After having lunch at Koshu Hoto Kozakura Yamanakako branch, our family headed to Asahigaoka at Lake Yamanakako for the KABA amphibious bus, which we had reserved two weeks earlier. After parking in the free parking lot in front of Asahigaoka, we went inside to gather.
We arrived about 20 minutes early. The interior was decorated with many cute KABA hippo illustrations, and other passengers began checking in one after another.
After a briefing about the rules indoors, we prepared to board the KABA bus. The entrance and exit are located at a single door in the rear, with a ladder for boarding and disembarking.
The bus first drove on regular roads from Asahigaoka, and in about five minutes, we reached the lakeshore. There is a special ramp leading into the lake, and the guide began a countdown of “3, 2, 1,” after which the driver accelerated and drove the KABA amphibious bus straight into the lake.
↑KABA amphibious bus plunging into Lake Yamanakako (first-person view)
At that moment, about one-third of the windshield became fully covered, as water splashed up and crashed against it. It was very exciting.
The KABA bus then cruised around roughly half of the lake. The guide showed us a large illustrated booklet explaining how the amphibious bus works, the size and depth of Lake Yamanakako, and some history of Mount Fuji.
Before long, we returned to the shore using the same ramp and drove back to the Asahigaoka bus stop. After getting off, we took photos of the driver’s cockpit. In addition to the gear shift and handbrake, there were many panels and monitors. Driving this vehicle clearly requires skill. We also took photos of the seats, which were decorated with adorable hippo patterns.
After finishing the KABA ride, we decided to walk to the spot where the bus had driven into the lake earlier. After parking again, we headed toward Asahigaoka Lakeside Green Park. While waiting for the next KABA bus to splash into the water, we saw tourists feeding swans. It was our first time seeing baby swans — they were incredibly cute and tiny.
↑ Cute baby swans at Lake Yamanakako
↑The next KABA bus plunging into Lake Yamanakako
Amphibious bus & YAMANAKAKO NO KABA
Official Website：https://en.kaba-bus.com/yamanakako/
Access：https://en.kaba-bus.com/yamanakako/access
Phone Reservations：0555-73-8181、0570-022956
Timetable：https://en.kaba-bus.com/yamanakako/timetable
Map：
More articles :
- Eating the famous stewed melon hoto at Koshu Hoto Kozakura Yamanakako branch
- Take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway at Lake Kawaguchi to Tenjoyama Park to enjoy the view
- Lake Kawaguchi’s Oishi Park is already crowded early in the morning, and there are many beautiful flowers here