Amphibious Bus 'Yamanakako no Kaba' Resumes Operations on June 13th & New Vehicle Debut! Get Closer to Mt. Fuji and the Sky! Introducing the 'Open KABA' with a Retractable Roof
Key facts
- Amphibious Bus 'Yamanakako no Kaba' Resumes Operations on June 13th & New Vehicle Debut! Get Closer to Mt. Fuji and the Sky! Introducing the 'Open KABA' with a Retractable Roof
- Fuji Kyu Bus Co., Ltd., part of the Fuji Kyu Group, will begin operating a new vehicle, the 'Open KABA,' for its amphibious bus service 'Yamanakako no Kaba' on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This is the first new vehicle in six years and features an electric retractable roof, allowing for a more direct experience of nature. The pre-show and in-bus guidance have also been renewed, with multilingual support expanded to five languages for international visitors.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 11, 2026
Direct answer
Fuji Kyu Bus Co., Ltd., part of the Fuji Kyu Group, will begin operating a new vehicle, the 'Open KABA,' for its amphibious bus service 'Yamanakako no Kaba' on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This is the first new vehicle in six years and features an electric retractable roof, allowing for a more direct experience of nature. The pre-show and in-bus guidance have also been renewed, with multilingual support expanded to five languages for international visitors.
- Citation
- Amphibious Bus 'Yamanakako no Kaba' Resumes Operations on June 13th & New Vehicle Debut! Get Closer to Mt. Fuji and the Sky! Introducing the 'Open KABA' with a Retractable Roof (June 11, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 11, 2026
Fuji Kyu Bus Co., Ltd., part of the Fuji Kyu Group, will begin operating a new vehicle, the 'Open KABA,' for its amphibious bus service 'Yamanakako no Kaba' on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This is the first new vehicle in six years and features an electric retractable roof, allowing for a more direct experience of nature. The pre-show and in-bus guidance have also been renewed, with multilingual support expanded to five languages for international visitors.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 11, 2026 at 11:21
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 18:15 (30h 54m after Collected)
Fuji Kyu Bus Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture; President: Takeshi Furuya), a member of the Fuji Kyu Group, will commence operations of a new vehicle, the 'Open KABA (KABA No. 5),' for its amphibious bus service 'Yamanakako no Kaba (YAMANAKAKO NO KABA)' starting Saturday, June 13, 2026.
'Yamanakako no Kaba,' which offers the thrilling experience of diving into the lake with the bus and cruising on Lake Yamanaka with views of the majestic Mt. Fuji, has been a popular activity since its launch in 2011, attracting many customers both domestically and internationally. Due to the impact of low water levels in Lake Yamanaka, operations were suspended from November 2025. However, with the prospect of a safe operating environment now established, the service will resume with a new vehicle and enhanced features.
The new 'Open KABA' vehicle, the first introduced in six years, is equipped with an electric retractable roof, allowing passengers to experience the refreshing wind, sunlight, and water spray of nature more directly, depending on the weather. In conjunction with the introduction of the new vehicle, the interior of the departure and arrival hub, Asahigaoka Bus Terminal, and the pre-show room videos displayed on three screens before boarding have also been renewed. Furthermore, the guidance videos and scenarios shown inside the bus for international visitors have been expanded from the previous two languages to five, making 'Yamanakako no Kaba' more accessible and comfortable for a wider range of customers.
Moving forward, we will continue to prioritize safe operations to ensure that customers can enjoy 'Yamanakako no Kaba,' an experience unique to the Mt. Fuji and Lake Yamanaka area, with peace of mind. We look forward to your continued support.
Debut of New Vehicles 'Open KABA (KABA No. 5 & 6)'
In conjunction with the resumption of operations, we will launch the new vehicle 'Open KABA (KABA No. 5).' This marks the first new vehicle introduction in six years, following the debut of 'KABA No. 4' in 2019. Another 'Open KABA (KABA No. 6)' is scheduled to join in July 2026, further enhancing our operational capacity.
The most significant feature of the new vehicle is its electric retractable roof. By opening or closing it according to the weather and season, passengers can experience the refreshing wind and nature of Lake Yamanaka more directly. While retaining the powerful splash experience characteristic of the KABA bus, this new model enhances openness and comfort, offering a novel tourist experience.
Complete Overhaul of Show and Service Content
(1) New Photo Booth with 'Chibi Kaba-chan'
To coincide with the resumption of operations, the interior of the Asahigaoka Bus Terminal has been renovated into a more exciting space. In addition to a panel where visitors can pose by peeking through the KABA bus windows, a new life-sized panel featuring the popular original character 'Chibi Kaba-chan' has been installed, allowing for fun photo opportunities during the waiting time before departure.
