3 Best Highway Buses in Japan
Discover the best bus company for long-distance trips, including night and day buses
The train is by far the most popular method of transport in Japan, especially in the big cities. But as in most countries, the bus is cheaper and popular among those who want to travel on a budget.
There are different types of buses in Japan, including local, highway, and night buses, which are safe and clean. Some of them can be a little difficult to understand how they work, so if you want more detailed information on how to ride a bus in Japan and all the options available, you can take a look at our detailed guide: How to Ride a Bus in Japan: A Detailed Bus Guide
Trains in Japan have the disadvantage of being very expensive, especially the high-speed bullet trains called Shinkansen. Many tourists benefit from the famous Japan Rail Pass, which saves you a lot of money. However, Japan Railways has announced that since October 2023, the JR Pass price will rise considerably (almost doubling), so many may start to consider the bus option.
If you are planning a trip to Japan and would like to use long-distance buses, such as highway and night buses, in this article, I will introduce the best bus companies in Japan.
Willer Express
Copyright © WILLER MARKETING CORPORATION All Rights Reserved.
Willer Express is one of Japan’s largest and most popular low-cost bus companies, with competitive prices and a vast network. It started in 2005 and currently has routes that cover almost the entire country. For longer distances, its night buses are especially one of the company’s star products. Depending on seat comfort and other features, different bus models and prices are available.
One of the top sellers is the model they call Relax. It is a little more expensive than the normal one but still quite economical. The seats are equipped with a hood that allows you to keep your privacy (and dim the light) while sleeping.
JR Buses
© WEST JAPAN JR BUS COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Japan Railways is the largest and most important railway company in Japan, but what few people know is that it also has a large fleet of buses covering many local areas. JR is divided into different subgroups, such as JR Kanto and JR Kansai. Their buses are more expensive than other, more low-cost options and generally less comfortable, but depending on where you want to go, they may be the only option available.
In some cases, the JR itself even uses buses to cover the part that isn’t accessible by train, such as to get to Kusatsu, where a bus leaves from the nearest station to the town.
Kanto Bus
Another popular choice for long-distance bus travel is Kanto Bus. As the name suggests, the company is based in the Kanto area, offering many routes between Kanto and Kansai. With departures from Shinjuku and stops in popular cities such as Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto but also lesser-known destinations such as Okayama, Aichi (midway between Tokyo and Osaka), or even Akita prefecture in northern Japan.
One of their most famous products is their Dream Sleeper night bus, a first-class experience for comfortable travel (if you are willing to spend 20,000 yen on a bus ticket).
Where to Buy Highway Bus Tickets in Japan?
In Japan, you can purchase bus tickets at several locations. You can buy them at bus terminals, where ticket counters are available at major terminals. Alternatively, you can book tickets online through bus company websites or booking platforms. Travel agencies also offer assistance with purchasing and planning bus travel. For long-distance buses like highway buses, booking in advance is often a good idea.
Japan Bus Tickets
With 1,000+ bus routes across Japan and over 160 bus suppliers, Japan Bus Ticket is one of the best highway bus ticket services 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!