A new summer-only "Evening Cool Breeze Ride" is coming to amphibious bus "Yamanakako no Kaba (YAMANAKAKO NO KABA)," running as a special one-trip-per-day service after the last regular departure from Saturday, August 8 through Monday, August 31, 2026. The ride is operated by Fujikyu Bus Co., Ltd., part of the Fujikyu Group, based in Fujikawaguchiko-cho, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture.
The Evening Cool Breeze Ride is designed to let riders enjoy Lake Yamanaka's scenery and Mount Fuji in comfort once the day's heat eases in the evening. Passengers can take in the refreshing breeze off the lake, the clear evening air, and Mount Fuji's changing expression compared to daytime. Everyone who boards the special service also receives an original fan as a gift — handy for feeling the cool breeze, and a nice keepsake of a summer outing with family or friends.
Yamanakako no Kaba is an amphibious bus that dramatically dives from land into the lake in a big splash, letting riders enjoy both land and water in a single trip. The powerful dive right in front of passengers, followed by a leisurely cruise on the lake, makes it a popular activity that brings smiles to children and adults alike. Taking in the scenery together and cheering at the splash makes for a memorable summer holiday experience for the whole family.
Lake Yamanaka sits at an elevation of roughly 1,000 meters, making it a cooler, comfortable summer retreat compared to central Tokyo. For a summer outing, the Evening Cool Breeze Ride offers a chance to enjoy the cool evening breeze along with sweeping views of Mount Fuji and Lake Yamanaka — a special amphibious bus experience available only during this season.
Enjoy Lake Yamanaka at Dusk With the Summer-Only "Evening Cool Breeze Ride"
The Evening Cool Breeze Ride runs after the regular last departure (4:00 PM) as a special one-trip-per-day service. The ride time and route are the same as the regular service, but with a 4:45 PM departure timed to when the midday heat eases, riders can enjoy a more comfortable amphibious bus trip with the cool breeze unique to summer.
Summer-Only "Evening Cool Breeze Ride" Overview
Operating Period: Saturday, August 8 – Monday, August 31, 2026
Operating Days: Daily (may be suspended due to weather, etc.)
Number of Departures: 1 per day
Departure Time: 4:45 PM
Ride Time: Approx. 30 minutes (including video screening)
Departure/Arrival Point: Yamanakako Asahigaoka Bus Terminal "Mori no Eki"
Fare: Adults ¥3,000, Children ¥1,500
Reservations: Fujiyama Connect
https://www.fujiyamaconnect.jp/tenant/82/product/bus/KABA-1/
In the evening, Lake Yamanaka is at its best: a pleasant breeze crosses the water's surface, and the lake takes on a calmer look than during the day. Looking up through the open roof, the sky gradually shifts into dusk colors, with soft light reflecting on the lake's surface. On clear days, riders may even catch a striking view of Mount Fuji or a beautifully colored sunset.
Original Fan Gift for Every "Evening Cool Breeze Ride" Passenger
Everyone who rides the Evening Cool Breeze Ride receives an original, period-limited fan design as a gift. Riding Yamanakako no Kaba through the Lake Yamanaka evening, guests can enjoy a refreshing summer moment with their fan in hand alongside the cool breeze off the lake. Watching the sunlit lake surface and the grand Mount Fuji while feeling the cool air makes for a memorable ride unique to the Evening Cool Breeze Ride.
The original fan is a limited-run novelty available only this summer. It can be taken home as a memento of the ride, and it also makes a nice keepsake of a family summer holiday.
About Amphibious Bus "Yamanakako no Kaba (YAMANAKAKO NO KABA)"
Yamanakako no Kaba began operating at Lake Yamanaka in April 2011, becoming Yamanashi Prefecture's first amphibious bus. Its design is the work of Eiji Mitooka, one of Japan's leading industrial designers, modeled after the hippopotamus — an animal at home on both land and water, and a guardian deity in ancient Egypt. Equipped with both wheels and a screw propeller, it lets riders experience the beauty of Mount Fuji and Lake Yamanaka from land and water alike.
Operating Days: Daily (may be suspended due to weather)
Number of Departures: 6–9 per day (varies by season; more departures may run in summer depending on congestion)
Ride Time: Approx. 30 minutes (including video)
Departure/Arrival Point: Yamanakako Asahigaoka Bus Terminal "Mori no Eki"
Access:
Highway bus: Alight at "Yamanakako Asahigaoka" on the Chuo Expressway Bus Fuji Goko Line
Train & local bus: About 40 minutes by local/sightseeing bus from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyuko Line
Car: About 10 minutes from Yamanakako IC on the Higashi-Fuji Goko Road
Fare: Adults ¥2,800, Children ¥1,400 (Summer rate, July 1 – August 31: Adults ¥3,000, Children ¥1,500)
Reservations: Fujiyama Connect
https://www.fujiyamaconnect.jp/tenant/82/product/bus/KABA-1/
Reservations open from 30 days before the ride date up to 30 minutes before departure.