(2) 'New Pre-Show' to Heighten Anticipation Before Boarding
The pre-show video, viewed before boarding the bus, has been completely renewed. Centered around animation, it tells a story of embarking on an adventure to 'search for treasure in Lake Yamanaka with Chibi Kaba-chan,' featuring interactions between the attendant, guests, and Chibi Kaba-chan, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.
The pre-show viewing space has also been updated with a warm, wood-accented interior, enhancing the immersive experience and building anticipation before boarding.
(3) Enhanced Multilingual Support for Clearer Guidance
The guidance videos and scenarios shown inside the KABA bus have been revamped. To accommodate the increasing number of foreign tourists, multilingual support has been strengthened. The number of supported languages has been expanded from two to five, ensuring clearer and more comfortable guidance for all passengers. (Supported languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Indonesian)
New Vehicle Debut SNS Campaign
■ Implementation Date
Starting Saturday, June 13, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis (for the first 1,000 customers) *Ends when supplies run out
■ Content
Customers who post a photo of the KABA bus on social media (Instagram, TikTok, etc.) and show their post at the KABA counter (2nd floor, Yamanakako Asahigaoka Bus Terminal) will receive an original clear file featuring the new vehicles 'KABA No. 5' and 'KABA No. 6'.
*Photos of other vehicles or the pre-show space are also eligible, not just those of the new vehicles.
*Image
About the Amphibious Bus 'Yamanakako no Kaba (YAMANAKAKO NO KABA)'
Launched in April 2011 on Lake Yamanaka, this was Yamanashi Prefecture's first amphibious bus. Designed by Eiji Mitooka, a leading industrial designer in Japan, it is inspired by the hippopotamus, the king of animals living both in water and on land, and an ancient Egyptian guardian deity. Equipped with wheels and a propeller, it allows visitors to experience the beauty of Mt. Fuji and the nature of Lake Yamanaka from both land and water.
■ Operating Days
Daily (Operation may be canceled due to weather conditions)
■ Number of Departures
6-9 departures per day (varies by season; increased departures during summer and peak periods)
■ Ride Duration
Approximately 30 minutes (including video)
■ Departure/Arrival Location
Yamanakako Asahigaoka Bus Terminal 'Mori no Eki'
■ Access
Highway Bus: Immediate access from 'Yamanakako Asahigaoka' stop on the Chuo Expressway Fujigoko Line
Train/Local Bus: Approximately 40 minutes by local bus or loop bus from Fujikyu Railway 'Kawaguchiko Station'
Car: Approximately 10 minutes from 'Yamanakako IC' on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
■ Fares
Adults: ¥2,800 / Children: ¥1,400
(Summer Fares July 1 - August 31: Adults ¥3,000 / Children ¥1,500)
■ Reservations
Fujiyama Connect
https://www.fujiyamaconnect.jp/tenant/82/product/bus/KABA-1/
Company Profile
Company Name: Fuji Kyu Bus Co., Ltd.
Representative: Takeshi Furuya
Established: January 10, 1991
Location: 4837 Kodachi, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Business Activities: General chartered passenger transport business / General scheduled passenger transport business
Official Website: https://www.fujikyubus.co.jp/
'Yamanakako no Kaba,' which offers the thrilling experience of diving into the lake with the bus and cruising on Lake Yamanaka with views of the majestic Mt. Fuji, has been a popular activity since its launch in 2011, attracting many customers both domestically and internationally. Due to the impact of low water levels in Lake Yamanaka, operations were suspended from November 2025. However, with the prospect of a safe operating environment now established, the service will resume with a new vehicle and enhanced features.
The new 'Open KABA' vehicle, the first introduced in six years, is equipped with an electric retractable roof, allowing passengers to experience the refreshing wind, sunlight, and water spray of nature more directly, depending on the weather. In conjunction with the introduction of the new vehicle, the interior of the departure and arrival hub, Asahigaoka Bus Terminal, and the pre-show room videos displayed on three screens before boarding have also been renewed. Furthermore, the guidance videos and scenarios shown inside the bus for international visitors have been expanded from the previous two languages to five, making 'Yamanakako no Kaba' more accessible and comfortable for a wider range of customers.
Moving forward, we will continue to prioritize safe operations to ensure that customers can enjoy 'Yamanakako no Kaba,' an experience unique to the Mt. Fuji and Lake Yamanaka area, with peace of mind. We look forward to your continued support.
Debut of New Vehicles 'Open KABA (KABA No. 5 & 6)'
In conjunction with the resumption of operations, we will launch the new vehicle 'Open KABA (KABA No. 5).' This marks the first new vehicle introduction in six years, following the debut of 'KABA No. 4' in 2019. Another 'Open KABA (KABA No. 6)' is scheduled to join in July 2026, further enhancing our operational capacity.
