Kei Car and More: Five Unique Vehicles from Japan!

The kei car is one of Japan’s most iconic vehicles. With a distinct appearance, lower costs, and an exciting history, it is a staple of Japanese culture. But the kei car isn’t the only mode of transportation you should know about.

Dual-purpose buses, revamped bicycles, and trikes aim to make life more convenient for drivers. Rev up your engines – it’s time to look at five unique vehicles you will see in Japan!

Kei Car

Short for kei-jidōsha (light automobile), the kei car category started in 1949 as an affordable alternative to full-sized cars. With restrictions on model, engine size, and lower speeds, owners paid lower taxes and insurance. These regulations decreased over time, making kei cars slightly bigger and more powerful today. 

Kei cars have a maximum power limit of 64 PS (63 horsepower) and a self-imposed maximum speed limit of 140 km/h (87 mph). Private vehicle license plates have yellow backgrounds and black lettering, while commercial vehicle plates have black backgrounds and yellow lettering. While they’re more popular in Japan, some kei car models, including the Suzuki Jimny and Alto and the Daihatsu Mira, are sold internationally.

Mama Chari

You’ll recognize this bicycle from anime like Yowamushi Pedal and One-Punch Man. The mama chari (the Japanese word for “mother” and slang for “bicycle”) was designed for women in the 1950s to help with running errands. Since then, it’s spread outside of Japan, with bikes available for export to countries like the United States and Tanzania.

The mama chari has a basket at the front and a rack at the back for another basket or child’s seat. It is lighter than regular bikes and has an electric motor option. A standard mama chari costs around $10,000 JPY ($66 USD). An electric bike is more expensive, depending on the number of passengers and the battery power usage.

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Dual Mode Vehicle

We’ll bet you’ve never seen a train bus before! Operational since 2011, this dual-mode vehicle (or DMV) acts as an alternative to more expensive train travel. Run by the Asa Seaside Railway, it offers travel between Kochi and Tokushima (at Awakainan Bunkamura and Michinoeki Shishikui Onsen stations) and a round trip to Cape Muroto.

In just 15 seconds, these three brightly-colored vehicles switch from bus to train mode. Fares start at 200 JPY ($1 USD) and go up to 800 JPY ($5 USD). There are limited seats, and no new passengers are accepted when the vehicles are total, so booking in advance is advised. And did we mention the stunning views you’ll get while riding both modes?

Amphibious Bus

Like our last entry, this vehicle has bus and boat modes! Tokyo is home to several amphibious buses driving in the streets before splashing into the water. Operated by Sky Bus, the Sky Duck runs multiple routes, including Yokohama and the Tokyo Skytree area. The Tokyo no Kaba boards from Aqua City, staying in Odaiba and Tokyo Bay.

As their names suggest, the Sky Duck looks like a duck, while the Tokyo no Kaba looks like a kaba (hippo) and has an exciting 3D sound system. Both buses operate on the weekends and holidays, with fares costing 3600-3800 JPY ($24-$25 USD). Rides are between 40 and 60 minutes long, with the longest (the Tokyo Skytree course) lasting 90 minutes. 

Delivery Trikes

We finish with a new mode of transportation and delivery. Designed by Niigata-based company Daga, the STREEK Cargo Trike was first showcased in 2018. It offers speed and mobility with as many features and minor inconveniences as possible. Current purchases are limited to Japan but will soon be available in Europe via direct order. 

The Cargo Trike contains a framed “trunk” in the middle, stabilizing the more it’s filled up. It can also be folded and easily carried. Finally, its tilting mechanism and tadpole design allow users to turn corners without tipping over. The multi-use model costs 1,350,800 JPY ($9000 USD), while the lightweight model costs 1,174,800 JPY ($8000 USD). 

Why are unique vehicles like kei cars important? 

These unique vehicles are designed to be functional. A kei car is more compact than a regular car, while a mama chari, with its lightweight frame, is perfect for families. Thinking outside the box, the STREEK Cargo Trike’s unusual layout creates maximum storage. Thanks to their dual modes, DMVs, and amphibious buses can use different terrains. 

Kei cars and other strange modes of transportation make Japanese people’s lives more comfortable and enjoyable. Some use as much space as possible, while others can travel in multiple places. Besides that, all these vehicles have striking designs, making you stop and stare or putting a smile on your face. You’ll want to get your own once you see and ride them in person. Which vehicles would you like to ride in? Tell us in the comments.