If you’ve ever wandered the historic streets of Yokohama, you’ve likely seen the charming little red bus weaving through the city. This isn’t just any bus—it’s Akai Kutsu, a nostalgic, retro-style sightseeing bus that has been a beloved part of Yokohama’s landscape for two decades.
March 28, 2025, marks the official 20th anniversary of Akai Kutsu, and the city has been celebrating in style! Over the past few months, Yokohama has hosted special events, launched exclusive commemorative merchandise, and given long-time fans plenty of ways to relive the history of this iconic transport service. But the festivities aren’t over yet! With more special events and souvenirs still available, now is the perfect time to hop aboard and experience the magic of Akai Kutsu.
What is Akai Kutsu?
Akai Kutsu is a retro-style city loop bus that provides a convenient and charming way to explore Yokohama’s major tourist attractions. The name “Akai Kutsu,” meaning “Red Shoes” in Japanese, is inspired by a well-known nursery rhyme that holds sentimental value in Japanese culture.
Designed to resemble an old-fashioned tram, Akai Kutsu has become more than just a means of transportation—it is a moving piece of Yokohama’s history. With its vintage red exterior, nostalgic atmosphere, and leisurely pace, the bus offers passengers a unique experience as they travel through both modern and historical parts of the city.
Route and Highlights
The Akai Kutsu bus primarily operates from Sakuragicho Station, making a loop around the Yokohama Bay area. This area is known for blending historical charm with modern attractions, offering visitors a glimpse of Yokohama’s transformation from a small fishing village to one of Japan’s most vibrant port cities. The entire loop takes about 78 minutes, making it an excellent option for sightseeing.
Some of the most popular stops include:
- Sakuragicho Station – The main transportation hub and the starting point of the route.
- Bashamichi Station – A historic district lined with Western-style buildings that reflect Yokohama’s international influences.
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse – A cultural and shopping complex housed in beautifully preserved red brick buildings from the early 20th century.
- Yokohama Chinatown – One of the largest Chinatowns in the world, known for its vibrant streets and diverse food options.
- Motomachi – A stylish shopping street featuring boutique stores and cozy cafés.
- Yamashita Park – A scenic waterfront park with a perfect view of Yokohama Bay.
- Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal – A beautifully designed port terminal offering panoramic views of the city skyline and waterfront.
Operating Schedule and Fares
The Akai Kutsu bus runs daily, with different frequencies depending on the day of the week.
- Weekdays: Buses depart every 30 minutes, with the first departure at 10:02 a.m. from Sakuragicho Station and the last at 5:32 p.m.
- Weekends and Holidays: Buses run more frequently, departing every 15 minutes, from 10:02 a.m. to 6:27 p.m.
For those planning to visit multiple attractions, the Minato Burari Ticket offers unlimited rides on municipal buses and subway lines within the Yokohama Bay area for one day. This pass is a great way to explore the city efficiently and at a lower cost.
Why Ride Akai Kutsu?
Choosing Akai Kutsu for your Yokohama adventure means traveling in style while enjoying a nostalgic trip through the city. The bus allows you to access all the must-see spots without the hassle of navigating separate train and bus routes. The fares are affordable, and for tourists or first-time visitors, it provides a scenic, stress-free way to experience the city’s best attractions.
20th Anniversary Treats and Collectibles – A Must for Fans!
Now, as Akai Kutsu approaches its 20th anniversary, fans can enjoy exclusive keepsakes and upcoming special events that pay tribute to this beloved bus.
No milestone celebration is complete without exclusive souvenirs and delicious treats! For this special occasion, Akai Kutsu has partnered with some of Yokohama’s most well-known brands to create limited-edition products that blend nostalgia, history, and local flavors.
Almond Cookies – A Collaboration with Jukeihanten
One of the most anticipated anniversary treats is a special edition tin of 杏仁酥 (almond cookies), created in collaboration with Jukeihanten, a renowned Chinese restaurant in Yokohama’s Chinatown.
