UTSUNOMIYA -- A study group aiming to introduce an eco-friendly public transportation system, such as a ropeway, to improve access to the mountainous Oku Nikko region without relying on cars held its first meeting at the Tochigi Prefectural Government building on Jan. 27.

The group consists of 14 working-level officials from the prefectural government, the city of Nikko and Tobu Railway Co. overseeing transportation, environmental issues, tourism, and regional development. Hiroshi Ishizaki, head of the prefecture's transportation policy division, chairs the group. Ishizaki emphasized the importance of sustainable development, stating, "To make the Oku Nikko region sustainable, it is essential to introduce community-friendly mobility solutions and facilitate the flow of people and goods."

While the specific route and type of transportation system have not been finalized, the preliminary plan suggests a route spanning from the starting point of the iconic Irohazaka winding slope to the Tobu Bus rotary near the slope's end.

A baseline survey will begin early in the next fiscal year to assess traffic congestion during peak tourism seasons, daily travel burdens along Irohazaka, and challenges such as driver shortages for logistics and public transportation. The group will also explore carbon-neutral solutions and evaluate mobility systems to address local issues. Based on the survey findings, discussions will expand to include the national government and local stakeholders, with the goal of developing implementation plans.

Although Tobu Railway has not been officially named as the operator of the proposed system, the company is deeply involved in the region's transportation infrastructure, including Tobu-nikko Station, Oku Nikko bus routes, and sightseeing boats on Lake Chuzenji. Given this, the prefectural government has stated that it is "impossible to consider plans without Tobu Railway."

For several years, the prefecture has held study sessions to enhance the appeal of the Nikko region, with the city of Nikko and Tobu Railway participating as observers. During his gubernatorial campaign last fall, Gov. Tomikazu Fukuda pledged to introduce a new mobility system in the region. He had since announced plans to launch the study group and allocate survey funds in the fiscal 2025 budget.

(Japanese original by Hiroko Arita, Utsunomiya Bureau)