Because many of the test tour participants were using a lift-equipped bus for the first time, the bus driver game them some information on how to board, and also made sure everyone who needed help received it. Because each wheelchair user had to board, and each chair fixed in place, the trip took longer than regular bus tours. This reminded everyone that time should be allotted as necessary when planning tours for people with disabilities.

Before starting the trek of Hossawa Falls, Mr. Fujita, Section Manager at Fujimi Kogen Resort, talked about how to use wheelchair-pulling devices and outdoor wheelchairs.
In general, to provide proper support, one person should be in front of the wheelchair and one behind.
On steep slopes, two people should be in front and one person behind.
Take the proper steps to respond to wider or narrow roads.
People with disabilities feel more at ease if you speak to them in a commanding voice. Also ensure that the person with the disability feels comfortable speaking to you.
Participants from travel agencies and other entities provided support in front and back of both wheelchair-pulling devices and outdoor wheelchairs, gaining hands-on support for people with disabilities to be able to trek. Tubeless tire wheelchairs were used with the wheelchair-pulling devices in order to avoid problems with flat tires during the trek.

Hossawa Falls in Hinohara Village has been named one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. There is a promenade from the parking lot to the waterfall basin that takes approximately 15 minutes to walk (note that there are unpaved areas and steps).
For the test tour, specialist guides for people with visual disabilities were employed, while participants looked on. These specialists made effective use of the clock position to give more detailed information on location and direction, including road width, slope incline, uneven ground, objects to the right and left, etc.
It is noted that for each person with a visual disability, sufficient space for two people to walk is optimal. In addition, because multiple people are need to provide sufficient support to wheelchair users during mountain trekking, it is important to ensure that roads are wide enough. At the same time it is also key to be able to adapt to changing road width.
There were many visitors on the day of the event, which meant that on narrow parts of the path, going both up and down, people had to make way for each other. In order to ensure a safe trekking experience, it is important that guides are aware of conditions on the route ahead of time, particularly spots where people pass each other.

At the Hinohara Tokyo Citizen’s Forest, located in the westernmost part of Tokyo, the trekkers walked the Mito Otaki Trekking Course. Like the trip to Hossawa Falls, the group assisted the people with disabilities on the tour using wheelchair-pulling devices and an outdoor wheelchair to proceed along the woodchip-lined Therapy Road, taking approximately one hour. In addition, the participants from travel agencies took turns riding the wheelchairs to get the experience of being assisted, which helped them to identify what kind of help is needed in a given situation. They found that the people with disabilities felt especially comfortable when the guides spoke to them from in front and behind.

After the test trek, Mr. Fujita, Section Manager at Fujimi Kogen Resort, gave a lecture followed by opinion-sharing on the monitor tour by the participants.
The company’s goals are: “to not leave anyone behind,” and “ everyone can participate without issue,” and to provide a space that “anyone and everyone can enjoy.” To achieve these objectives, the company works to reduce physical, social, and economic barriers--i.e. universal tourism—-answering to doubts about whether a person can go somewhere; anyone’s wish to go somewhere; and his or her ability to go to a certain place again. The company also works to create all-inclusive tourist locations that everyone can enjoy, where people can have fun and create the optimal environment together. To make such initiatives successful, he noted that the following points should be considered:
・These kinds of opportunities should be offered regularly, not just as special events. ・Offering options that are accessible to families, without any special technologies or requiring greater-than-normal strength ・Accessible to anyone, not just high income individuals, or those with special connections (price, opportunity) ・Ordinary users have access, as this is not a service In addition, information was provided on services and equipment offered by the Fujimi Kogen Resort as part of its inclusive nature-based experiences
・Sky Cart: A variety of individuals have access, since it doesn’t require a driver’s license. Wheelchairs can ride in the back. ・Outdoor wheelchair HIPPOcampe: Can be borrowed for attending events ・JINRIKI: A dedicated device attached to wheelchair for the purpose of pulling it, lent free of charge ・Mobile X (foldable electronic cart): For the elderly or people with disabilities who wish to go somewhere but are incapable of walking long distances ・ParaMotion (foldable electric golf cart): Adapted for electric wheelchair users on poor roads. It can go upright by raising the seat. Furthermore, in a collaborative effort with local social welfare organizations, an overview was given of initiatives to provide nature-based experiences, including the use of wheelchair-pulling devices.

Businesses participating in the workshops and test tours rated the experience
of the wheelchair-pulling devices and amphibious devices highly, commenting that they would like to incorporate these devices in their tours if they had the opportunity. They were also enthusiastic about the possibility of developing Tokyo nature-based tourism products.
Participants and their caregivers gave positive feedback: “To be able to move along unpaved roads in my wheelchair was something entirely new to us, and it was really wonderful.My son in a wheelchair seemed frightened at first, but he really calmed down hearing the upbeat voice of the people pulling his chair. Since we can’t normally climb mountains, this was quite the treat.” “Moving along through the greenery was really nice, the air was so fresh, and the guide helped us a lot, so much that we were able to navigate uneven ground, tree roots, etc.” “I realized that I can go trekking along wood chip-covered paths in my simple electric-powered wheelchair.”

As of FY2024, Tokyo Metropolitan has established the "Subsidy for Nature Experience Tourism Promotion Project that everyone can enjoy.
The subsidy covers overhead costs, including equipment, required for programs offering relaxing tourism experiences in Tokyo’s natural environment for people with disabilities and the elderly. Wheelchair towing devices, as introduced in the article, are also eligible for subsidies.
For details, please refer to the following URL.
https://www.sangyo-rodo.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tourism/kakusyu/nature/