Bus and coach travel offers the cheapest option for long-distance travel within Japan. Moreover, they are clean, spacious, and, as with everything in Japan, punctual. For longer journeys many companies offer an overnight service.

There are many bus companies operating in Japan—some national, some regional. Willer Express and JR Bus are the two main operators for inter-regional travel, the former also offering the Japan Bus Pass which is similar to the Japan Rail Pass in that is it only available to non-Japanese passport holders. ¥10,000 = $69 (FX rate updated daily).

Pricing for the Japan Bus Pass (2017).

Whether you opt for the multi-day pass or to purchase individual tickets, the highway buses (especially factoring in the saving of accommodation if you travel overnight) presents an extremely economical way to see the country. A one-way ticket between Tokyo and Kyoto, for instance, can be purchased for as little as ÂĄ3,100 ($21), compared with ÂĄ13,500 ($93) on the Shinkansen.

For visitors looking for organized tours, there is also Hato Bus (familiar to all Japanese due to their bright yellow coaches) which offers tour packages (in multiple languages) in and around Tokyo.

Related Links

 

You May Also Like

Baseball in Japan: How to Watch

Baseball is so well-rooted in Japan that it’s hard to believe the game’s origins lie abroad. Annual spectator…

WiFi & Routers: Connecting to the Internet in Tokyo

Public WiFi Starbucks, Tully’s Coffee, as well as some of the department stores like Tokyu Hands offer free…

How Expensive is Tokyo? Shedding Light on the Myths

One of the first questions that pops into the minds of many thinking about visiting Japan is, “is…

Tokyo Grutto Pass

The Grutto Pass costs ÂĄ2,200 and gives holders free or discounted access to almost 100 museums, art galleries,…