Kintetsu Bus Co. unveiled to the media on Wednesday a double-decker bus tour service of the city of Osaka that will start July 10.
The tour, the first featuring a double-decker, will give visitors a convenient way to explore the city's landmarks, including Japan's tallest building — Abeno Harukas — and Osaka Castle, while getting a breath of a fresh air via the open top.
After leaving on its trial run from Osaka Uehonmachi Station, the bus stopped at Osaka Castle and Osaka City Central Public Hall, a red-brick neo-Renaissance building.
Passengers were offered a chance to sightsee Midosuji Street, the city's main street, along its southern stretch from Yodoyabashi to the Namba area. Reporters also enjoyed the view of Dotonbori, a main tourist destination along the Dotonbori River, and Tsutenkaku Tower.
After circling around Abeno Harukas, the double-decker returned to Uehonmachi Station.
The 80-minute tour covers a 19-km route and will run four times a day every day except Wednesdays.
To attract foreign visitors, whose numbers have been on the rise in recent years, guidance will be available in English, Chinese and Korean.
The tour costs ¥2,000 for those 13 and older, and ¥1,000 for children aged 4 to 12. Younger children can ride for free.
Kintetsu Bus Co. is owned by Kintetsu Corp., which among other enterprises runs an extensive railway network in the Kinki area.
