Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Konagai's Fruit-Shaped Bus Stops Boost Tourism
Konagai, a small town in Japan, is famous for its colorful fruit-shaped bus stops.
These bus stops, shaped like melons, oranges, watermelons, strawberries, and even a tomato, were inspired by Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage.
The idea was first introduced in the 1990s to attract tourists to the area.
Konagai, which is part of Nagasaki Prefecture, has a sad history of being affected by an atomic bomb.
However, these fun bus stops are helping to bring joy and attract visitors.
Influencers like Ananya Ray have shared videos about these bus stops, encouraging people to visit and enjoy the unique experience.
Japan aims to boost its tourism, with a goal of reaching 60 million tourists annually by 2030.
Konagai, a town in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, is known for its vibrant fruit-shaped bus stops.
The bus stops are designed like melons, oranges, watermelons, strawberries, and a tomato, inspired by Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage.
Influencer Ananya Ray shared a video highlighting these bus stops, recommending visitors take local buses to experience them.
Konagai struggled with tourism in the past but introduced these bus stops in the 1990s for a travel-themed expo in Osaka.
Japan aims to boost tourism, with a target of 60 million tourists annually by 2030, and 42.7 million arrivals in 2025.
- Who
- Konagai, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
- What
- Fruit-shaped bus stops boosting tourism
- When
- Inspired by a 1990s travel-themed expo in Osaka
- Where
- Konagai, 16 kilometers from Isahaya, Nagasaki
- Why
- To attract tourists and add cheerful chapters to the region's history
- Location
- Konagai, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
- Distance from Isahaya
- 16 kilometers
- Inspiration
- Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage
- Fruit Shapes
- Melons, oranges, watermelons, strawberry, tomato
- Tourism Goal
- 60 million tourists annually by 2030
- 2025 Tourism Arrivals
- 42.7 million