Overnight buses
An alternative to trains are night buses. If you want to save money, you can use this means for long journeys (e.g. from Kyoto to Tokyo). These buses cost less than the Shinkansen and travel at night, saving you the cost of a hotel. There are also daytime buses that usually cost more.
There are several companies that operate this service including JR Bus. Buses usually leave near train stations.
There are various companies that operate this service including JR Bus. Buses usually leave near train stations. Another company is Willer Express, which connects more or less the whole of Japan except Hokkaido and Okinawa. A ticket between Tokyo and Osaka costs from 3540 Yen. Obviously, these journeys take several hours, so take everything you may need for the trip on the bus.
Tennen-Gas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Japan Bus Pass
The Willer Express offers several passes that can be used on its buses.
There are 3 3-, 5- and 7-day passes that can be used on Monday to Thursday on all routes and 2 3- and 5-day passes that can be used every day of the week.
The days on which the pass is used need not be consecutive, but must fall within 2 months of purchase. For example, if I purchase the pass on 1 April, I will be able to take the last bus by 31 May.
You can book a maximum of 3 buses per day, of which a maximum of 1 night bus and 2 day buses.
| 3 days | 5 days | 7 days | |
| All routes (Mon to Thu) | 10200 Yen | 12800 Yen | 15300 Yen |
| All routes (daily) | 12800 Yen | 15300 Yen | – |