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 = $70 (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 ($22), compared with ÂĄ13,500 ($94) 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

A Checklist Before Leaving for Japan

Check Your Visa Status Currently visa exemption arrangements are in place with 67 countries, and nationals from almost…

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…

Types of Accommodation in Japan

Japan—and the regions around Tokyo in particular—have quite a number of different types of accommodation, from Western hotels…

Transportation in Tokyo: Getting Around

Tokyo’s public transportation system is truly world class and makes the sprawling city easily accessible, and allows Japanese…