Exploring Hokkaido's Rishiri Island with LUUP's Electric Scooters

LUUP Electric Scooters Now Available in Rishiri Fuji Town, Hokkaido

In an exciting development for tourism and transportation in Japan, Luup Inc., headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has launched a pilot program utilizing electric scooters in Rishiri Fuji Town, located in Hokkaido’s Rishiri District. This initiative is part of their community-focused service, “LUUP for Community,” and aims to provide tourists with a more accessible way to navigate the beautiful landscapes of Rishiri Island from June 1 to September 30, 2026.

Background of LUUP

Founded in July 2018, Luup is dedicated to creating infrastructure that enables seamless mobility throughout cities, with the mission of making urban areas feel more interconnected. The company's innovative approach involves sharing micro-mobility solutions, primarily electric scooters, allowing users to travel efficiently over short distances or as part of their journey to explore various attractions. Since its inception, Luup has been actively working on addressing mobility challenges in various parts of Japan, promoting sustainable alternatives for first and last-mile transportation.

Rishiri Island, situated 52 kilometers from Wakkanai City in the Sea of Japan, boasts a stunning topography dominated by the majestic Mount Rishiri, standing at 1,721 meters. The town of Rishiri Fuji serves as the island's gateway, offering an airport and a ferry terminal to accommodate visitors. Key attractions in the area include the renowned Kanro Spring, Himenuma Pond, and Otatomari Pond, all surrounded by the island's breathtaking natural scenery. Activities such as hiking, trekking, cycling, SUP, and birdwatching draw numerous tourists each year, contributing to the island’s enchanting allure.

However, the vast dispersion of tourist sites and eateries in Rishiri Fuji Town has posed challenges for visitors seeking convenient transportation options. Public transport alone was insufficient to meet the diverse travel needs of tourists, particularly those who do not rent cars, making it challenging for them to explore the area freely.

Improvements with LUUP

The introduction of LUUP electric scooters is set to link various points of interest within the region. By streamlining accessible routes for tourists, the service aims to enhance their travel experience, allowing them to visit landmarks and restaurants comfortably and conveniently. As part of the pilot program, Luup will gather data on user demand and behaviors to further refine its services, aiming to facilitate inter-site travel within the municipality of Rishiri Fuji.

Comments from Local Officials
Akio Kudo, the President of the Rishiri Fuji Town Tourism Association, expressed his optimism about the LUUP initiative. He highlighted the island's unique biodiversity, including high-altitude plants that bloom at lower altitudes and over 320 bird species, including the national natural monument, the Black Woodpecker. With the increasing flow of visitors, Kudo acknowledged the pressing need for reliable secondary transportation in the area. He believes that LUUP will significantly enhance the overall mobility and convenience for locals and visitors alike.