Self-driving robots will take you on a tour of Tokyo’s futuristic new “city”
Hydrogen powered self-driving vehicles can now be rented at Tokyo’s futuristic new TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY complex.
“TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY” is a large, station-integrated urban development project in central Tokyo, directly connected to Takanawa Gateway Station and operated by East Japan Railway Company, which opened on March 27th, 2025.
The new complex is designed to inherit the “memory of innovation” associated with Takanawa, a location with historical significance as the gateway to Edo and the site of Japan’s first railway line built over the sea approximately 150 years ago.
The projects wider aim is to establish a “laboratory for enriching lives for the next 100 years,” fostering continuous innovation and cultural development.
The city will serve as a setting for demonstration experiments and research and development focused on “environment,” “mobility,” and “healthcare,” generating new ideas and future solutions.
Gekidan Iino, a subsidiary company of Kansai Electric Power, has announced the introduction of its self-driving mobility vehicle, “iino,” at the complex.
The introduction of “iino” is the result of discussions with East Japan Railway Company that began in 2021, with the goal of providing a travel experience that harmonizes human interaction and mobility.
The objective was to create a transportation experience that enhances the appeal of the traversed areas and evokes emotional responses from passengers, fostering “new encounters” through the “coexistence” of the vehicle with the city, facilities, and people, tailored to the unique environment of “TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY.”
Five “iino” vehicles (as of March 2025) capable of accommodating multiple passengers are operating within the Gateway Park area of the complex, offering flexible boarding and disembarking.
Depending on the chosen route, audio guides will provide city information during the ride, along with recommended ways to experience and enjoy the area, enhancing the overall “TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY” experience.
As an environmentally conscious initiative, hydrogen from renewable energy sources is utilized to power a pure hydrogen fuel cell system, generating clean electricity for charging.
“iino,” which travels at a walking speed of 5 kilometers per hour, is designed to prioritize the enjoyment of the travel experience itself, rather than solely focusing on transportation efficiency.
Based on the concept of “moving furniture,” the vehicle features a warm wood exterior, designed to harmonize with pedestrian traffic, and a standing eye level, facilitating communication with surrounding individuals.
Traditional mobility solutions have often prioritized operational efficiency, speed, and range, with ongoing development of specialized products in these areas.
Gekidan Iino has conducted public road driving demonstration experiments in the underground passage of Sannomiya Chuo Dori in Kobe and Midosuji in Osaka.
Additionally, they have collaborated with facilities and events such as Yamashita Park in Yokohama and the Tokyo International Film Festival, hosting events that encourage urban exploration and conducting extensive testing in preparation for the full-scale implementation of self-driving mobility.
Based on the insights and knowledge gained from these demonstrations, the company aims to create “new encounters” through the “coexistence” of the vehicle with cities, facilities, and people, offering a transportation experience that emphasizes enjoyment and appeal over speed and frequency.
The iino type-S712 is a standing mobility vehicle designed for multiple passengers, adhering to the “remote-controlled small vehicle” standard. Unlike typical single-seater “remote-controlled small vehicle” mobility vehicles, the “iino type-S712” can accommodate up to three passengers, enabling shared travel for families and friends on station decks and within the city.
Individuals interested in using the “iino” can head to Takanawa Gateway City 2F Deck, Gateway Park, between 10:00 and 20:00 (last rental at 19:30).
iino Rental Information
- Location: Takanawa Gateway City 2F Deck, Gateway Park
- Running Time: 10:00 – 20:00
- Usage: No reservation required, free
- Routes (as of March 2025):
- Friendly Route: Introduction to “iino” with recommended usage and enjoyment tips.
- Daily Route: City tour with audio guide, offering flexible boarding and disembarking.
- Note: Operation may be suspended without prior notice due to adverse weather, vehicle maintenance, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Source: PR Times