A Japanese travel bus company has launched a full-sleeper 'mobile capsule hotel' type bus, shuttling between Tokyo and Kochi.
Kochi Ekimae Kanko, a company based in Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island, announced the launch of Japan’s first 'mobile capsule hotel'. The company started trial operations in August, and after collecting feedback and making improvements, plans to officially launch in December.
According to Kochi Ekimae Kanko, after 10 years of development, the 'mobile capsule hotel' is finally ready. The sleeper bus has up to 24 bunks, each 180 cm long and 48 cm wide, and every bunk is equipped with armrests and curtains to ensure safety and privacy.
Many bus companies have long considered introducing sleeper buses, but have been unable to meet Japanese traffic safety standards.
This Kochi-Tokyo route, called Fraton, is expected to officially begin service on December 6, with a journey time of about 11 hours. For now, announced departures are from Kochi to Tokyo on Saturday nights, and the return from Tokyo on Sunday nights.
Currently, Kochi Ekimae Kanko has not announced the actual ticket prices, but during the trial period the fares were 12,000 yen (about 340 ringgit) for upper bunks and 10,000 yen for lower bunks.