ITOCHU Launches Development Plan for Japan's First ‘Next-Generation Core Logistics Facilities’ Directly Connected to an Expressway Interchange

Core logistics base with the potential to accept next generation mobility, including fully automated trucks

February 3, 2022

ITOCHU Corporation (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Keita Ishii, President & COO; hereinafter “ITOCHU”) is currently working with the Joyo East Development Limited Liability Business Association (member companies: Taisei Kaihatsu Co., Inc. and Esudick Co., Ltd.) to apply for a site development for logistics facilities in Aodani advance maintenance area in the hilly area in the east of Joyo-shi, Kyoto Prefecture (Block B), and the adjacent Uji-Tawara-cho area (North of IC Block) (hereinafter "Planning Area"). In addition, ITOCHU has begun considering Tokyu Land Corporation's development of key logistics facilities as a next-generation logistics base.

In recent years, the logistics industry has been facing the urgent issues of solving the serious shortage of truck drivers, especially in transportation along the east-west trunk line, and building a logistics network with high delivery efficiency by improving the loading ratio, the ratio of loading trips to total trips, and the like. The new logistics system as part of the measures to solve these problems includes the promotion of the use of double-coupled trucks and demonstration tests for the social implementation of trucks traveling in convoy.

Aodani prioritized maintenance area is positioned as a next-generation logistics base in the Concept of Higher-Order Foot Traffic and Logistics to leverage the Shin-Meishin Expressway formulated by Kyoto Prefecture. This is an area aimed at developing a wide-area major logistics system as a core logistics base that responds to the logistics revolution, such as the introduction of platooning and autonomous driving on highways utilizing new technologies (IoT/AI) and automation in logistics facilities using robot equipment. In collaboration with Tokyu Land Corporation, ITOCHU will consider developing logistics facilities that supports a new logistics system by realizing drive ways exclusively for automobiles directly connected to the expressway interchange.

Through this project, ITOCHU will contribute to the realization of a safe, comfortable, and efficient logistics society by promoting the advancement of logistics.

Location map of the Planning Area

Outline of the Development Plan for the Planning Area

Location Aodani advance maintenance area (Block B) in the hilly area in the east of Joyo-shi, Kyoto Prefecture and adjacent Ujitawara-cho area (North of IC Block)
Development area* Block B) Approx. 86,200m2 
North of IC Block) Approx. 36,500m2 Total: Approx. 122,700m2
Land use plan* Block B) 3 residential land zones 81,800m2 Legally mandated green space 2,600m2 Pathways etc. 1,800m2
North of IC Block) 1 residential land zone 35,400m2 Legally mandated green space 1,100m2
Outline of building plan* Block B) Total floor area of 3 buildings approximately 193,000m2
North of IC Block) Total floor area of 1 building approx. 85,000m2
  • *The above is an outline of the plan as of today and is subject to change in the future.

Image of the completed logistics facility in Aodani advance maintenance area, including the Planning Area

Provided by Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.