences that "resonate with their sense of purpose."
Immerse yourself in Niseko's characteristic gentle, soft, and pristine nature, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Yotei, the delicious local produce from the mountains and sea, the relaxing hot springs, the abundance of activities, and the high-quality accommodations perfect for extended stays.
You can find our website introducing our vision and current initiatives here.
Luxury of the Earth, Niseko｜https://nisekotokyu.com/

■Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Group's environmental initiatives
The Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Group has positioned "decarbonization," "circular economy," and "biodiversity" as key priorities, and will promote the reduction of environmental impact and the creation of new experiential value in resorts as well. This demonstration operation is part of that effort, aiming to realize sustainable local transportation utilizing EVs and autonomous driving technology.

■ Macnica ’s Initiatives
Macnica In addition to its semiconductor business, autonomous driving leverages cutting-edge technologies from around the world to tackle social issues in collaboration with various partner companies. In its Smart City and Mobility business, is working to implement its solutions in various scenarios that support the movement of people and goods. autonomous driving We provide one-stop support for the implementation of , offering comprehensive assistance—from deployment to operation—tailored to address social, regional, and business challenges ranging from local transportation to logistics.