Amphibious Bus "YAMANAKAKO NO KABA" Resumes Operation. New "Open KABA" Vehicle, First in 6 Years, Adds to the Thrill of the Lake Dive

New Vehicle Joins "YAMANAKAKO NO KABA" Amphibious Bus Fleet for the First Time in 6 Years, Operations Resume June 13

 Fuji Kyuko Bus will launch operations of the new "Open KABA (KABA No. 5)" vehicle for its amphibious "YAMANAKAKO NO KABA" bus on June 13.

 This activity, operating at Lake Yamanakako, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, since 2011, offers a unique experience where the entire bus plunges into the lake for a cruise with spectacular views of the majestic Mt. Fuji. Operations had been suspended since November 2023 due to falling water levels, but with a safe operating environment now anticipated, the service will resume with new vehicles and enhanced features.

 The new "Open KABA" vehicle, the first to be introduced in six years, features an electric retractable roof that allows passengers to more directly experience nature—such as refreshing breezes, sunlight, and water splashes—depending on the weather.

The new "Open KABA (KABA No. 5)" vehicle, debuting with the resumption of operations. Another "Open KABA (KABA No. 6)" is scheduled to be added in July.

To commemorate the new vehicle's debut, the first 1,000 passengers from June 13 will receive a complimentary original clear file folder.

 Additionally, a new photo booth where visitors can take pictures with the mascot character "Chibi Kaba-chan" will be set up at the "Mori-no-Eki" Asahigaoka Bus Terminal, the departure and arrival point. The three-screen video in the pre-show room, designed to build excitement before boarding, has been revamped into an animated story titled "Let's Go on an Adventure with Chibi Kaba-chan to Find the Treasure of Lake Yamanakako!"

 The in-bus guide video and script have also been expanded from the previous two languages to five languages.

The interior of the "Mori-no-Eki" Lake Yamanakako Asahigaoka Bus Terminal has been renovated. In addition to the KABA bus face-in-hole photo board, a life-sized panel for photos next to "Chibi Kaba-chan" has been installed.

The pre-show video viewed before boarding has been updated to an animated story featuring interactions between the attendant, guests, and Chibi Kaba-chan. The pre-show room now has a warm, wood-themed interior.

 The YAMANAKAKO NO KABA operates 6 to 9 times daily (subject to cancellation due to weather). The ride duration is approximately 30 minutes (including video screenings).

 Fares are 2,800 yen for adults and 1,400 yen for children (summer fares: 3,000 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for children). Reservations can be made through "Fujiyama Connect".