Photo= Open-top double-decker bus which will run as a regular tour bus from October

Keihan Bus Co. Ltd., Minami Ward, Kyoto has adopted open-top buses, or roofless double-deckers and will operate them in Kyoto City jointly with Myojo Bus Co., Yamashina Ward, from October 1.

This is a regular tour bus service in which passengers can enjoy the fine views and historical attractions of Kyoto from the upper seats in an open atmosphere. It will be promoted to domestic and overseas tourists.

The vehicles are made in Germany and are 3.6 meters high. The seating capacity is 48 people. As the canvas top is movable, the roof can be opened fully and the windows are also wide. Myojo Bus will operate the buses, while Keihan Bus will handle reservations and sales.

There are two travel routes. One starts at JR Kyoto Station and goes around Nijo Castle, Heian Jingu Shrine, Yasaka Shrine and other sites with fares of 1800 yen for adults and 900 yen for children below elementary school age. The other starts at Kyoto Station and visits "Kinkaku-ji," or the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple via Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine, with fares of 3000 yen and 1600 yen. The services will be provided once a day.

Keihan Bus said, "We would like to establish the service as a new tourism resource to attract foreign tourists to Kyoto." For more information, contact Kyoto Sightseeing Bus's reservation center at 075-672-2100.