Interview with Naito Yuji, who planned the Mizushima Night View Taxi
I spoke with Naito Yuji, who planned the Mizushima Night View Taxi.
Background of the Mizushima Night View Taxi launch
Please tell us about the background of planning the Mizushima Night View Taxi.
Naito (no honorifics)
Nomura Kotsu, as a company headquartered in Mizushima, has a desire to remain a community-based taxi company.
Not only do we provide daily transportation services, but we also wanted to create new initiatives for the local Mizushima community.
So, when several drivers, including myself, gathered, we discussed how it would be great to let more people know about the beautiful night view of the Mizushima Industrial Complex, which symbolizes Mizushima.
I proposed a tour called Mizushima Night View Taxi to my supervisor, which led to its realization.
Features of the Mizushima Night View Taxi
What kind of drivers will guide the tour?
Naito
The tour is conducted by drivers who usually drive around Kurashiki City, mainly in the Mizushima area, and only those who have received in-house training specifically for the Mizushima Night View Taxi.
Since they know the Mizushima area thoroughly through their daily work, they study routes to efficiently cover the Mizushima Night View Taxi within the time limit.
There are many companies within the industrial complex, so they also memorize which factory belongs to which company and the characteristics of the buildings.
What is the appeal of the factory night view?
Naito
Depending on the course, if the route passes through public roads within the industrial area, you can see up close the inorganic iron stairs illuminated by lights and complex pipelines, even if it is from behind a fence.
The sight of the light reflecting off the iron buildings creates a fantastical atmosphere and is very beautiful.
The factory night view gives a completely different impression compared to seeing it during the day.
Also, even when viewing the same location, the impression changes significantly depending on the direction from which you view it, and it varies by season as well.
For example, when viewing the industrial complex from a high place like an observation deck, in winter, the leaves fall off the trees, expanding the view, and the air is clear, allowing for a clearer enjoyment of the night view.
Additionally, a unique feature of this tour is that we can guide you to recommended photo spots by passing through private roads that are normally inaccessible.
This private road is one that Nomura Kotsu has obtained special permission to access, and the view of the industrial complex from here can only be seen on this tour.
What kind of customers use this service?
Naito
The age range is broad.
There are couples, families, and friends, with various purposes such as those who love night views, those interested in the industrial complex scenery, and those who enjoy photography.
As the number of users increases, the cost per person becomes more affordable, so I believe it is used as part of creating travel memories.
You can efficiently visit multiple spots within the time limit, and I think even those who are not confident in their physical strength can enjoy it safely and securely.
What kind of feedback have you received from customers who used this tour?
Naito
For those seeing the factory night view for the first time, I often hear comments like "Wow, this is magnificent", "The smoke coming from the chimney combined with the night sky is beautiful", and "It looks inorganic during the day, but at night, combined with the light, it looks fantastical."
Receiving such feedback is what makes me happiest.
For locals, the industrial complex is a familiar sight seen every day, so the sense of wonder tends to fade over time.
However, every time I see the reactions of customers, I am reminded that it is indeed magnificent and beautiful.
I hear there is a customer who left a strong impression on you.
Naito
Previously, a customer requested to combine a sunset at Seto-Ohashi Bridge with the night view of the Mizushima Industrial Complex.
The customer was from a landlocked prefecture in Kanto, and I remember they were incredibly moved by the scenery.
At that moment, I was also very happy, and as a taxi driver, I truly felt a sense of fulfillment.
Future prospects
Please share your future prospects.
Naito
Currently, only a limited number of drivers who have received in-house training can conduct the Mizushima Night View Taxi. In the future, I would like to gradually increase the number of drivers who can take on this role.
Additionally, I believe there are still many enjoyable tourist resources in Mizushima. I want to think of various tours and plans that can cater to the detailed needs of customers, which larger companies cannot do.
As a local company in Mizushima, Nomura Kotsu aims to contribute to the revitalization of Mizushima.
Please say a final word.
Naito
I want to promote the existence of the tour called Mizushima Night View Taxi more.
While there are certain spots we plan to visit, it is of course fine to leave it up to us, and if you have specific places in mind, we can flexibly change the route, which I think is one of the great features of this tour.
This is a tour that visits places that are accessible only by taxi, including locations that are difficult to reach by public transportation or places that even locals rarely visit.
As a way to help create important memories, I hope you will consider using the Mizushima Night View Taxi.
Conclusion
For locals, the Mizushima Industrial Complex may just be an industrial landscape seen every day.
However, when viewed again, the complex structures of the factories can look like castles of iron, and the smoke billowing from the chimneys and the lights reflecting in the night sky create a scene that feels like a futuristic city.
There is a power and beauty that cannot be conveyed through photos.
If you want to tour efficiently, a taxi that knows the local area best may be the quickest way.
While supporting the local community's "transportation," Nomura Kotsu is also committed to further community contributions in the future.
Why not recommend the Mizushima Night View Taxi to your guests from outside the prefecture as well as to yourself?
Data on the Mizushima Night View Taxi
| Name | Mizushima Night View Taxi |
|---|---|
| Address | 860 Koshinden, Fukuda-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-455-3554 |
| Parking | Available Nomura Kotsu Co., Ltd. has parking available |
| Business Hours | Office: Weekdays 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Taxis are available 24 hours |
| Regular Holidays | None |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Nomura Kotsu Co., Ltd. |
