Next-Gen Mobility in Tokyo 2026: Free PALETTE RIDE Autonomous Shuttle + Nihonbashi e-LINER Electric Boat

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Subway transfers, autonomous vehicles cruising the waterfront, sightseeing boats touring old-town waterways — Tokyo's diverse transport options are part of its sightseeing appeal. In 2026, two new services take these mobility experiences to a whole new level.

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In Odaiba, "PALETTE RIDE" lets you ride TOYOTA's futuristic "e-Palette" vehicle across the sprawling bay area, while "PALETTE MARCHÉ" is a mobile retail service using the same futuristic vehicle. Between Nihonbashi and Toyosu, the all-electric "Have Fun Nihonbashi e-LINER" boat offers a new way to travel on the water. These services introduce a whole new side of Tokyo, making the journey itself as memorable as the destination.

New Mobility in Odaiba — PALETTE RIDE & PALETTE MARCHÉ

Odaiba sits right by the sea and covers a vast, open area. Walking between its plazas, bridges and commercial facilities means covering far more ground than you might expect. PALETTE RIDE makes sightseeing around Odaiba far more comfortable. Launched in October 2025, the service is still free to ride today. It uses TOYOTA's e-Palette vehicle to travel from Tokyo Teleport Station to attractions across the Odaiba and Ariake areas. Along the way it passes through Symbol Promenade Park, where you can enjoy lush scenery of grass, trees and carefully tended bonsai. Even on a short ride, the large windows give you sweeping views of the waterfront.

The e-Palette is a battery-electric vehicle developed by TOYOTA that can be adapted to a variety of mobility services. PALETTE RIDE carries up to 11 people including the driver, prioritizing safety with manual, low-speed driving. The low-floor body, wide sliding doors and electric ramp make it easy for wheelchair users and strollers to board. The e-Palette has also run for limited periods in places like Yokohama, but Odaiba is one of the top choices if you want to work it into your sightseeing itinerary.

One of its stops, "Deai-bashi Station," is about a 3-minute walk from DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. "Tokyo Teleport Station" is located near "TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO," which opened in October 2025, and from "Ariake Station" you can reach the Yume no Ohashi bridge and TOKYO DREAM PARK. The route may change depending on events and crowds, but the service remains a convenient way to move between Odaiba and Ariake. Passing Odaiba Seaside Park and "Tokyo Water Symphony," you can admire the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower behind them — one of the area's defining sights. It's also convenient for reaching entertainment venues like "Zepp DiverCity (TOKYO)."

The same e-Palette is also used for the mobile shop "PALETTE MARCHÉ," which appears at various spots around Symbol Promenade Park to sell collaboration merchandise and more. Because the route, operating hours and PALETTE MARCHÉ locations change frequently, check the official website for the latest information before you head out.

A Refreshed Tokyo Bay Tour — Have Fun Nihonbashi e-LINER

Tokyo's waterways served as a vital transport network for people and goods during the Edo period (1603–1867). Have Fun Nihonbashi e-LINER bills itself as "future water transport starting from Nihonbashi" — an all-electric passenger boat that revives the traditional role of water transport in the modern era, connecting Nihonbashi and Toyosu in about 25 minutes one way. The 17-meter silver hull is powered by two electric motors and can carry up to 62 people including crew. With no engine noise or fuel odor, the boat offers a quiet, comfortable ride while also reducing its environmental footprint.

The boat features a barrier-free design — you can board directly in a wheelchair, and it can hold up to two bicycles. Free Wi-Fi and charging outlets are also available onboard. In a disaster, the electric boat can even serve as an emergency power source. During the cruise, around 10 minutes are set aside for passengers to enjoy the view from the deck. You can board at Nihonbashi Pier or the pier beside URBAN DOCK LaLaport Toyosu, and advance online booking is recommended.

Departing from the Nihonbashi side lets you appreciate Tokyo's history more deeply. During the Edo period, Nihonbashi was the center of water transport and commerce, and the birthplace of Tokyo's fish market. Before boarding, you can shop around COREDO Muromachi, visit Fukutoku Shrine, or see the famous Nihonbashi bridge with its kirin statue. Streets lined with department stores, restaurants and long-established shops let the newest electric boat and historic streetscape charm connect naturally.

The e-LINER departs Nihonbashi and arrives at URBAN DOCK LaLaport Toyosu. Along the spacious waterfront promenade, shops and restaurants stand side by side, and further ahead are Toyosu Park, teamLab Planets, and Toyosu Market — the face of Tokyo's fish market. The area around the market is packed with popular sushi restaurants and all kinds of shops. Carrying on the waterway culture of the Edo period, the e-LINER links the open spaces with the high-rise landscape of Toyosu, showcasing the ever-evolving Tokyo Bay waterfront.

When you visit Tokyo, hop aboard the e-LINER and take in the bridges and cityscape as you cross the waterfront. It works both as a way to add new experiential value to everyday city life and as a chance to feel Tokyo's history and future at once. Since sailings can be affected by weather and schedules are adjusted seasonally, check the latest sailing information before you depart.