Guided Segway™ Tour in the Millennium Forest

Segway™

The first “Segway™ Tour” in Japan started in Tokachi Millennium Forest. The Segway™ is an amazing vehicle; you can go forwards or backwards, and change speed and direction, just by shifting your weight on it. Why don’t you experience riding a Segway™, which feels like it becomes a part of your body?

The Segway™ was invented by an American inventor Dean Kamen and put on sale in 2002. Since September 2006, the second generation models have been on the market, including cross-country and golf-course transporter models, which can cruise the fields and hills of the Millennium Forest.

The Segway™ is an environmental-friendly vehicle that uses a rechargeable battery instead of gasoline and does not emit exhaust fumes. It has no accelerator or break but is controlled by the shifting weight of the rider. The 100-times-per-second adjustments by the two sensors and five gyroscopes maintain the balance.

You can learn how to ride a Segway™ in five to ten minutes. Some quick learners can ride it as soon as they put both feet on it. The Road Traffic Law has prevented the Segway™ from becoming popular in Japan, but we provide off-road Segway™ tours so visitors can appreciate the landscape, the natural setting and modern art, and learn about forest restoration and improvements as well.

Official Segway™ site

First challenge the Segway™ Meadow Course!

First challenge the Segway™ Meadow Course!

After practicing in the meadow, you will go up the Millennium Hill. You must experience the magnificent view from the top of the Hill. Now step aside into the forest to have a break. Just spend a relaxing time listening to the murmur of the stream.

Segway? Tour Second Stage!

Segway™ Tour Second Stage!

Those who experience the Meadow Course will enjoy touring deep into the huge Millennium Forest. You will slowly go around feeling the breath of the forest.

Segway™ Course Map

Segway™ Course Map

Information

Fee: ￥8,400 (2 hours: 30 minutes for practice, 90 minutes for guided tour)
time schedule: 10:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00, (Come to the second floor of Mansard Hall 15 minutes before the starting time)
Please make a reservation by 17:00 the previous day.
Cancellation fee: 50% if made the previous day, 100% on the day of the tour
For people between the ages of 18 and 69, and weighing from 45 to 100 kilograms.
Tours will be conducted in a light rain, but cancelled in heavy rains or strong winds.
Dress for a stroll in the forest. High heels are not acceptable.

Segway Tour Availability

*White o…Available, Yellow △…Limited availability, Gray x…Unavailable

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*Availability may change at any moment. Making reservations promptly is recommended. Reservations close at 17:00 the day before the tour.

Segway™ Tour Guide

Segway™ Tour Guide

Hideyuki “Hide-san” Kobayashi
“I hope to show interesting things about the forests and nature. Please feel free to talk to me when you see me in the Millennium Forest.”

Schedule

0:00 - 0:30　Practice

Segway™ beginners need practice. You need to get your sense of balance so that you can cruise on the meadow.

0:30　Hit the road!

Enjoy riding the Segway™ in an incomparable location.

0:45　Up the Millennium Hill

From the top of the Millennium Hill you can take in an extensive view of the Millennium Forest. Every season provides its own wonderful scenery.

1:00　Break in the forest

Just step aside and walk into the forest. Take a break surrounded by the forest and feel the forest.

Take part in making the Millennium Forest.

Plant a tree in the forest. It is a good chance to think about the forest and natural environment.