The most significant feature of the new vehicle is its electric retractable roof. By opening or closing it according to the weather and season, passengers can experience the refreshing wind and nature of Lake Yamanaka more directly. While retaining the powerful splash experience characteristic of the KABA bus, this new model enhances openness and comfort, offering a novel tourist experience.
Complete Overhaul of Show and Service Content
(1) New Photo Booth with 'Chibi Kaba-chan'
To coincide with the resumption of operations, the interior of the Asahigaoka Bus Terminal has been renovated into a more exciting space. In addition to a panel where visitors can pose by peeking through the KABA bus windows, a new life-sized panel featuring the popular original character 'Chibi Kaba-chan' has been installed, allowing for fun photo opportunities during the waiting time before departure.
(2) 'New Pre-Show' to Heighten Anticipation Before Boarding
The pre-show video, viewed before boarding the bus, has been completely renewed. Centered around animation, it tells a story of embarking on an adventure to 'search for treasure in Lake Yamanaka with Chibi Kaba-chan,' featuring interactions between the attendant, guests, and Chibi Kaba-chan, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.
The pre-show viewing space has also been updated with a warm, wood-accented interior, enhancing the immersive experience and building anticipation before boarding.
(3) Enhanced Multilingual Support for Clearer Guidance
The guidance videos and scenarios shown inside the KABA bus have been revamped. To accommodate the increasing number of foreign tourists, multilingual support has been strengthened. The number of supported languages has been expanded from two to five, ensuring clearer and more comfortable guidance for all passengers. (Supported languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Indonesian)
New Vehicle Debut SNS Campaign
■ Implementation Date
Starting Saturday, June 13, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis (for the first 1,000 customers) *Ends when supplies run out
■ Content
Customers who post a photo of the KABA bus on social media (Instagram, TikTok, etc.) and show their post at the KABA counter (2nd floor, Yamanakako Asahigaoka Bus Terminal) will receive an original clear file featuring the new vehicles 'KABA No. 5' and 'KABA No. 6'.
*Photos of other vehicles or the pre-show space are also eligible, not just those of the new vehicles.
*Image
About the Amphibious Bus 'Yamanakako no Kaba (YAMANAKAKO NO KABA)'
Launched in April 2011 on Lake Yamanaka, this was Yamanashi Prefecture's first amphibious bus. Designed by Eiji Mitooka, a leading industrial designer in Japan, it is inspired by the hippopotamus, the king of animals living both in water and on land, and an ancient Egyptian guardian deity. Equipped with wheels and a propeller, it allows visitors to experience the beauty of Mt. Fuji and the nature of Lake Yamanaka from both land and water.
■ Operating Days
Daily (Operation may be canceled due to weather conditions)
■ Number of Departures
6-9 departures per day (varies by season; increased departures during summer and peak periods)
■ Ride Duration
Approximately 30 minutes (including video)
■ Departure/Arrival Location
Yamanakako Asahigaoka Bus Terminal 'Mori no Eki'
■ Access
Highway Bus: Immediate access from 'Yamanakako Asahigaoka' stop on the Chuo Expressway Fujigoko Line
Train/Local Bus: Approximately 40 minutes by local bus or loop bus from Fujikyu Railway 'Kawaguchiko Station'
Car: Approximately 10 minutes from 'Yamanakako IC' on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
■ Fares
Adults: ¥2,800 / Children: ¥1,400
(Summer Fares July 1 - August 31: Adults ¥3,000 / Children ¥1,500)
■ Reservations
Fujiyama Connect
https://www.fujiyamaconnect.jp/tenant/82/product/bus/KABA-1/
Company Profile
Company Name: Fuji Kyu Bus Co., Ltd.
Representative: Takeshi Furuya
Established: January 10, 1991
Location: 4837 Kodachi, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Business Activities: General chartered passenger transport business / General scheduled passenger transport business
Official Website: https://www.fujikyubus.co.jp/
FAQ
What are the attractions of the new 'Open KABA' vehicle?
The electric retractable roof allows passengers to directly feel the refreshing wind and sunlight according to the weather, offering a more open experience.
What other changes are being made for the service resumption?
Changes include renovation of the terminal interior, addition of character photo booths, renewal of the story-based pre-show video, and expansion of in-bus guidance to 5 languages.
How can I participate in the SNS campaign?
Post a photo of the KABA bus on social media and show the post at the counter to receive an original clear file (first 1,000 customers).
What are the fares?
Regular fares are ¥2,800 for adults and ¥1,400 for children. Summer fares (July 1 - Aug 31) are ¥3,000 for adults and ¥1,500 for children.
How can I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made through the 'Fujiyama Connect' website, the URL for which is provided in the article.