What is this cute little bus?
What is this cute little bus? To give you the answer first, this is the self-driving (autonomous) electric (EV) bus that is in a trial run for practical application. The trial run has started at Hikone City in Shiga Prefecture since last year. This time's trial run takes place from October 14th to November 15th, 2026. Specifically, this self-driving vehicle runs between the Hikone Castle—which is aiming for World Heritage status for 2028—and JR Hikone Station. The Hikonyan , Hikone City's mascot character, is depicted on the vehicle. This small EV bus has a capacity of nine passengers and, after departing from JR Hikone Station West Exit, makes three stops within the grounds of Hikone Castle. Then the bus returns to Hikone Station. As this is a trial, it is free of charge, but you must book in advance to ride. However, if there are seats available, you can ride without a booking. Actually, I also boarded the vehicle on a whim. The Hikone Cas...
