県内初オープントップバス　別府観光の新たな目玉に　秋には由布院ルートも計画

A new way to enjoy sightseeing is coming to Beppu City. KAMENOI Bus has unveiled its first double-decker open-top bus in Oita Prefecture. KAMENOI OPEN TOP BUS "Yunokaze" This is the prefecture's first roofless double-decker sightseeing bus, standing approximately 3.8 meters tall. ■Announcer Kotone Oguri: "The bus is wrapped in a design inspired by hot spring bath buckets, allowing you to fully experience Oita." The bus will operate on the "Beppu Sightseeing Course," where you can enjoy the steam rising from Kannawa Onsen and the scenery of Beppu Bay. A test ride for the press was held on the 9th. ■Announcer Oguri: "The roof is open, giving it a very liberating feel. The viewpoint is considerably higher than on a regular bus." The bus will take you on a leisurely tour of Beppu, taking approximately 90 minutes. ■Announcer Oguri: "You can see the steam rising from the hot springs of Beppu Kannawa. Because there's no roof, you can also feel the sulfurous scent unique to Beppu's hot spring area. You can enjoy the town of Beppu using all your senses." The view from the double-decker open-top bus is also a major attraction. ■Announcer Oguri: "It's about 3.8 meters high, and even the traffic lights are this close." ■Kamei Bus Sales Director, Motoharu Kamezaki: "Beppu has so many wonderful things—scenery, mountains, the sea—so experiencing them is a major draw." The open-top bus is expected to become a new highlight of Beppu tourism. Departing from Beppu Station, the "Beppu Sightseeing Course" takes you around the Kannawa hot springs, Mt. Ohira, Global Tower, and more, enjoying the charms of Beppu for approximately 90 minutes. There are three departures per day. Even familiar scenery is rarely seen from this height. So why is Kamei Bus introducing open-top buses? Kamei Bus hopes to use them as a new tourist attraction to revitalize the region. They also aim to extend the length of tourists' stays, and anticipate approximately 40,000 users. Service will begin on July 18th, operating on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. The fare is 3,600 yen for adults. Furthermore, in addition to the Beppu route, a route connecting Beppu and Yufuin is planned for this autumn. Beppu City and Yufu City signed an agreement last year to cooperate in attracting tourists. It remains to be seen whether this bus will lead to a new type of sightseeing tour.