WAKKA (Wakka Inc., Imabari, Ehime) has been honored with the Local Revitalization Minister’s Award at the 5th Japan Service Awards, which recognize the best services across Japan.
Our cycling support services—introduced as “12 Cycling Support Solutions to Share the Beauty of the Shimanami Kaido with the World”—were selected for this award. On December 9, 2025, our General Manager, Hitomi Murakami, received the award directly from Minister Hitoshi Kikawada.
Awarded Cycling Support Services (12 Types)
- Cycle Taxi (Car)
- Cycle Taxi (Boat)
- Bicycle Return Service
- Same-day Luggage Delivery
- Support Car
- Personal Car Relocation
- Guided Cycling Tours
- Premium E-Bike Rentals
- Share-Cycle Network (13 ports across the Shimanami Kaido)
- On-site Repair
- Free Tool Lending
- Refresh Pack (Shower, Changing Space, Laundry)
WAKKA provides a full range of tourism services including hotel, cycling support, restaurant, travel agency, and activity experiences. Our cycling support services began in 2018 with the aim of “solving every cycling concern on the Shimanami Kaido.” Through constant ideas from guests and staff, the lineup has grown to 12 services.
These services are widely used by domestic and international visitors and have greatly contributed to safe, comfortable, and convenient cycling trips. In recent years, demand from inbound guests has increased significantly, especially for our English-language cycling concierge service that combines multiple support options.
This award was made possible thanks to our guests and our team. We sincerely appreciate your continued support. We will keep improving and strive to be even more helpful to everyone traveling the Shimanami Kaido.
Arashi Murakami, CEO
