KYODO NEWS - Nov 27, 2017 - 15:42 | Lifestyle, All

A new Tokyo Bay amphibious bus tour was launched Monday to service the expected influx of foreign tourists drawn to the city ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

Fuji Kyuko Co. operates the 12-meter-long bus named "TOKYO NO KABA" (Tokyo's Hippo). The cruise takes it under the Rainbow Bridge that spans Tokyo Bay after winding through the office buildings and entertainment complexes in the nearby Odaiba area.

The bus seats 38 and offers tour information in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Indonesian. It was designed by Eiji Mitooka, known for his train and other industrial designs including the luxurious cruise train "Seven Stars in Kyushu" operated by Kyushu Railway Co.

Fuji Kyuko operates a 45-minute tour seven times daily, six days a week. The fare is 3,500 yen ($31) for an adult, 1,700 yen for a child aged at 4 or older, and 500 yen for those at 3 or younger. The company expects 60,000 customers per year.

Hinomaru Jidousya Kougyo Co. also provides a similar bus tour in the area.