In Tokyo, the celebration of Bonenkai is lifting off as young professionals and university students rush after-hour cocktail parties, clubs, and bars to drink away their troubles. The holiday, whose name in Japanese literally means “forget the year gathering,” is celebrated month-long in December, and although a 2015 study determined that Japanese citizens are drinking less and less, Bonenkai is still expected to turn out crowds.
What better excuse does a transport company have for capitalizing on the waves of binge-drinking party goers who will be taking buses back to their apartments at the end of each night? The “Oversleeping Rescue Bus,” the brainchild of the Nishi Tokyo Bus Company, serves this very purpose.
The Tokyo-funded bus line runs from Takeo Station to Hachioji Station in downtown Tokyo and exists to aid hungover party goers who have accidentally fallen asleep on their way homes get back safely, and for the pocket change price of $5.95.
The bus was originally put to the test in 2014 as it began its run on Sunday mornings, scooping up people burned out from the weekend’s extracurricular activities. On a high traffic weekend, the bus rescues as many as 75 people over a three night party period. The bus will continue to make its runs on Sunday mornings for three weekends in December, reports Tokyo news outlets.
There are wildly fun times to be had in Sin City, but with that fun come risk. Has your party or tour group made safe travel arrangements yet? Northwest Bus Sales sells buses that are perfect for the occasion. We have delivered reliable transportation for over 27 years to companies in the Las Vegas area and beyond. Find out more.
