Buses are a familiar form of transportation, often used for commuting to work or school and for outings. But have you ever taken a close look at one in detail?
An event celebrating buses was held at Konokoike Service Area (hereafter referred to as “Konokoike SA”) in Kojima.
Along with bus displays, there were festival stalls, capsule toys, and a merchandise corner, offering plenty of ways to enjoy the event.
What I was especially curious about was the “Graffiti Bus.”
Drawn in by the enticing idea of drawing on a bus—something you could never normally do, I went along.
The information presented here was accurate when this article was published in March 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the “Bus Festival”?
The “Bus Festival” is an event themed around buses, hosted by the JB Honshi Expressway Group.
It was held at Konokoike SA (outbound) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
There was a gathering of buses, including active route buses operating in Okayama Prefecture, an Okayama Prefectural Police transport vehicle, and a bonnet bus.
What the day was like
The morning of the event was overcast and gloomy. The air was chilly, with winter still lingering, but it did not rain, and by early afternoon the sun began to break through the clouds.
I parked at the municipal parking lot in front of Kojima Station and took the shuttle bus.
With the excitement of attending the event building, I rode the bus for about 20 minutes before arriving at Konokoike SA, the venue.
The first thing that caught my eye at the venue was the long line of buses on display.
I arrived just before 10 a.m., but many people had already gathered.
Press bus stop buttons as much as you like & Graffiti Bus: Enjoy forbidden fun
The first place I headed was the corner where you could press bus stop buttons as much as you liked.
Bus stop buttons from all over Japan were on display, and I was amazed by how many there were.
Today, you could press them as many times as you wanted.
I tried out every button that caught my eye.
There were also bus stop buttons from other countries, including Germany and Italy, not just Japan.
They were longer and larger than Japanese bus stop buttons, which made a strong impression.
The second forbidden activity was the Graffiti Bus.
The tour bus belonging to Shimotsui Electric Railway served as a canvas, and visitors could draw on it as much as they liked.
It was a rare experience that would not normally be allowed. The children’s faces lit up, while the adults became children again, each drawing whatever they liked.
Thanks to the many people who took part, the bus was beautifully decorated.
Shop and take part in the event
I heard that shopping at the store would let me take part in several activities, so I went to shop right away.
The souvenirs, many of which I do not often see, gave me a little taste of being a tourist.
My bill came to more than 2,000 yen, so I was able to take part in the candy grab challenge.
Fill a paper cup with snacks and hold it for five seconds to win all the snacks you managed to pack in.
The second purchase perk for spending at least 2,000 yen.
I received a bonus gift with my Kojima souvenir (limited to the first 150 people). The name “Kojimiyage” is very cute.
For every 500 yen spent at the shop inside, you receive one game ticket.
Each game ticket could be used once to choose either festival games such as shooting galleries and ring toss, or a capsule toy.
Get hands-on with a bus
I also took part in the “Pre-Departure Bus Inspection Experience.”
There were many inspection items, including checking the tire pressure and engine oil.
We worked through them one by one as we were shown what to do.
I got to sit in the driver’s seat and start the engine, and even try making an onboard announcement. It really felt like I had become a bus driver.
It’s the detailed daily inspections that support the safe operation of buses.
After finishing the inspection experience, I went to look at the other buses.
Each bus had its own personality and distinctive features. I enjoyed comparing the different interiors and trying out how comfortable the seats were.
From the Writer
The Bus Festival offered many hands-on events, giving adults and children alike the chance to enjoy discovering the appeal of buses.
According to someone from one of the bus companies, this was the second time the Bus Festival had been held. They said they were still figuring things out as they organized the event. Even so, I’m grateful for all the thought and effort they put into making it happen.
People of all ages enjoyed the Bus Festival. I hope it will be held again, and look forward to that day with excitement.
Bus Festival 2025 at Kononoike SA Information
| Name | Bus Festival 2025 at Kononoike SA |
|---|---|
| Date | March 1, 2025 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Location | E30 Seto-Chuo Expressway, Kononoike Service Area (outbound) |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | JB Highway Service Co., Ltd. |
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