Hato Bus
Write A Review
"Long-Term Street Parking Near Hamamatsucho"
I found long-term street parking available near Hamamatsucho, but it made me wish I still had my own garage in Tokyo. Having a secure private spot would definitely be more convenient and stress-free compared to relying on street parking.
"History and Business Overview of Hato Bus"
Hato Bus Co., Ltd. was originally founded in August 1948 under the name Shin Nihon Kanko Co., Ltd. In March 1949, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government transferred its sightseeing bus operations to the company, and in 1963 it adopted its current name. Over the years, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has made several investments and currently holds 37.9% of the company’s capital. The head office is located at 5-4-1 Heiwajima, Ota-ku, Tokyo. The company’s core businesses include regular sightseeing tours, chartered tour buses, and planned travel services. Since April 2003, Hato Bus has also operated some Toei bus services in Tokyo and expanded its operations to cover both sightseeing and charter routes in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is worth noting that Hato Bus has no relationship, financial or otherwise, with Midorikaze Kanko, which was once nicknamed “Osaka Hato Bus.” In addition, a legal dispute arose with “Beppu Hato Bus” in Oita Prefecture due to the similarity of the company names. This was resolved on November 1, 2011, when the Beppu-based company agreed to change its name to “Beppu Kanko Bus” and pay a settlement fee. Hato Bus has also registered “Hato Bus” as a trademark, with “transportation by bus” listed as a designated service.
"Concerns About Driver Conduct and Infection Control on a Fukushima Trip"
Recently, I joined a round trip to Fukushima Prefecture, accompanying a Tokyo high school on their school trip. The driver on the outbound journey was friendly and approachable, but unfortunately, the return trip left a very poor impression. Since it was a long-distance ride, two drivers were on board, including a replacement. One of them was coughing persistently without wearing a mask, even though it was a time when influenza was spreading. While COVID-19 had already been reclassified as a Class 5 virus, I believe infection control measures should still be observed. Even if coughing was unavoidable, wearing a mask would have been a simple courtesy to protect others. To make matters worse, instead of using the designated “guide seat” next to the driver, he chose to sit in a regular passenger seat directly behind the driver’s seat. This meant his coughing could easily spread to passengers seated behind him, which created unnecessary risk and discomfort. I initially wanted to raise this issue directly with the company, but the Hato Bus website made it extremely difficult to find contact information, and when I finally attempted to submit my message, an error occurred. I am not sure if anyone from Hato Bus headquarters will ever read this, but I hope they take note of the situation. Drivers play a crucial role, especially with the 2024 driver shortage issue, and it is vital that they remain healthy and that passengers feel safe. I sincerely wish Hato Bus will reconsider its infection prevention policies so that neither drivers nor passengers are put at risk in the future.
"A Rare but Good Experience"
I think it was a good experience because it’s not something I usually get to see.
"Unsafe and Untrained Drivers Blocking Parking Lot Entrances"
Several buses were parked at both the entrance and exit of the parking lot, clearly obstructing traffic. It was obvious that the drivers were operating without even a basic understanding of the Road Traffic Act. When I pointed this out, the driver responded with excuses such as “I didn’t think it was a parking lot” and “I couldn’t see it.” However, at that time of day, the parking lot was busy with people constantly entering and exiting, so this explanation was unacceptable. This behavior reflects poorly on the company and suggests that they are assigning unqualified drivers without providing adequate training. Such negligence not only inconveniences the public but also poses serious safety risks. I will be formally reporting this incident to the Bus Association and the Automobile Inspection and Guidance Division of the Kanto Regional Transport Bureau under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, in hopes that stricter oversight and driver education will be enforced.
"Just an Ordinary Company"
Overall, it felt like an ordinary company without anything particularly remarkable.
"Bus Companies Must Uphold Higher Ethical Standards"
Commercial businesses that operate on public roads are expected to maintain a much higher standard of ethics compared to ordinary corporations. Unfortunately, bus companies that disregard the safety, comfort, and well-being of their passengers—as well as the local communities they pass through—demonstrate themselves to be nothing more than low-level organizations hiding behind a polished exterior.
Hato Bus
Major sightseeing bus company in Tokyo (and surrounding Kanto area) offering many guided bus tours and charter services to popular tourist destinations.
Address
https://www.hatobus.co.jp/
Website
https://www.hatobus.co.jp/
Email
https://www.hatobus.co.jp/
Telephone
+81337618111