Nishitetsu will introduce two new vehicles to its FUKUOKA OPEN TOP BUS service on March 28, marking the first fleet renewal in 14 years and the addition of a new route linking Tenjin and Dazaifu.
The update comes as the company expands its open-top bus operations across northern Kyushu, following the announcement of a new open-top sightseeing service launching in Kitakyushu one day earlier, on March 27.
The renewed Fukuoka service will begin operating on Saturday, March 28, 2026, with reservations opening Feb. 28 at 8 a.m. The new vehicles replace part of the existing fleet, which will continue to be used for additional services and charter operations.
The open-top double-decker buses seat 46 passengers on the second floor only and are equipped with retractable roofs that can be closed depending on weather. Manufactured by Wrightbus of the U.K., the new vehicles increase seating capacity by 10 seats compared with the current fleet.
The exterior design retains the familiar red and blue color scheme while introducing motifs reflecting Japanese and Fukuoka identity, including cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and traditional Hakata-ori patterns. Interior seating has been updated with orange upholstery.
New Dazaifu Course
Alongside the new vehicles, Nishitetsu will introduce the Dazaifu Course, replacing the former Hakata downtown route.
The new course operates one-way in each direction between Tenjin and Dazaifu, allowing passengers to combine the service with the Dazaifu Liner Bus “Tabito” or the Dazaifu sightseeing train of the same name.
• Tenjin departure: Tenjin Highway Bus Terminal → Tenjin Kita Ramp → Mizuki Ramp → Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station
• Dazaifu departure: Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station → Mizuki Ramp → Chiyo Ramp → Hakata Station (drop-off only) → Tenjin Highway Bus Terminal
Elevated expressway sections provide close-up views of aircraft arriving and departing Fukuoka Airport, offering a different experience from the existing Seaside Momochi and city illumination routes.
From March 28, the service will operate three routes in total:
• Seaside Momochi Course
• Fukuoka Kirameki Course
• Dazaifu Course
All routes will operate with revised timetables, and all departures and arrivals will move from Fukuoka City Hall to Tenjin Highway Bus Terminal, Stop 0.
Fares remain unchanged at ¥2,000 for adults and ¥1,000 for children, tax included. Tickets go on sale from the same calendar day of the previous month via web, phone, or terminal counters. Same-day tickets are available only if seats remain.
Multilingual audio guides in English, Korean, simplified Chinese, and traditional Chinese are provided via passengers’ smartphones.
Nishitetsu said the Fukuoka Open Top Bus has carried more than 600,000 passengers since its launch in 2012 and remains a core sightseeing option in the city. The company said the new vehicles and Dazaifu route are intended to refresh the service while expanding access to Fukuoka’s historical and cultural sites.
Source: Nishitetsu Group
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