Osaka, Japan has a population of over 19 million people. That alone suggests nightmarish traffic and roadway congestion. Well, a gritty Osaka taxi service has instituted a novel solution – use the waterways.

As of Friday, January 11, Osaka Mizukaido 808 has been picking customers up on the banks of the Dotonbori River and delivering them safe and dry to their desired destination.

While Osaka has had water taxis (boats) for centuries, the use of a fully-amphibious SUV is new, thus saving the passengers the chore of transferring from the roadway cab to water taxi. Each amphibious taxi can hold up to three passengers and is primarily utilized for sightseeing.

The nonprofit taxi service charges a hefty 19,560 yen for the first hour and 8,700 yen for each subsequent half hour. To us in the West, that’s roughly an initial $175, then $78 every half hour.

+ Inventor Spot: Osaka’s New Amphibious Taxi Makes Waves (Via Japan Today)