「Hakoneen AquariumLeaving the area behind, I headed towards the shores of Lake Ashi, where mist was slowly rising. The entire area was enveloped in a soft white, and a fantastical landscape unfolded before me, as if I had wandered into a scene from a storybook. A thin, veil-like mist drifted across the lake's surface, and the silhouettes of the mountains on the opposite shore and the pleasure boats blended faintly into it. In the silence, only the faint sound of waves could be heard, and with each step, fallen leaves rustled softly underfoot.
The latest amphibious bus, with its striking black body, parked beside the aquarium, stands out from the crowd.NINJA BUS WATER SPIDER" is on standby.
My dog Chocolat also seemed to sense something unusual about the mysterious, jet-black object, and is staring at it intently with her hearing and smell sharpened, as if trying to blend into the damp air (lol).
Lake Ashi, shrouded in mist, possesses a serene beauty different from that of a sunny day, making a stroll with Chocolat a special moment where time seems to slow down. Soon, a sightseeing boat appears on the lake's surface, its silhouette somehow mystical. The ripples on the water's surface softly reflect the light from the boat's hull, drawing a faint trail across the still water. The sight of the sightseeing boat silently moving through the mist has a calmness that seems to unravel the very flow of time, allowing us to deeply appreciate another beautiful side that Lake Ashi reveals.
Introduced in 2023, the "Ninja Bus Water Spider" is a new attraction in the Hakone area that allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Ashi from both land and water. The all-black vehicle is designed with a "ninja" theme, and its glossy black color creates a quiet, powerful presence that seems to blend into the lake's surface. A shuriken-motif logo is painted on the side of the vehicle, creating a world where it feels as if a ninja is gliding across the water. Its charm lies in its atmosphere that transports you to an extraordinary place, despite being located in a tourist area.
As we waited on the lakeshore for the time to depart, the engine roared, and the Ninja Bus slowly moved forward towards the lake.
And then, in the next moment, the vehicle plunges straight into Lake Ashi! The dynamic entry into the water, sending up a huge splash, is the highlight of this attraction. Cheers erupted from the spectators.
The Ninja Bus is not just a tourist attraction; it also features guides dressed as female ninjas and an AI ninja voice guide, allowing passengers to learn about Hakone's history and natural environment. Taking advantage of its amphibious capabilities, the bus offers a different charm with each changing perspective, making it popular with a wide range of ages, from children to adults.
Fares: Adults: Weekdays 2,500 yen / Weekends, public holidays, and consecutive holidays 2,700 yen; Children: Weekdays 1,250 yen / Weekends, public holidays, and consecutive holidays 1,350 yen
The Ninja Bus ride will take approximately 20 minutes, with 10 departures scheduled daily at 40-minute intervals. The best spot to enjoy the spectacular water entry scene is the pier next to a giant cherry tree rooted in the lake.
As a new tourist attraction in the Lake Ashi area, why not add this new attraction, which allows you to experience the charm of Hakone's rich natural environment from yet another new perspective, to your travel itinerary?
Next episode preview: A visit to "Shiki no Yakata Hakone Ashinoko," a secluded adult retreat with panoramic views of Lake Ashi.
NINJA BUS WATER SPIDER
Address: 139 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0522
TEL: 0460-83-1151
Operating hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (10 departures every 40 minutes)
Fares: Adults - Weekdays 2,500 yen / Weekends, Holidays & Long Weekends 2,700 yen; Children - Weekdays 1,250 yen / Weekends, Holidays & Long Weekends 1,350 yen
Closed days: None (However, service may be suspended due to vehicle maintenance or weather conditions)
Pets: Not allowed
https://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/ninjabus/
