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If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to travel through Japan, the bus is your mode of transportation. Here I have summarized what to keep in mind and where the best places to start are. If you are more interested in traveling by train, then just read this article here.
Types of Buses
First, there are city buses (“Route Buses”), which complement the rail network in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. In most buses you can easily pay with your IC card (Suica or Pasmo). In a few you will have to pay a fixed price or draw a ticket. One of the most famous buses in Tokyo is the Hachiko Bus, which always runs in a loop, similar to the Yamanote Line.
On the other hand, there are also buses for long-distance or long-distance travel (“Highway Buses”). These buses use the highway and are often more affordable in terms of price-performance than the Shinkansen. However, they are also slower. These buses are very popular for day trips to Disneyland or as night buses to save time and money. Tickets usually have to be booked in advance.
Bus Companies
- Willer Express - cheap and with an English website
- JR Buses - large network of long-distance and regional buses; bookable here
Challenges of Bus Travel
In Japan, bus travel brings its own challenges and peculiarities. Depending on the region and bus company, there are different ways to pay. In some cases you even have to determine your ticket price yourself. In addition, the bus system is still largely only available in Japanese, unlike trains.
And here's how:
There are various ways to pay for your ride on the city bus. Depending on the line or region, the type of payment, as well as the price, may vary.
In most cases you board at the back door and draw a ticket or tap your IC card ( Pasmo or Suica ) on the sensor. If a ticket has to be drawn, it will be handed to the driver on exiting the bus and paid for directly. There are usually vending machines on the bus that can change coins and 1,000 Yen notes, so you don't necessarily have to have the exact amount. You can see the price of the ride on a screen on the bus, which displays the next stops including ticket prices. To determine the correct price, you should refer to the number on your ticket. If you used your IC card when boarding, you have to scan it again at the front with the bus driver when exiting.
Especially in Tokyo, there are also buses with fixed prices, where you board at the front and pay by cash or IC card. It doesn't matter how many stations you ride, the price stays the same. In this case, you have to exit at the back.
Bus Fares
| Route | Price |
|---|---|
| Bus within cities | 210 Yen/1.70 Euro |
| Tokyo - Kyoto | from 2600 Yen/21 Euro |
| Tokyo - Hiroshima | from 6160 Yen/51 Euro |
Bus fares are either fixed for a complete route with a fixed price, or are calculated using zones through which the bus travels.
Bus Pass
If you are planning to use the bus more often, it probably makes sense to buy a bus pass. It is available for 3, 5 or 7 days and allows you to ride unlimited. The prices listed below refer to the Willer Express .
A ticket is cheaper if it only covers weekdays from Monday to Friday, than one that includes the weekend.
Monday to Thursday (Price)
| Days | Price Euro | Price Yen |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 84 Euro | 10.200 Yen |
| 5 | 106 Euro | 12.800 Yen |
| 7 | 126 Euro | 15.300 Yen |
Every Day (Price)
| Days | Price Euro | Price Yen |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 106 Euro | 12.800 Yen |
| 5 | 126 Euro | 15.300 Yen |
To avoid being noticed negatively, you should note the following points:
- Put your smartphone on silent
- Speak softly
- On long-distance routes, pay attention to your seat number, it should be indicated on your ticket
- If possible, you should not sit next to a stranger of the opposite sex on long-distance routes
- Orient yourself to the behavior of your fellow passengers
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