Based in the city of Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture, Shinki Bus operates local buses, highway buses, Sky Bus Kobe, and airport shuttles to Kansai International Airport, Osaka Airport, and Kobe Airport. Our highway buses can take you directly from Kobe to many popular tourist destinations, including Tokyo, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kagawa, Awaji Island, Ehime, Tokushima, Kochi, Izumo and USJ in Osaka. Also, the buses departing from Himeji can take you to Tokyo and Tottori.
Popular Destination
Himeji (Hyogo Prefecture)
Located in the west of the Kansai region, Himeji is famous for its elegantly white and spectacular Himeji Castle (a World Heritage Site) and Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, one of the locations featured in the Hollywood blockbuster, The Last Samurai.
Recommended spots
Himeji Castle, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, Mt.Shosha Ropeway, Himeji Central Park, Koko-en Japanese garden
Kobe
Just west of Osaka is the vibrant port town of Kobe, renowned for its world famous Kobe beef and bustling Chinatown. Kobe is not just a food haven, but it is also famous for its beautiful ocean side views and colorful nature parks.
Recommended spots
Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets, Kobe Fruit & Flower Park, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Harborland
Kobe Sightseeing Bus
CITY LOOP & Port Loop
The CITY LOOP and Port Loop bus routes stop at all the major sightseeing attractions in Kobe.
CITY LOOP is recommended for those who wish to tour around the sightseeing spots in Kobe City, while Port Loop is recommended for those who wish to tour around the Kobe Waterfront Area.
City Loop buses will have a bus tour guide on board. If you have any questions, feel free to ask anything.
Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)
Arima Onsen is an over 1000 year old hot spring with significant cultural impact in Japanese history. This beautifully preserved onsen is nestled in the northern mountains of Kobe and is where the emperors, samurai, and other court nobles frequented in the past.
Awaji Island (Hyogo Prefecture)
South of Kobe is Awaji Island, often considered the first island created in Japanese mythology. The island is rich in natural beauty, with relaxing hot springs, year round flower parks, fun amusement spots, and plenty of fresh food to enjoy.
Express bus routes from Kobe
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is located on the Seto Inland Sea side of the Chugoku region. The giant torii gate rising from the sea and the beautiful Itsukushima Shrine are also registered as World Heritage Sites and famous in Japan as one of the celebrated "Three Views of Japan". At the Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the few buildings still standing from World War II, visitors can learn about the horrors of war and the atomic bomb, as well as the importance of peace.
Recommended spots
Itsukushima Shrine, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Shukkei-en Japanese garden, Hiroshima Castle
Shikoku Area
Shikoku is one of Japan's main islands, known for its beautiful nature, historical temples, and iconic local foods. One of the most famous pilgrimages in Japan, spanning across 88 temples, takes place across the island. The area is also known as the birthplace of Udon noodles and is represented by the beloved Pokemon, Slowpoke.
Matsuyama (Ehime Prefecture)
Matsuyama, on the island of Shikoku, is home to Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan—many people come to rejuvenate their bodies here in the piping hot baths. The sweeping views across the city from atop Matsuyama Castle are outstanding.
Recommended spots
Dogo Onsen Honkan bathhouse, Matsuyama Castle, Ishiteji Temple, Okaido shopping street
Izumo (Shimane Prefecture)
Situated on the coast of the Japan Sea in the Chugoku region, Izumo is a popular tourist destination, mainly thanks to Izumo-Taisha, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan designated as a National Treasure, and the brilliantly white Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, Japan's tallest stone-built lighthouse.
Recommended spots
Izumo-Taisha, Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, Hinomisaki Shrine, Inasanohama Beach, Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
SETOUCHI (YUI OLIVIA)
Setouchi (Yui Olivia) is Japan’s first-ever luxury bus route, offering an exceptional travel experience which prioritizes comfort and elegance. Every seat and detail of the bus is thoughtfully designed to provide a premium, relaxing journey. The tour bus features a variety of scenic courses to choose from, each filled with rich cultural experiences and stunning sights.
Note:
From Kobe (Sannomiya), you can take the Yui Olivia Luxury Bus which takes you to the 2025 Setouchi Triennale Contemporary Art Festival.
Check bus reservations here.
Special Package Tickets
Kobe 1-day(2-day) loop bus ticket
The Kobe 1-day and 2-day loop bus tickets offer unlimited travel on both the CITY LOOP and Port Loop routes.
Himeji Castle Loop Bus One-day Ticket
This great value one-day ticket lets you take the Himeji Castle Loop Bus from Himeji Station and then hop off and hop on as many times as you like at any of the stops around the castle.
Mt. Shosha Ropeway Package Ticket
This is a convenient package ticket for those wanting to visit Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, the location of filming for The Last Samurai.
