【未来の船旅】国内唯一の水陸両用ホーバークラフト定期便に無料シャトルで乗ってみた in 大分

After a 16-year hiatus, Japan's only amphibious hovercraft has returned to Oita. What's more, it's connected to Oita Station by a limited-time free shuttle, and it only takes 30 minutes to get to the airport. It's not just transportation—it's the highlight of the trip itself. From before boarding to after disembarking, I'll walk you through the experience, sharing insights on how to enjoy it, what sets it apart from other modes of transportation, and the background behind its revival. What you'll learn from this video Why did it return after 16 years? I'll explain why it was discontinued and what led to its revival, including how the situation has changed since then. How to get there from Oita Station How to ride the free shuttle and the schedule. Experience the change from “it used to take an hour, but now it's a direct 30-minute ride to the airport.” Note that the shuttle bus is free for a limited time. Explore the terminal at your leisure We introduce the highlights of the clean and atmospheric hover terminal, local cuisine (especially the curry with Oita shiso and freshly picked tomatoes!), and souvenir goods. Experience the ride firsthand Feel the mechanism of floating forward, the exhilaration of acceleration, the roar and vibration, and the refreshing speed (approximately 70 km/h) through a live commentary. Differences from the past and the background of its revival We will briefly summarize the process from its discontinuation to its resumption, changes in the transportation environment, and the current operational style (combined with tourism). What to look forward to after arrival The new highlights of Oita Airport, also known as Hello Kitty Airport (foot baths, exhibitions, etc.), and the return trip. Tips for a comfortable and affordable ride How to get a 500 yen discount with the app, how to check the schedule (whiteboard), how to read the sway indicator, and other practical information. If you want to go a step further Combine with the Beppu Bay Cruise Course, which runs on weekends and holidays, for a highly satisfying trip that includes views of Oita and Beppu from the sea. Frequently asked questions (useful information to know in advance) Q. Where can I board the free shuttle? A. Take the dedicated shuttle bus from Oita Station, which takes about 10 minutes to the terminal. You can easily find it by following the station signs. Q. How can I get the best deal on tickets? A. You can purchase tickets in advance via the app for 500 yen less than the day-of price. It's recommended to book early if you expect crowds. Q. How does the hovercraft stay afloat? A. Large propellers at the bottom push air upward, which is then trapped by rubber skirts to create a cushion that keeps the craft afloat. This reduces friction, allowing it to move quickly. Q. Is there any swaying? Is it prone to motion sickness? A. Due to the combination of floating and wind, you may feel some vertical swaying. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is recommended to bring motion sickness medication. Seats are equipped with bags and safety gear for added comfort. Q. Can it be used for sightseeing? Is it only for round-trip travel? A. On weekends and holidays, there is a Beppu Bay sightseeing course available, which can be enjoyed not only as transportation but also as a sightseeing route. The views from the sea offer a unique charm. Useful points (things to know before you go) You can save 500 yen by booking through the app. Representative trips in this series Kobe → Oita: 12-hour overnight ferry with a capsule hotel-style overnight stay    • A 12-Hour Trip to a Capsule Hotel on the F...   Osaka → Kagoshima: 15-hour van life journey (including a ferry crossing across the Pacific Ocean)    • 15-Hour Overnight Ferry Travel - Sailing t...   Osaka → Shimonoseki: A rare opportunity to ride in the first-class car of the “Ginga” express train    • 【First Seat】Riding the "West Express Ginga...   If you like it, please give it a thumbs up or leave a comment. We also welcome requests for places you'd like to visit next. If you enjoy quiet trips, please subscribe to the channel so you don't miss the next one. #FerryTravel #JapanTravel #SoloTravel #SoloTravelJapan #TravelVlog #ASMRTravel #CapsuleHotel #SleeperTrain #HiddenJapan #JapanVlog #QuietTravel #UniqueExperience