Participated in the "Zero Travel Tour" Demonstration Experiment in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture.

The other day, we conducted a demonstration experiment of "Zero Travel" that has been frequently introduced on this site.

Although it is such a time, our company employees participated as staff, so please take a look at the situation.

What is Zero Travel?

The "Regional Decarbonization Roadmap" announced by the government aims to realize a decarbonized society by 2050. Within this framework, the government has taken up "Zero Carbon Drive," which aims to reduce CO2 emissions during transportation to zero, as a key policy.

In ordinary travel, "movement" is always involved. And in that process, especially in the case of cars, CO2 is inevitably emitted. What we created with our partners is "Zero Travel," which aims to achieve zero emissions and allows participants to learn environmentally friendly initiatives.

Our company has been repeating experiments until now. This time, in collaboration with the travel agency Japatora Co., Ltd., and with participation from local residents, we are conducting a commercialization experiment.

Reference article: [Press Release 2021.06.21] Experimenting with a new means of transportation in the decarbonization era, "Zero Travel," in Kumano

Tour Start

At 10 am, participants, tour guides, and staff gathered at JR Shiojiri Station. The transportation for this zero travel will be conducted using electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). We are also utilizing our Tesla Model 3.

Before departure, first, we explain the purpose to the participants. We will carefully explain what a decarbonized society is and why Zero Travel is needed. There were questions from the participants.

That is indeed a sharp question. In fact, strictly speaking, there are cases where the electricity charged into EVs uses grid electricity. In such cases, a method known as "offsetting" is used, where renewable energy generated somewhere is used according to the amount consumed. This time, we will use a system developed by our partner that uses blockchain to trade renewable energy values in real time.

Our company was also involved in the development of this system.

First Stop: Miku Urushi Craft

Departing from the station, the group headed to the mountainous town of Kiso Hirasawa. About 30 minutes from Shiojiri Station. This place has long been famous for its lacquerware production. The first stop is a lacquerware workshop in the area.

The owner of this workshop is currently in their 40s and is said to be the youngest in the industry. The makers of lacquerware are aging yearly, and succession has become an issue.

What feelings do they have about their involvement with lacquerware? What is the process of making lacquerware? What do they want to do with the lacquerware town of Kiso Hirasawa in the future? Their heartfelt stories about how to preserve traditional industries in the region were touching.

*Harley-Davidson made using lacquerware components. Impressive.

Second Stop: Ebizawa Farm, Tsumugu Farm

Next, we are heading to meet local farmers to enjoy delicious Shinshu vegetables.

At Ebizawa Farm, we'll have a sunny lettuce harvest experience, and at Tsumugu Farm, we'll experience corn harvesting.

*From the fields, you can see a spectacular view of the Alps.

*The "sugar corn" from Tsumugu Farm, which is fresh and has a high sugar content, can be eaten raw.

Third Stop: ~Lunch, BBQ~

We will enjoy the harvested vegetables directly from the BBQ. After all, freshly picked vegetables are delicious. The color and shine are also wonderful.

To prevent the spread of infections, we kept a sufficient distance and enjoyed it outside in well-ventilated areas.

Participants' Impressions

From participants who experienced traditional industries and the harvest of highland vegetables unique to Shinshu,

They commented that the sound during movement is quieter compared to gasoline cars.

They were able to understand the new tourism that takes the environment into consideration.

We received such feedback.

On the other hand, due to handling fees for trading renewable energy value, Zero Travel is expected to be slightly more expensive than regular tours. In response,

They said it might be okay if it were about 10% more than a normal tour.

It's hard to say as it depends on the content.

We received honest opinions like these. It is valuable feedback when considering commercialization.