Traveling on night buses in Japan: all our tips
Taking a night bus in Japan is an economical way to get around. Easy to book, night buses also offer numerous connections throughout the Japanese archipelago.
Taking a night bus in Japan is an economical way to get around. Easy to book, night buses also offer numerous connections throughout the Japanese archipelago. Comfort, travel time, fares and passes… We tell you everything about this advantageous mode of transport!
Why take a night bus in Japan?
Advantage #1: travel easily with your luggage
Unlike other modes of transport, traveling by night bus in Japan requires no administrative formalities – often tedious! – related to luggage. By taking the bus, you can move around with your bags without needing to check them in advance.
Advantage #2: enjoy a city from the moment you arrive
While night buses are quite long journeys (approximately 8 hours for the Osaka-Tokyo route), they're also the only mode of transport requiring no transfers or shuttles. Bus networks are very extensive throughout Japan, so every part of the country is easily accessible.
An example? The Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal in Tokyo offers 207 destinations daily! The bus is also the only means of transport that can reach volcanic or mountainous areas, as well as certain hot springs.
Advantage #3: reduce your travel and accommodation expenses
Taking a night train to get around Japan offers several financial advantages. Cheaper than domestic flights, the shinkansen (Japan's bullet train) or daytime routes, the night bus lets you save one or more hotel nights and make long journeys (7 hours for the Kyoto-Tokyo route, for example) at a lower cost.
What are the prices for night buses in Japan?
Night buses enjoy quite low prices (around ¥2,000 for the cheapest tickets, about fifteen euros!). For multi-day bus trips, it can be advantageous to get a pass.
The Japan Bus Pass
This pass is ideal for budget travelers; it allows you to travel for 3, 5 or 7 consecutive days. Note there are two passes (one usable Monday to Thursday, the other valid any day of the week). You can reserve only 1 bus per night (3 during the day).
The Japan Bus Pass costs between €70 and €105, depending on the number of days chosen. Note that it doesn't work during certain specific periods, such as Golden Week.
Regional passes
There are regional passes that can be advantageous depending on your travel itinerary. Among them, you'll find:
- the inter City Bus Pass: practical for traveling 3 or 5 consecutive days in the Hokkaido region;
the Tohoku Highway Bus Ticket: which allows you to travel 2 or 3 consecutive days in the six prefectures of Tohoku (about €40 for children and €55 for adults);
- the Shikoku Highway Bus: which allows you to travel unlimited for 3 days in the region (about €55).
Finally, fares vary depending on comfort level, reserved seating and the company chosen (but minimum services, such as access to restrooms or wifi, are offered regardless of ticket price).
To note: some companies offer seats reserved for women, to guarantee them a safe night journey. If you're a mixed group, men can also book in these areas, provided you stay together. The Vipliner company goes further by offering Cherish buses, exclusively reserved for women. |
What are the night bus companies in Japan and their comfort levels?
Willer Express: the most widespread company
Willer Express is a company that serves all of Japan – except the islands of Okinawa and Hokkaido. There are 4 types of seats, suited to the long distances covered by the company:
- Reborn seats: equipped with a kind of bubble, which provides great privacy.
- Luxia seats: wide and adjustable for a comfortable night.
- Comodo seats: suited to different body types;
- Relax seats: equipped with a canopy that protects from light.
The company offers a special pass for tourists (and allows online bookings on its official website, translated into English). Its price varies depending on the number of days (3, 5 and 7 days) and averages around €93.
Night buses in Japan: other companies
- JR Bus: this is a shared offering from the six companies that make up the Japan Railways Group. Holders of the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) train pass can use these local buses at no additional cost.
- Kanto Bus Co: this company offers night buses called Dream Sleeper. This is a luxury offering that guarantees very comfortable night journeys (reclining seats, hi-fi headset, folding table for working, bottle of water, etc.). Expect around €130 for a one-way ticket.
Note: buses always depart on time in Japan! Make sure to arrive before departure time to collect your tickets at the chosen company's ticket counter (prepare your reservation numbers) and drop off your luggage in the hold. Reservation or not, the bus won't wait for late passengers. |
良い旅を
Have a great trip!
Frequently asked questions
Night buses in Japan are accessible from around ¥2,000 (about fifteen euros) for the cheapest tickets. Prices then vary depending on the company, comfort level and distance. For multi-day trips, the Japan Bus Pass is available between €70 and €105 for 3, 5 or 7 consecutive days.
The night bus journey between Tokyo and Osaka takes approximately 8 hours. For the Kyoto-Tokyo route, expect around 7 hours. These durations allow you to leave in the evening and arrive early in the morning, thus saving a hotel night.
The Japan Bus Pass is a package allowing you to travel by bus throughout Japan for 3, 5 or 7 consecutive days, for a price between €70 and €105. There are two versions: one valid Monday to Thursday, the other any day of the week. It's possible to reserve 1 bus per night and 3 buses per day. Note that it's not valid during certain periods such as Golden Week.
The main companies are Willer Express (covering all of Japan except Okinawa and Hokkaido, with 4 types of seats), JR Bus (included in the Japan Rail Pass), and Kanto Bus Co with its Dream Sleeper, a luxury option at around €130 per one-way ticket offering reclining seats, hi-fi headset and folding table.
Yes, several companies offer seats reserved for women to guarantee a comfortable and secure journey. The Vipliner company goes even further with its Cherish Buses, buses exclusively reserved for women. These options are ideal for solo female travelers wanting to get around with peace of mind.
It's strongly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season (Golden Week, Obon, school holidays). Punctuality is a golden rule in Japan: buses always depart on time, without waiting for late passengers. Remember to arrive before departure to collect your tickets at the company's ticket counter and drop off your luggage in the hold.
