Oita Prefecture's First Open-Top Bus: 'KAMENOI OPEN TOP BUS' Service Starts July 18, 2026!

Kamenoi Bus Co., Ltd. (HQ: Beppu City, Oita; President: Tetsu Honda) will begin operations of the 'KAMENOI OPEN TOP BUS ~Yunokaze~' in the Beppu area on July 18, 2026. This marks the first open-top bus service in Oita Prefecture.

The vehicle is identical to those operated in Fukuoka and Kitakyushu cities: a double-decker structure about 3.8m tall with an open-top, roofless design. The vehicle design is inspired by traditional hot spring buckets, featuring steam and water splash motifs that evoke the spirit of Beppu and Yufuin, Kyushu's leading hot spring resorts. Official Kamenoi Bus characters 'Kametan' and 'Usatan' welcome passengers at the entrance.

The route is set as the 'Beppu Circular Course,' allowing passengers to enjoy views of the Kannawa Onsen steam, Mount Ohira, and Beppu Bay. Beppu, famous for its high number of spring sources and volume of discharge, attracts many tourists annually. Enjoy a 90-minute bus drive feeling the wind and soaking in the scenic atmosphere of the 'hot spring town' from the double-decker bus. The 'Beppu Circular Course' is limited to runs until September 23. Around autumn 2026, the company plans to start the 'Beppu-Yufuin Course' connecting the Yufuin Station Bus Center and Beppu Station.

The Nishitetsu Bus Group has operated the 'FUKUOKA OPEN TOP BUS' in Fukuoka City since 2012 and introduced a new service in the Kitakyushu area this March. In the Beppu-Yufuin area, the company aims to contribute to regional revitalization and enhanced tourism value by providing this vehicle as a new tourism asset for both domestic and international visitors.

Regarding the Operation of 'KAMENOI OPEN TOP BUS'

[Operation Period] Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays between July 18 (Sat) and September 23 (Wed), 2026 (Excluding Aug 14-16).

[Booking Start Date] June 18, 2026 (Thu) from 10:00 AM (Web only).

[Operator] Kamenoi Bus Co., Ltd.

[Fleet] 1 bus.

[Vehicle Specs] Wrightbus (UK). Length: 11.46m, Width: 2.49m, Height: 3.79m.

[Exterior] Designed like a hot spring bucket, with a photo spot feature at the entrance door.

[Interior] Brown seats matching the townscape to express 'relaxation' and 'warmth.' Features a retractable roof for inclement weather.

[Route] Beppu Circular Course (approx. 90 min), departing/arriving at Beppu Station West Exit, visiting Kannawa Onsen, roadside station 'Tanourara,' etc.

[Fare] 3,600 yen (tax included), flat rate for adults and children.

[Capacity] 46 passengers/trip. Minimum 20 required; operation decided 5 days prior.

[Booking] Via dedicated website to be announced on the official Kamenoi Bus website.

[Others] For wheelchair users, please contact the Kamenoi Travel Center in advance. Details for operations from autumn 2026 will be announced once decided.