Travel by bus seems to be experiencing somewhat of a renaissance in Japan recently, with both new and well-established travel companies and bus companies offering specialized tours catering to specific hobbies and interests. The latest trend is to create completely customized interior spaces. For example, we've seen Willer's restaurant bus in Kyoto featuring a traditional Japanese theme.

However, we haven't seen buses rivaling the luxury train experiences offered by some of the recent upscale class options on Japanese trains, until now. Enter Himeji-based luxury bus and tour company Shinki Bus Tours Co., Ltd. and their latest luxury bus, Yui Prima. Sankei News reporters were present to cover a special event last month in which the new bus was revealed as part of an unveiling ceremony introducing their new tour series Tabigakuto 旅学人, tour packages providing guests with opportunities to learn about Japanese history, tradition and culinary culture through selected travel experiences.

Designed by Eiji Mitooka, famous for his work on luxury train lines such as JR's Seven Stars in Kyushu, the Yui Prima bus upends previous notions of bus travel being more cramped and limited than train travel. With a spacious configuration of a mere 18 seats in the entire bus, guests can really sit back, relax and enjoy their trip.

Let's take a closer look at the features of this beautifully designed palace on wheels.

Exterior

From the beginning, Eiji Mitooka and Shinki Bus set out to create a special edition that would defy existing conventions. Whereas normal buses take about two months to complete, the Yui Prima takes a whole year from start to finish. In discussions with Mitsubishi Fuso who provided the chassis, Mitooka wanted the bus to have a striking appearance evoking luxury. He decided on a seamlessly coated shade of dark navy blue, adding a metallic sheen for flair.

Interior

Inside, the spaciously configured 18 seats are covered in Japanese leather with full pockets to hold various small items built into the backs, all of them custom-built by Himeji local craft shops. Combined with the wood finish throughout the cabin and the wood flooring, it creates a warm and inviting experience for the traveler. Moreover, in addition to the leather version seats, the Yui Prima also has a moquette version with an elegant white and blue floral pattern.

Seating

The attention to detail is clear in the headrests and embroidered logo, as well as the fold-out tables

Service Facilities

As comfortable as the luxurious seating may be, you may want to get yourself a drink during your journey on the road. Such travelers' needs are naturally taken into consideration on the Yui Prima with a beautifully appointed service counter at the back of the bus. As far as the bathroom is concerned, although nothing to write home about, it's a far cry from the cramped, dimly-lit stalls that pass for bathrooms on conventional highway buses.

Attendants

Finally, as was evident from the video above, passengers on the Yui Prima could be forgiven for thinking they've boarded an airplane because there is a crew of friendly attendants in uniform on board, serving drinks at the service counter, handing out magazines and generally catering to your needs.

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For more information about the Yui program and the enticing vacation packages they offer all over Japan, please visit their website here (in Japanese).