KAMENOI OPEN TOP BUS Launches New 'Beppu-Yufuin Course' Starting October 7

Kamenoi Bus Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Beppu City, Oita Prefecture; President & CEO: Satoshi Honda) will operate a new course, the 'Beppu-Yufuin Course,' for its 'KAMENOI OPEN TOP BUS ~Yunokaze~' from Wednesday, October 7, 2026, to Sunday, December 13, 2026.

The 'KAMENOI OPEN TOP BUS ~Yunokaze~' is the first double-decker open-top bus in Oita Prefecture, having operated a Beppu-area loop course since July this year. The new 'Beppu-Yufuin Course' sets Yufuin as a new starting and ending point, allowing passengers to enjoy not only Beppu's steamy hot spring atmosphere but also Yufuin's charming streetscapes and the majestic view of Mount Yufu from the expressway. By connecting two bustling hot spring tourist destinations, the service aims to enhance regional circulation and tourism.

While the 'Beppu Loop Course' operated only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, this new course will run daily—weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays—making it accessible to more visitors.

Beppu City and Yufu City have signed the 'World's No.1 Health & Grand Hot Spring Resort Agreement,' aiming to develop jointly as a world-class hot spring destination. Kamenoi Bus will collaborate with both cities to promote regional attractions, boost visitor numbers, and contribute to local revitalization.

Launch of the 'KAMENOI OPEN TOP BUS' Beppu-Yufuin Course

【Operation Period】

October 7, 2026 (Wed) – December 13, 2026 (Sun)

※ Some days are subject to suspension. Please check the Kamenoi Bus official website for details.

※ The Beppu Loop Course will not operate during the above period. Please note in advance.

【Reservation Start Date】

September 7, 2026 (Mon), from 8:00 AM

※ WANDER COMPASS BEPPU (Beppu Station Tourist Information Center) will start accepting reservations at 8:45 AM on the same day.

※ For details, please refer to the 'Reservation & Purchase Methods' section.

【Route】

Beppu-Yufuin Course (approx. 65 minutes)

… A scenic route featuring hot spring mists of Beppu and Yufuin, plus views from the expressway.

- Departing from Beppu Station Front -

Beppu Station Front (Bus Stop No. 4) → Beppu Tower → Global Tower → Kankaiji Onsen → Hotta Onsen → Expressway (Beppu IC → Yufu-dake Smart IC) → Inonosedo Wetland → Yufu Mountain Trailhead → Sagi-dai Observation Deck → Yufu-michi Street → Yufuin Station Front Bus Center

- Departing from Yufuin Station Front Bus Center -

Yufuin Station Front Bus Center → Yufu-michi Street → Sagi-dai Observation Deck → Yufu Mountain Trailhead → Inonosedo Wetland → Expressway (Yufu-dake Smart IC → Beppu IC) → Hotta Onsen → Kankaiji Onsen → Global Tower → Beppu Tower → Beppu Station Front (Bus Stop No. 4)

【Operation Schedule】

【Operation Days】

Daily operation (except for vehicle inspection days)

【Fare】

Regular Fare: Adult 2,200 JPY, Child 1,100 JPY (tax included)

WEB Discount: Adult 2,000 JPY, Child 1,000 JPY (tax included)

※ WEB Discount is available only for reservations and payments made via the Highway Bus.com website.

※ No round-trip fare is offered.

【Capacity】

46 passengers (excluding crew and guide)

【Reservation & Purchase Methods】

Reservations can be made via the following websites, phone lines, or ticket counters. When booking, please select your seat. Payment must be completed before boarding.

＜Online Reservation＞

Highway Bus.com Website

(https://www.highwaybus.com/gp/index)

＜Phone Reservation＞

・Kamenoi Bus Kitahama Bus Center

TEL: 0977-25-3220 (Reception hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)

・Kamenoi Bus Yufuin Station Front Bus Center

TEL: 0977-84-3145 (Reception hours: 7:40 AM – 5:30 PM)

＜Main Ticket Counters＞

・Kamenoi Bus Yufuin Station Front Bus Center (Operating hours: 7:40 AM – 5:30 PM)

・WANDER COMPASS BEPPU (Operating hours: 8:45 AM – 6:00 PM)

※ All ticket counters are located adjacent to the bus boarding areas.

【Additional Information】

・Passengers using wheelchairs or requiring reasonable accommodations should contact the Kamenoi Bus Beppu Branch Office (0977-23-0141) in advance. For safety reasons, passengers who may have difficulty accessing the upper deck will be seated on the lower level.

・The vehicle will alternate between the Beppu Loop Course and the Beppu-Yufuin Course depending on the season.

・Information regarding operations after December 14 will be announced on the Kamenoi Bus website once details are finalized.

(Reference) About the 'KAMENOI OPEN TOP BUS'

【Vehicle Specifications】

Manufactured by Wrightbus (UK)

Length: 11.46 m, Width: 2.49 m, Height: 3.79 m

【Exterior Design】

The bus features wrapping inspired by traditional Japanese hot spring buckets, depicting steam and splashing water. A photo spot is also installed near the entrance for memorable photos.

For more details about the vehicle, please refer to the press release issued on May 22, 2026.

(Reference) About the 'World's No.1 Health & Grand Hot Spring Resort Agreement' between Beppu City and Yufu City

On December 23, Reiwa 7 (2025), Beppu City and Yufu City signed the '～The Onsen Capital of the World～ World's No.1 Health & Grand Hot Spring Resort Agreement' to jointly promote their tourism resources domestically and internationally, aiming to become the world's leading hot spring destination.

Key Initiatives:

・Inbound tourism promotion

・Domestic tourism promotion

・Other collaborative projects

・Promotion of sustainable transportation systems

・Mutual information dissemination via websites, etc.

(Reference) Overview of Kamenoi Bus Co., Ltd.

【Headquarters】 8-1 Tsurumi 1-chome, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture

【Established】 January 10, 1928

【Capital】 98 million JPY

【Shareholder】 Nishitetsu Co., Ltd. (100%)

【Representative】 President & CEO Satoshi Honda

【Fleet Size】 88 vehicles (72 regular service, 16 charter) as of March 31, 2026

【Business Activities】 General passenger transport, charter bus services, travel agency services, commercial and real estate businesses

【Employees】 158 as of March 31, 2026