How to Ride a Night Bus in Japan

Most tourists travel around Japan using the famous Shinkansen bullet train, with the popular Japan Rail Pass, a train pass that allows visitors to save a lot of money. However, in October, Japan Railways announced a significant increase in the price (almost doubling) of the Japan Rail Pass and single tickets, so those who want to save money and travel on a budget may be considering using the bus.

Night buses are one of Japan’s best options for traveling long distances. If you are traveling to Japan only for a few days, you want to spend almost one day or half a day moving from one city to another. For example, from Tokyo to Osaka, one of the most popular trips takes around 8-9 hours. If you use a night bus, you travel during the night hours and arrive at your destination first thing in the morning, giving you the whole day to explore the city. Overnight buses in Japan are usually large, comfortable, and safe, so it’s easy to sleep on them – and you save a night in a hotel! It’s all advantages 😉

If you are planning a trip to Japan and would like to use long-distance night buses, this article will explain how to do so.

To know more about highway bus companies in Japan, Best Highway Buses in Japan

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

Where to Buy Nigh Bus Tickets in Japan

There are two ways to buy night bus tickets in Japan. The first is to go directly to the ticket counter at the major stations, where there is a ticket booth. However, if the routes are popular or on special dates such as Golden Week or Obon, it is quite likely that tickets are sold out months in advance.

Today, the Internet is Japan’s fastest and easiest way to buy night bus tickets. Opting for online ticket purchases simplifies the process by letting you buy from anywhere without leaving your house. Once you complete your purchase, the tickets are sent to your email, so you don’t have to worry about losing them. Just remember to stay connected to the Internet to access them whenever you need to.

Japan Bus Tickets

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, including customer service, is in English (and seven other languages). 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!

More information: How to Book Bus Tickets in Japan

Where to Get into the Night Bus in Japan

Depending on the route and company you choose, there are different stops. You can check the stops on the website when purchasing tickets. Most buses departing from Tokyo depart from either the  BUSTA Shinjuku bus terminal or the Tokyo Station bus terminal. Still, some of them also depart from Ikebukuro or even Tokyo Disneyland.

-Busta Shinjuku (バスタ新宿)

Map: https://bit.ly/3GkgYBp

Access: JR Shinjuku Station South Exit

Official Website: http://shinjuku-busterminal.co.jp/en/

What is a Night Bus in Japan like

As I said at the beginning, night buses in Japan are generally of good quality and service. The seats are slightly wide (at least for someone like me, who is 1.60 meters tall) and comfortable. They are equipped with toilets, which are usually exceptionally clean. Still, they also make several stops at different service areas along the way, so you can also go to the bathroom there. In addition, most of them are equipped with USB ports/outlets, so you can also charge your mobile phone while traveling.

I traveled by night bus some years ago; I used highway night buses several times in my student days. The bus I chose had seats equipped with a hood/canopy that allowed me to keep my privacy (and dim the light) while sleeping, so thanks to that, I could sleep better. The seats also have a height-adjustable partition, blanket, cushion, a smartphone holder inside the canopy, leg rest, and footrest.

The first time, I took a night bus that left Shinjuku at night (around 23-24:00) and stopped at Universal Japan around 8-8.30 in the morning. It was great because the seats were very roomy and comfortable. I slept pretty much from our departure until our arrival. By arriving early, I was among the first in line to buy tickets for that day and enjoy a full day at Universal Japan! Since I slept I was rested and with energy.

Another time, I did it in the opposite direction. I went from Hiroshima to Tokyo by night bus. I must admit that this time, it was a bit harder. It was many more hours and I didn’t get as good a sleep. But it was still much cheaper than the bullet train, allowing me to use the time better.

Rates

Unlike bullet train tickets, which have a fixed price, bus tickets are like airline tickets: they vary depending on the day and the season (if it’s high season, etc.). It also depends on how far in advance you buy it (although sometimes there are last-minute offers if there are seats available). Some companies also have different bus models based on comfort and luxury. The more high-end the bus is, the higher the price of the bus will be.

But to give you an idea, a night bus trip from Tokyo to Osaka or Kyoto, one of the most popular routes, can cost 3,000 yen if you find it on a sale day, but it’s usually around 4,000 yen.

Bus Passes

Unlike trains, which have various passes, there aren’t many bus passes in Japan. Only the long-distance bus company Willer offers a Japan Bus Pass for 3, 5, or 7 days. The pass, including night buses, can be used on alternate days for two months and is relatively cost-effective if you make several trips.

Popular Destination 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. Here, you have some of the most popular destinations in Tokyo by night bus.

Osaka – Universal Studios Japan

Known as “the kitchen of Japan, Osaka is one of the most popular trips from Tokyo. Many locals and residents take the night bus option, which is a bit long for a day trip (about 8-9 hours without traffic). If you are a foodie and like nightlife, Osaka is your city. Near Osaka is Universal Studios Japan, one of the most popular spots in Japan right now. There are night buses that drop you off from Tokyo to the park gate.

▶︎Get night bus tickets from Tokyo to Osaka here!!

Tokyo-Osaka

Night Bus: starting from 3,000 – 4,500 JPY

Bullet train: up to 12,000 JPY

Kyoto

The ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, is one of the top three most visited cities, along with Tokyo and Osaka. From Tokyo to Kyoto in Osaka, it takes 7-8 hours by bus/car. Kyoto is known for its ancient buildings, such as beautiful temples, shrines, and even a castle. It’s also known for its geishas and maikos.

▶︎Get night bus tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto here!!

Tokyo-Kyoto

Night Bus: starting from 3,900 – 4,500 JPY

Bullet train: up to 12,000 JPY

Hiroshima

Although sadly known for the nuclear bomb attack, Hiroshima is a city full of life and exciting things to visit. Like the Hiroshima Castle and Itsukushima Shrine, the shrine on the sea in Miyajima Island is the only view in Japan, and its impressive red tori is submerged in the ocean. Although it may not be a happy activity, knowing the history is essential, so visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial is also recommended. Hiroshima is also known for its delicious food: fresh oysters, okonomiyaki with noodles in a different style from Osaka, and momiji manju (sweet cake filled with red bean paste).

▶︎Get your night bus tickets from Tokyo to Hiroshima here

Tokyo-Hiroshima

Night Bus: starting from 9,000 – 13,000 JPY

Bullet train: up to 18,000 JPY

Nara

If you have already been to Kyoto and Osaka and are looking for a new place to visit, Nara, famous for Nara Park and its lovely deer, is between Kyoto and Osaka.

Night Bus: up to 6,600

Bullet train: Go to Osaka/Kyoto by bullet train, then change to a local train.

For more destinations to go from Tokyo: 10 Best Destinations to Go from Tokyo by Bus

From Tokyo to Popular Destinations

If you are wondering how to get from Tokyo to some of the most popular cities and which option is best (train, bus, plane, private transport, etc.), here is a complete guide to the most popular destinations.

▶︎How to Get to Mt.Fuji from Tokyo

▶︎How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo

▶︎How to Get to Nikko from Tokyo

▶︎How to Get to Osaka from Tokyo

▶︎How to Get to Kyoto from Tokyo

▶︎How to Get to Hiroshima from Tokyo

▶︎How to Get to Tokyo to DisneyLand and Disney Sea

Also, how to get to Tokyo from the two main airports, Narita Airport and Haneda Airport.

▶︎How to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo

▶︎How to Get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo

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I hope this article has been helpful! For more information about transportation in Japan and the best things to do, don’t miss these articles either!

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