Sankei Digital, under commission from Ibaraki Prefecture, conducted a promotion using the Taiwanese virtual cycling app “WhiizU” at three locations in Tokyo where cyclists gather, during September.
“WhiizU” features a large number of Ibaraki’s cycling courses recorded with real-life footage, such as the “Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road” and “Oku-Kuji Satoyama Hill Climb Route,” both designated as National Cycle Routes. This allows users to experience these courses as if they were actually riding them. As part of this initiative to promote the prefecture’s cycle routes, virtual ride experience events were held with guest participants at popular spots and facilities for cyclists along the Arakawa and Tamagawa rivers.
At the events in Inagi Central Park on September 14 (Sat) and Arakawa BASE CYCLING STATION on September 21 (Sat), Ibaraki Cycling Navigator Shino-san joined as a guest. The time trial challenge where participants competed with Shino-san was very popular and lively.
From September 23 (Mon/Holiday) to 29, there was a booth at TX PLAZA Akihabara, offering a casual virtual cycling experience. On the final day, the other Ibaraki Cycling Navigator, Moe-san, appeared as a guest and promoted Ibaraki’s attractive cycling routes via a live broadcast.
WhiizU offers a wide lineup of Ibaraki Prefecture cycling courses in real video. The following is a list of included courses:
– Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road
– Hitachi Oarai Seaside Route
– Hitachi Seaside Park
– Oku-Kuji Satoyama Hill Climb Route
– Mt. Yamizo
