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. (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/