These light and airy almond cookies have a delicate, meringue-like texture that melts in your mouth. Sweet yet subtle, they pair perfectly with tea or coffee. The real star, however, is the packaging. The cookies come in a beautifully designed Akai Kutsu tin, decorated with a 20th-anniversary illustration of the beloved red bus.
Since launching on March 1, 2025, these collectible tins have been flying off the shelves! They are available at Jukeihanten’s stores, select souvenir shops, and online, but they won’t be around forever—so grab one while you can!
Yokohama Harbor Maron Cake – A Nostalgic Taste of the Port City
Another anniversary treat comes in the form of a special Akai Kutsu edition of Yokohama Harbor maron cake. This collaboration with Ariake pays tribute to Yokohama’s maritime history through one of its most famous confections.
Soft, moist, and filled with a smooth chestnut paste, this cake has long been a local favorite. For the 20th anniversary, it comes wrapped in a beautifully designed commemorative package featuring the Akai Kutsu bus.
Available since March 1, 2025, these cakes can be found at Ariake stores across Yokohama, including the Red Brick Warehouse, as well as select department stores. They make the perfect souvenir—or an excuse to treat yourself!
Limited-Edition Akai Kutsu Memorabilia
For those who want to take home a piece of Akai Kutsu, a collection of anniversary-themed collectibles is now on sale.
A 1/80 scale model of the Akai Kutsu bus has been released, featuring a highly detailed replica of the vehicle. Perfect for collectors and transportation enthusiasts, this miniature bus is a must-have piece of Yokohama history.
In addition, a commemorative ruler, wooden magnet, and clear file featuring Akai Kutsu-themed designs are available at the Yokohama Tram Preservation Museum and select souvenir shops.
With stock expected to sell out, these items are the perfect way to mark 20 years of Akai Kutsu memories.
Looking Back at the Anniversary Events (and What’s Still to Come!)
As we reach mid-March 2025, several major anniversary events have already taken place, but a few key celebrations are still ahead.
Past Events
Back in October 2024, the Akai Kutsu Bus Exhibition was held at Yokohama City Hall, where visitors had the rare opportunity to see the original Akai Kutsu bus up close. The exhibit featured historical uniforms, old photographs, and a special brass band performance by local students.
During the holiday season, from November 20 to December 25, 2024, Akai Kutsu was transformed into a Christmas Light-Up Bus. Decorated by students from Honmoku Minami Elementary School, the bus added a festive sparkle to Yokohama’s streets.
January 2025 brought the highly anticipated 100 Yen Fare Day, allowing passengers to ride Akai Kutsu for just 100 yen (50 yen for children). The day was a huge success, with both longtime riders and first-time visitors taking advantage of the deal.
Upcoming Events
While some events have already passed, there’s still more to look forward to!
A special commemorative video documenting the 20-year history of Akai Kutsu is currently being screened across Yokohama. Whether you’re at a subway station, riding on a city bus, or scrolling through social media, keep an eye out for this nostalgic tribute!
Perhaps the most exciting event yet is the Final Farewell Tour, set for March 16, 2025. As part of the celebrations, a retiring Akai Kutsu bus will make one last journey along its original route. There will be a commemorative photoshoot in front of the Sky Walk, along with a sale of bus memorabilia. Unfortunately, this event has already sold out, with tickets quickly snapped up by fans eager to be part of history.
Celebrate Yokohama’s Iconic Red Bus!
As Akai Kutsu officially turns 20, there’s still time to be part of the celebration. Whether it’s picking up a limited-edition souvenir, catching the anniversary video, or simply taking one last ride through Yokohama, now is the perfect moment to appreciate this piece of living history.
Make sure to check out the anniversary collectibles before they disappear, and if you see Akai Kutsu on the streets, take a moment to appreciate this beloved little red bus that has carried so many memories over the past two decades.
