Japan is known to (almost) the world for its futuristic high-speed bullet trains, called Shinkansen in Japanese. Many don’t know that Japan also has an extensive line of buses, which offer the best of the country’s efficiency and comfort.
The Shinkansen is a great way to get around major cities, but they are expensive, and not everyone can or wants to afford them. As a result, the bus is the second most common method of transport used by Japanese and foreign residents to travel domestically.
Until now, most tourists who wanted to travel within Japan used the Japan Rail Pass on a budget to travel by bullet train. But Japan Railways has announced a considerable increase in its JR Pass and Shinkansen ticket prices. So those who don’t plan to make many trips may consider the bus option.
During periods like Golden Week or Obon, tickets sell out weeks or even months in advance. In this article, I will introduce how to book bus tickets in Japan. *Important: Please note that during periods like Golden Week or Obon, the bus may take much longer than usual due to traffic jams.
Nowadays, the quickest and easiest way to buy tickets is through internet platforms. Especially in high season, such as Golden Week, Obon, or New Year holidays, bus tickets can sell out quickly as there are not as many seats as on a bullet train or a plane, so it’s highly recommended to buy in advance.
Buying tickets online is very convenient because you can do it from the comfort of your own home and because the tickets are available to you at any time. There is no risk of forgetting them somewhere. Just make sure you have an internet connection at all times.
If you’re worried about the language, different websites can be helpful for you since they offer services in English.
Japan Bus Tickets is a new service launched by our partner company. It offers highway bus tickets in Japan for tourists and foreigners who don’t speak Japanese. All the service is in English (and seven other languages), including customer service. They accept payments with all major credit cards, and the process is straightforward, especially compared to Japanese websites.
After your purchase, you will have all the details and information of your booking in the “My Booking” area. Then, on the day of departure, you just have to go to the indicated place time in advance, look for your bus, get in line, and tell the staff your full name before getting on, and you are ready to go. All from the comfort of your smartphone!
▶︎Book now your highway bus tickets!
Suppose you are more old-school and prefer to buy tickets in person and in physical format. In that case, bus tickets can be purchased over the counter at central bus stations such as BUSTA in Shinjuku or Tokyo Station and from travel agencies. Convenience store machines also allow you to buy bus tickets, but only in Japanese.
However, it’s not the most advisable option as, in many cases, there are hardly any English-speaking staff, and communication is only in Japanese. In addition, you have to wait until you are in Japan, and you cannot reserve them a long time in advance, so the tickets you want may already be sold out.
Some Japanese travel agencies with overseas offices may be able to offer this service, but there are few.
The bus isn’t a recommended option in large cities like Tokyo or Osaka, with an extensive metro and train network. But in places like Kyoto or Nikko, the bus becomes the only option for some destinations.
Using local Japanese buses can be confusing, but at tourist destinations, special passes are often available. For example, in Kyoto, there are one-day bus passes; in Nikko, they sell 2-day passes (which are cost-effective even for single-day use).
Rechargeable IC cards such as Suica or Pasmo are easier to use for occasional use.
Click HERE to book an IC Suica Card online
Unlike trains, which have various passes, few bus passes can be used in Japan for long-distance travel. Only Willer Express offers a Japan Bus Pass for 3, 5, or 7 days. The pass can be used on alternate days for two months, including night buses, and is a good value for money if you make several trips.
Best Destinations by Bus from Tokyo
Don’t know where to go? We have you covered! Although Tokyo has a lot to offer and is a great city, many other destinations in Japan are worth visiting. From one-day trips to Kawaguchiko, Mt.Fuji, and Disneyland to long-distance trips to famous cities like Kyoto or Osaka or less-known but beautiful places, here are the best 10 destinations from Tokyo by bus.