Bus Day

What Is Bus Day?

September 20th is "Bus Day" (バスの日, Basu no Hi) in Japan. On September 20, 1903, the Nii Shokai company began operating a shared motor vehicle (bus) service in Kyoto. The Nihon Bus Association regards this as Japan's first commercial bus service.

Why September 20th?

At the National Bus Operators' Convention in October 1987, the Nihon Bus Association designated September 20th as "Bus Day" under the theme "Buses for everyone, anytime, anywhere." The aim is to rethink the role of buses as public transportation and to promote bus use and traffic safety.

• September 20, 1903: Nii Shokai's shared motor vehicle begins commercial service in Kyoto.
• Established: 1987, by the Nihon Bus Association at its national convention.
• A symbol of public transport: Buses play a vital role as everyday transportation for local communities.

Japan's First Commercial Bus

The vehicle, a modified steam car, ran between Horikawa-Nakadachiuri, Shichijo and Gion in Kyoto. It was a rare sight at the time and attracted a lot of attention.

• Route: Horikawa-Nakadachiuri to Shichijo to Gion.
• Vehicle: A modified steam car seating six (including the driver and an assistant), reportedly without even a canopy to keep out wind and rain.
• What happened next: Interference from horse-drawn carriage operators and repeated breakdowns led the service to close in January 1904.

Was Hiroshima Actually First?

In January of the same year, 1903, a bus service was also attempted in Hiroshima, and some regard it as Japan's first. However, the Hiroshima venture pulled out that September, and because the date on which Kyoto's operating license was issued is clearly documented, September 20th became "Bus Day."

The Role and Appeal of Buses

Buses support people's daily lives across a wide range of areas, from big cities to the countryside.

• The backbone of local transport: Buses cover areas that railways do not reach.
• Lower environmental impact: Switching from private cars to public transport helps reduce CO₂ emissions.
• Sightseeing buses: There is a wide variety of services, from sightseeing tours to long-distance highway buses.

Interesting Facts About Bus Day

• Where "bus" comes from: It is short for the Latin "omnibus," meaning "for all."
• Japanese bus culture: Bus designs and color schemes vary from region to region.
• IC cards: Cards such as Suica and ICOCA have made boarding much more convenient.
• Community buses: Locally focused services that are friendly to older people and children are on the rise.

Tips for Enjoying Bus Day

• Ride a bus route you don't usually take and enjoy some new local scenery.
• Join a bus company event or a depot open day.
• Look into the history of buses and how vehicles have evolved.
• For the environment, try switching some short trips to the bus.

The "Vehicle for Everyone" Still Connects Our Towns Today

Bus Day on September 20th is a day to look again at the history and role of buses as everyday transportation for local communities. Your familiar town might look a little different from a bus window.