Travel Connects Hearts: Shinkibus Launches Luxury Bus Tour Brand 'Yui' from Tokyo Starting September 1, 2026

Shinkibus Co., Ltd. (President: Makoto Nagao, Head Office: Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture; hereinafter 'Shinkibus') will launch Tokyo-bound and Tokyo-departing tours under its luxury bus tour brand 'Yui (Yui)' on September 1, 2026, operated by Tobu Bus Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1927 in Hyogo Prefecture, Shinkibus will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year in 2027, marking it as a long-established bus operator in the Kansai region. Currently, the company operates approximately 1,000 bus routes (totaling about 4,100 km in service distance), serving as a vital transportation network for residents in Hyogo, Osaka, and Okayama prefectures. Beyond bus operations, Shinkibus runs 23 group companies—20 domestic and 3 overseas—engaging in vehicle maintenance, real estate, travel and charter services, food and beverage, childcare and elderly care, and public facility management, all deeply rooted in local communities.

Since 2016, Shinkibus has operated the luxury bus tour brand 'Yui' from Kobe and Osaka. On the occasion of its 10th anniversary this year, the company is proudly launching Tokyo-bound and Tokyo-departing tours.

Prior to the tour operations, reservations will open on June 18, 2026. Additionally, on August 1, 2026, Shinkibus will host the 'Yui Travel Product Presentation' at GINZA ART SQUARE, Tsutaya Books Ginza (6F, GINZA SIX), directly introducing the tours to customers in the Tokyo area.

'Yui,' which has refined the concept of 'transforming travel time itself into value' using the 18-seat exclusive vehicle 'YUI PRIMA,' designed by Eiji Mitoaka (Mitoaka Eiji), will now be delivered to customers in the capital region.

※ Tobu Bus Co., Ltd. has received the three-star certification under the 'Chartered Bus Operator Safety Evaluation Certification System.'

About 'Yui (Yui)'

'Yui' is a luxury bus tour brand launched in October 2016 by Shinkibus, operating 18-seat limited tours originating from Kobe.

The brand name 'Yui' embodies the sentiment 'travel connects hearts.' From carefully selected accommodations and dining experiences across Japan, to profound encounters with local nature, history, and culture, every aspect of the journey is designed as a 'luxurious time.' This includes heartfelt hospitality by dedicated attendants and a meticulously crafted interior space.

The Journey Becomes the Travel

Buses travel slowly toward their destination. The scenery flowing past the large windows changes subtly with height, speed, and angle, revealing a different face of Japan you thought you knew. You don’t need to hold the steering wheel. You simply receive the world outside the window. That is the unique time only a bus can offer.

What 'Yui' has cherished is turning that very time into part of the journey. The travel doesn’t begin when you arrive at your destination. It begins the moment you step onto the bus.

Exclusive Vehicle 'YUI PRIMA' — Designed by Eiji Mitoaka

At the heart of the brand is the special 18-seat exclusive vehicle 'YUI PRIMA.' Designed by industrial designer Eiji Mitoaka (President, Doon Design Laboratory Co., Ltd.), renowned for his work on JR Kyushu’s sightseeing trains.

With a deep navy exterior, large windows, and a generous 1,050mm seat pitch, the interior is meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail—handmade seat pockets, natural wood textures, and a three-dimensional brass logo. The entire space is designed to make the journey itself a singular experience. At the rear service counter, dedicated attendants prepare personalized drinks and refreshments for each guest.

Tokyo-Departing Tours

As the first step into Tokyo, we introduce two courses departing from and returning to Tokyo Station. 'Yui' selects destinations where people’s work and philosophy are deeply rooted in the land. The innkeeper’s long-held ideals, the craftsman’s enduring skills—experiences that can only be born from such connections await here.

Course ① | Niigata, Minamiuonuma | Ryokan Jusshaku: A Journey to Discover the Bounty of the Land (1 night, 2 days)

Ryokan Jusshaku Farm Dining (Image)

A 1-night, 2-day tour based at Ryokan Jusshaku, a ryokan that proclaims 'Redefine Luxury—true luxury lies in experience and discovery.' Experience rice harvesting in terraced fields and enjoy Yui’s original evening banquet, 'Farm Dining,' at dusk. A journey to savor the golden autumn of Minamiuonuma, Niigata, with all five senses.

Departure Date: September 29, 2026 (Tuesday)

Departure Point: Tokyo Station (Departure at 9:00)

Tour Fee: From ¥228,000 to ¥516,000 per adult (price varies by room type and number of guests)

Minimum Group Size: 4 guests

Course Details: Click here for details

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Tokyo Station (9:00) → Tofu Cuisine Matsuragi (Japanese meal) → Ryokan Jusshaku (after arrival, rice harvesting experience by private vehicle) / Dinner: Yui Original Banquet 'Farm Dining' / Overnight stay

Day 2

Hotel → Mizukami Tatsumikan (famous charcoal-fired mountain village cuisine) → Arrive Tokyo Station (around 17:00)

Ryokan Jusshaku Room (Example) / Ryokan Jusshaku Farm Dining (Dish Image) / Private Suite 'THE HOUSE IZUMI' with Open-Air Bath

Course ② | Toyama, Inami | A Town Where Sculpture Lives (2 nights, 3 days)

Wood Carver Takakiyo Tanaka Workshop

Inami, Tōnami City, Toyama Prefecture, is a town of 8,000 people where 200 wood carving artisans live. Based at the traditional Japanese house inn 'Bed and Craft,' the morning after check-in, guests participate in a workshop receiving direct instruction from artisans. Carve wood, apply lacquer—experience the craftsman’s work with your own hands.

Departure Date: September 4, 2026 (Friday)

Tokyo Station (Departure around 8:40)

Tour Fee: From ¥266,000 to ¥367,000 per adult (price varies by room type and number of guests)

Minimum Group Size: 4 guests

Course Details: Click here for details

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Tokyo Station (around 8:40) ==<Shinkansen Green Car>== Takaoka Station → Wakakidori Sake Brewery & Kama flamme Sumisaburo (Japanese-Western fusion cuisine) → Tonami Scattered Village Museum (introducing scattered village life) → Inami / After check-in, guided tour of the wood carving town… Bed and Craft (overnight)

Day 2

“Apprenticeship Experience” at artisan workshop… Matsuya (Soba Zen) → Metal casting company Nōsaku (sightseeing, shopping) → Bed and Craft (second night) ※ Guided tour to瑞泉寺Night Museum

Day 3

Hotel → Takayama Jinya (site of former magistrate’s office) → Kakumasa (Shojin cuisine) → Arrive Tokyo Station (around 19:20)

MITU (Mitsu – Room Example) / OUKA (Ouka – Room Example) / nomi Dinner (Image)

Additional courses and details will be sequentially announced on the official website (https://yui-shinkibus.com/).

Sales Method

Yui Reservation Center TEL 03-6275-6336 Operating Hours: 10:00–17:00 Closed: Sundays, Holidays, Year-End and New Year

Or available anytime via the official website: https://yui-shinkibus.com/