KOBE, Japan: Nissan will hold a field test of an autonomous mobility service in the Nada Gogo area in Kobe City from Jan 19 – 23, 2026.
The Nada Gogo area is a renowned tourist destination, celebrated worldwide for its traditional sake brewing and rich history.
Nissan will leverage its autonomous driving technology to offer a new travel experience for visitors touring sake breweries, enhancing convenience for tourists and exploring opportunities for regional revitalisation.
Pilot programme overview:
Organisers: Kobe City, Nissan Motor Co Ltd
Partners: Nada Gogo Sake Brewers Association, Moplus (planned)
Period: Jan 19 – 23, 2026
Route: Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan, Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum, Hamafukutsuru Ginjo Kobo (20-minute loop, no stops)
Operating Hours: 8am – 4pm
Vehicle: Nissan Leaf (capacity: two passengers – one in the front seat, one in the rear)
Passenger Limit: two per trip
Test ride details:
Registration Period: Nov 28, 2025 (4pm) – Dec 19, 2025 (5pm)
Eligibility: Kobe City residents, elementary school age or older, height of 150cm or above
Slots: 50 participants (40 general, 10 in “Children’s Future” category
In fiscal year 2026, Nissan plans to expand the service area and boarding points, introduce on-demand operations using Serena-based Level 2 autonomous vehicles and start paid operation in 2027.
The company aims for commercial operation in the Nada Gogo area by 2030.
Furthermore, Nissan also envisions deploying autonomous vehicles in community public transportation, such as in new towns within Kobe City.
