#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Tower #Rikkyo University #Sky Hop Bus

Innovative Bus Tours: A New Experience in Tokyo

In a remarkable collaboration, Rikkyo University’s Tourism Faculty and two transportation companies, Hinomaru Motor Co. and Sky Hop Bus Marketing Japan, have launched an exciting new bus tour titled “Tokyo Summer Night: Lights & Mysteries.” This unique experience aims to attract both domestic and international tourists by blending the breathtaking night vistas of Tokyo with intriguing urban legends, all set to debut on August 5, 2026.

Concept and Background of the Tour

This tour was conceptualized by second-year students of Rikkyo University, as part of their “Travel Industry Practice 1” course under the guidance of Professor Yoshito Kazama. The students recognized that many existing evening tours were limited to merely observing beautiful nightscapes and sought to enhance visitor engagement. By combining beautiful city vistas (the front) with mysterious tales and urban legends (the back), they crafted a unique concept aimed at providing a captivating experience that holds the audience's attention until the end.

Creative ideas from the students include high-speed highway rides as an attraction and immersive sound experiences that showcase their innovative thinking. Their proposals led to a successful collaboration with Hinomaru Motor Co. and Sky Hop Bus Marketing Japan, ultimately bringing this project to fruition.

What to Expect from the Tour

The “Tokyo Summer Night: Lights & Mysteries” tour is defined by its innovative blend of visuals and stories. One of its key attractions is the opportunity to explore both the illuminated beauty of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree—collectively known as the iconic W Towers—alongside touching various urban legends.

Participants will experience the contrasting worlds of “the front,” featuring breathtaking light displays, and “the back,” where myths like the Seven Wonders of Honjo are told. The tour offers both physical and mental cooling experiences; the former through the open-top bus ride admiring the night and the latter by delving into the intriguing narratives of Tokyo's mysteries.

Enriching the journey further, each participant can engage their senses—witness the magnificent Rainbow Bridge and the magical fountain show at Odaiba Seaside Park, while enjoying ambient sounds and music that guide the tale of urban legends. Tour-goers will also receive a refreshing sweet treat of Japanese amazake candy, enjoy the exhilarating feelings of speed on the open-top bus, and inhale the salty breezes from Tokyo Bay. To conclude this journey, participants will be able to bask in the view from the Tokyo Skytree's observation deck, alongside opportunities for dining and shopping in the vibrant surroundings. This tour not only promises a delightful sight but aims to contribute to the revitalization of Tokyo’s nighttime economy.

Tour Details

• - Product Name: Sky Bus “Tokyo Summer Night: Lights & Mysteries”
• - Dates: August 31, 2026 - September 6, 2026 (7 days only)
• - Pricing: Adults ¥4,700 / Children ¥3,800 (ages 4-12)
• - Minimum Number of Participants: 1
• - Booking: Available only via the reservation website here
• - Languages Supported on Booking Site: 5 languages (Japanese, English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese)
• - Itinerary: Tokyo Marunouchi (18:00) → Tokyo Tower → Rainbow Bridge → Odaiba Seaside Park (disembark for fountain show) → Eitai Bridge → Sumida River night view → Tokyo Skytree (disband around 20:00)

Please note that the fountain show is subject to change based on weather conditions or operational requirements. Times and visitation orders may also vary depending on traffic conditions.