Experience the Cutting-Edge XR Bus Tour: The XR RIDE in Osaka

In a groundbreaking initiative, OUGI Co., Ltd., led by CEO Takayo Ota, is launching 'The XR RIDE' bus tour, utilizing state-of-the-art XR buses to provide an augmented reality experience for tourists. This unique tour will commence on July 16, as part of the 'OSAKA Satellite EXPO 2025.' With expectations that foreign visitor numbers to Japan will exceed 36 million in 2024, OUGI is determined to tap into the rising demand for engaging tourist content, particularly for high-income inbound tourists.

The XR RIDE Bus Tour Details

The XR RIDE will operate in the Osaka area starting from July 16, featuring a virtual bus guide that can be controlled remotely from a studio in Tokyo. The innovative XR bus will be equipped with displays that cover the front, sides, and ceiling, allowing for immersive visual experiences by overlaying AR content onto real-world scenery.

This tour's centerpiece is the 'The Magic Words ‘OSAKA-BEN’ Bus Tour,' where participants can explore iconic locations like Nakanoshima and Osaka Castle while learning five magical phrases in Osaka dialect with the help of an AI guide character named TEMPURA and a human guide named AMI. The interaction between the guides and the guests creates a lively atmosphere that makes the tour not just informative but also entertaining and engaging.

Enhancing the Tourist Experience

The XR RIDE tour aims to redefine how tourists experience Osaka by combining dynamic visual and sound elements with real-time dialogue between the guides. The entire experience will be available in English and Chinese, catering to the international audience visiting Japan.

Tourists can expect a journey that lasts approximately 40 minutes, covering routes that showcase the beauty of Osaka while enjoying a unique blend of entertainment and cultural education. This initiative is a timely response to the challenges faced by the tourism industry, including a shortage of multilingual tour guides. The XR bus provides a solution by allowing virtual guides to interact in various languages remotely.

Importance of the Initiative

The launch of The XR RIDE is part of wider efforts to enhance Osaka's capacity to accommodate the influx of inbound tourists. As the country prepares for the Osaka-Kansai Expo in 2025, OUGI's initiative is crucial in attracting tourists not only during the event but also during the years leading up to it. The goal is to earnestly welcome tourists by providing an unforgettable experience through innovative technology and local culture.

Beyond simply enjoying the sights, guests will learn the context and usage of expressions like 'おおきに' (thank you), 'なんでやねん' (why), and others in an engaging manner. All this adds up to a rich, memorable 'Osaka Experience' that participants are sure to cherish.

Future Expansion Plans

Post the trial period and based on the results from The XR RIDE project, OUGI plans to work on expanding similar XR bus tours leveraging local attractions across various regions of Japan. They hope to integrate the concept of remote cues with local storytelling, creating an interactive and educational travel environment.

Conclusion

As Japan continues to recover from the pandemic, innovative projects like The XR RIDE showcase a forward-thinking approach to tourism, fusing culture with technology. For guests seeking to explore Osaka in an immersive and entertaining way, The XR RIDE promises to be a journey unlike any other. Join the adventure and discover the magic of Osaka with a futuristic twist!

For more information and ticket bookings, please visit the official website: The XR RIDE Official Site.